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#1 of 2 villas in Isle of Man
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Six beautiful homes set within the grounds of an exclusive equestrian centre. Each one is individually named after a famous race horse - 'Nijinski', 'Red Rum', 'Desert Orchid', 'Secretariat', 'Arkle' and 'Northern Dancer'. These homes cater for between one and six people, all of which accept pets and two are disabled friendly. Bookings are available throughout the year.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Room features
Kitchenette
Location
Nearby restaurants
Aura Bar & Bistro
181 reviews4.4 miIndian
Flavours Indian Cuisine
153 reviews3.8 miIndian
The Tea Junction
921 reviews3.7 miCafe
Enzos Restaurant
295 reviews3.5 miItalian
See all nearby restaurantsNearby attractions
Laser-Mayhem
408 reviews3.7 miGame & Entertainment Centres
Manx Aviation and Military Museum
282 reviews4.5 miSpeciality Museums
Isle of Man Steam Railway
1,290 reviews1 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Home of Rest of Old Horses
288 reviews1.1 miEquestrian Trails
See all nearby attractions11Reviews1Q+A1Room tip
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We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
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Despite some misgivings triggered by the reviews here, I relied on the IoM Gold Award and 4 & 5 star rating when booking accommodation at Ballavartyn. I should have listened to the Trip Advisor reviews. Booking and communication was odd. I booked online a few weeks in advance but received messages changing our cottage twice before we got there. No information on directions or checking in was sent to me, and there was no information in the cottage (Admiral/9). Nobody checked to see if we had settled in and there was no welcome pack. Cottages always provide something - some bread and milk, teabags, even scones or a bottle of wine. Ballavartyn provided nothing. Not even soap or soap powder. As noted by a previous visitor, there was an ironing board but no iron. Like that previous occupant, we bought an iron from Tesco! Unlike that previous occupant, we did not buy coasters as we reckoned the owners did not care whether teacups were placed without them on the tables. The kitchen and bathroom were clean although the toilet seat was broken. The bedroom floors had been vacuumed but the laminate floor running through the rest of the house was filthy. I don’t think it had ever been mopped. The rug in the living room was heavily stained. The main bedroom was just about OK but the bedding was cheap quality and there was a Rentokil cockroach box in the corner of the room. Rather off-putting! There was no dedicated car park space outside and the spaces seemed to be occupied by local cars most of the time. One parked so close to me that I had to get into the driver’s seat via the passenger door. The communal outside space was really scruffy with bits of rubbish including an old car exhaust on the grass outside the cottage. The cottage had a dog-secure fenced patio area which would have been great had it been swept clean. The mad thing about this place is that somebody seems to have started it off four or five years ago with some good ideas but it now appears to have been allowed to deteriorate. If you are looking for four or five star accommodation, this is not it.…
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Very attractive fairly new build with tasteful decor, and kitchen equipped with microwave, induction hob cooker, large oven, dishwasher, fridge-freezer, and lovely "silent" washer-dryer. An ironing board was also provided, but no iron so we had to buy one. Of note, there were excellent disabled facilies in ours should they be needed, but the bedrooms really need dressing tables with mirrors - sitting on the floor by a power point for the hairdryer, squinting into the mirror door of the wardrobe on the opposite wall is not ideal! It was disappointing that these otherwise lovely holiday cottages are lacking what is usually offered in terms of the little touches that make a big difference. Being picky, there was a random assortment of unmatched cutlery, with lots of larger spoons but fewer knives and forks, and only 3 teaspoons, no jug to put milk in, no placemats to protect the polished table (so we bought some), no cleaning items for the shower rooms or kitchen sink which really are needed during a 2-week stay, and no spare bin bags. The remote for fhe DVD player was missing so we had to buy another too!. It is also unusual not to have a "welcome tray" either (others we have stayed in around the IOM, UK, and indeed Europe usually provide a small carton of milk, teabags, bisuits, maybe even some local cheese, etc, just to make you feel welcome after your journey). And please could we ask that cottage numbers are painted on the parking spaces (as most multi-property locations allocate your own space)? The cottages are advertised as having parking, but a few times we came back to find nowhere to park, with most spaces taken up by local cars that were clearly not hire cars, possibly visitors to other cottages or the equestrian centre. We enjoyed our stay, but sadly this might not be our first choice for a return visit.…
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Absolutely stunning cottage and location, immaculate home from home stay, Jodie was the perfect host from start to finish, stunning views in a quite and private location, very central to everything on the island. I’ve already booked up again for next year!
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
I recently stayed at the Ballavartyn cottages at Santan, what can I say, the cottages are decorated and furnished to a very high standard, and on arrival it was very clean and tidy, it had everything in the kitchen that I needed, it even had a dishwasher which I did not expect which was great. Jodi and Ed Who manage the place could not do enough for me they were brilliant making sure I had clean towels every day, and checking everything was okay every day or so, I would highly recommend Ballavartyn cottages as your place to stay whether it be for A weekend or whatever your reasons are I’m sure you will be very happy there in your time spent under the care of very experience Ed and Jodi. I would definitely stay there again it felt like home from home, and to top everything off you have beautiful scenery when you sit outside with a glass of wine. Five star service for me .…
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Date of stay: June 2022Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
The property is large yet comfortable and as a party of 8 adults over 3 generations with 1 small dog we had ample space Jody made us feel very welcome and we were able to arrange arrival early in order to decorate for our mums 80th birthday a lovely touch There are 3 large doubles and 1 large shower room upstairs and a twin bed with splash room downstairs Plenty of on site parking and the property is situated on a very well appointed equestrian centre with beautiful sea and rural views to the rear with a west facing patio perfect for summer months We had a wonderful weekend and had snow too which was magical We would definitely stay again
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Date of stay: February 2022
Value
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
We stayed here over Christmas. Very difficult to get responses. No welcome. No supplies (unless you count 1 teaspoon worth of sugar, no washing up liquid etc). Had to ask for broken chairs to be replaced. Only 1 mug and few glasses (supposed to be a house sleeping 8). Most saucepans didn’t work on the induction job. Fans in bathrooms dirty. Lots of marks and dents in walls. No disabled parking. Downstairs bedroom too small for wheelchair access. Had to carry our son into the room. Enjoyed visiting the island though, so will return but not stay here.
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Date of stay: December 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
We stayed during August 2019 and having already read the previous reviews and been assured that the issues raised had been addressed I was disappointed to find that they had not. There was still only one lid for three saucepans, insufficient crockery and an odd assortment of glasses. The inside of the cutlery drawer was smeared with a blue goo and there was a pile of cigarette and cigar butts in the enclosed patio. On a positive note Jodie (who seems to do everything) did respond to our complaint and provided additional crockery and glasses and arranged for cleaning whilst we went out for dinner. We found rentokil boxes in one of the wardrobes and in the under stairs cupboard, which we didn't feel appropriate since there could be children and dogs in the accommodation. I agree with a previous reviewer that the holiday cottages are simply treated as an additional revenue stream, rather than an important part of the business. It is a real shame since they are in an excellent location and could be very comfortable, albeit compact.…
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Date of stay: August 2019
Location
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Myself and family stayed here for a week, we had 2 properties between us and had similar issues in both although mine was the worst. It was advertised for 5 people but only had seating for 3, No mirrors upstairs and no hanging space in one room. Although a self catering property there were no utensils at all, not even a wooden spoon. There was only one wine glass, one lid for two saucepans, four bowls etc. They could be really lovely as the location is excellent, they just lack the finishing touches. I also found communication with them was not easy, very slow response if at all.
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Date of stay: May 2019Trip type: Travelled with family
Location
Cleanliness
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Early days, very new and a good quality build. Seems to have been built as an add on to the equestrian centre, nothing wrong with that but if it is being sold as a holiday home it needs some work. Totally agree with Helen W, (previous review) basics are lacking and many things are a 'make do'. It's the little things that make the difference. WiFi was pretty good but then again we were on our own so had full signal. Not that we needed it but the disabled facilities in cottage 9 are first class, i am sure when needed it would work well. Horse lovers would love it, but if not a family group would need to get out and about, it is in the middle of no where, but then again in the isle of man nothing is far away. Keep up the good work but a bit more attention to detail would pay off. P.S. Other than phoning Jody on our arrival for directions as we could not find the cottages, we did not see anyone for the duration of our stay, Jody said call if we needed anything, but that was it. Peacefull and restfull weekend.…
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Date of stay: April 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: definately cottage 9 for disabled, all one floor and plenty of room with fully equipped wet room.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Stayed for 2 nights for Ladies and Girls British trials championships, everything we needed was on hand, laundry room a godsend due to weather. Jody was an absolute star,went out of her way to accommodate us for another night as the ferry had broken down. Would 100% stay here again.
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Date of stay: August 2018Trip type: Travelled with family
Rooms
Cleanliness
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
LOCATION
United KingdomIsle of ManSanton
NUMBER OF ROOMS
6
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Claim Your ListingBALLAVARTYN HOLIDAY HOMES - Updated 2023 Reviews (Santon)
Frequently Asked Questions about Ballavartyn Holiday Homes
Which popular attractions are close to Ballavartyn Holiday Homes?
Nearby attractions include Laser-Mayhem (3.7 miles), Manx Aviation and Military Museum (4.5 miles), and Isle of Man Steam Railway (1.0 miles).
Is parking available at Ballavartyn Holiday Homes?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Ballavartyn Holiday Homes?
Conveniently located restaurants include Aura Bar & Bistro, Flavours Indian Cuisine, and The Tea Junction.
Are pets allowed at Ballavartyn Holiday Homes?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Are there any historical sites close to Ballavartyn Holiday Homes?
Many travellers enjoy visiting St Michael's Isle (4.5 miles), St Trinian's Church (4.0 miles), and Hango Hill (5.0 miles).
Is Ballavartyn Holiday Homes accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.