Upper barn was an excellent location just off Chipping Norton High Street, and although a looking a little tired with many scrapes on the paintwork and poorly matched paint on the lounge ceiling where a repair had previously been made, it was essentially as pictured on the website.
However some aspects were disappointing - in particular that the spa was leaking. We were not told this in advance, but were only advised of the problem when we arrived and told we just needed to top it up each morning, which we did. Unfortunately once a day top up was obviously not sufficient as by the time we wanted to use it in the late afternoon/evening the level had returned to the same half full level which we then had to refill with cold water before the jets could operate. So at best we were only able to have a lukewarm spa- okay on very hot days, but not ideal, and not what we were looking forward too. I think I am most annoyed that I was not contacted in advance and possible alternatives, eg alternative accommodation with a non-leaking spa suggested.
Other irritations were that the hairdryer was broken, there was a hole in the bottom of one of the cafetieres and one of the outside metal chairs was broken (screws missing so seat not fully connected to the legs). I left notes on each of these when we left so hopefully they will now have now been attended to. There was also insufficient toilet paper to last for a week long stay and no basic items such as kitchen roll and body wash that I would have expected to have been provided for such a stay.
Overall we had a nice week in the Cotswolds, but there is certainly room for improvement in what is provided at Upper Barn and communication with regards to the repair required, and usability of, one of its advertised key features.
