Reviewed by
Vikki
24th August 2025
We had an enjoyable week at Overland Road and really appreciated the location. Being in the
Mumbles meant we had a variety of shops, cafes, and the seafront within easy reach, yet the
cottage was still peaceful. The only thing to be aware of is that the property sits at the top of a
very steep hill, which may not be ideal for those with mobilityRead more issues or anyone who finds
steep climbs challenging.
Parking was one of the trickier aspects of the stay. The driveway itself is very tight and
awkward to turn into, particularly with a larger vehicle, and there isnt any alternative parking
nearby. Space is also extremely limited if two cars need to fit in. We were fortunate that our
neighbours were away for most of our stay, otherwise it would have been a real squeeze. It
might be helpful if the hosts could suggest alternative options for guests with bigger cars, as
this would make arrival and departure much less stressful.
In terms of cleanliness, the cottage was fine at first glance, but on closer inspection there
were areas that could use more attention. We noticed a number of cobwebs around the
property, a thick layer of dust behind the chest of drawers in the main bedroom, and some
black mould inside the main bedroom window frame. None of this spoiled our stay, but a
deeper clean would make a big difference to the overall impression.
On the positive side, the kitchen was very well stocked with everything we needed, which
made self-catering really easy. The additional Wi-Fi provided was also a nice bonus and
much appreciated. A small improvement would be to provide guidance on the recycling
schedule. The collection day was clear, but as its a fortnightly service, it wasnt obvious
which week was due for which bin. A simple timetable or note in the welcome folder would
make this much easier for guests to manage.
The garden is another area where clearer information in the listing would be really helpful. It
does state that there are steep steps, but the reality is at least 30 steps just to reach the first
platform, and although there is a handrail, it doesnt feel particularly secure. To reach the
highest point where the lovely view in the listing photos is taken from there are another
30 or so steps, and this section has no handrail at all. Once at the top, the view is certainly
worth it, but the furniture is stored in the outside loo/utility room (which also houses the
washer and dryer) at the bottom of the garden, meaning you have to carry it all the way up if
you want to use it. Given the steep climb, it would be a real improvement if some seating
were provided and kept in place at the top. Its also worth noting that some of the wooden
decking is beginning to rot, which makes it feel less safe than it should. A little investment
here could really transform the outdoor space into a highlight of the property.
The back bedroom has a very large window which lets in lots of light and gives great views
of the garden and visiting birds, which we enjoyed in the mornings. However, it is very
overlooked by the neighbouring property. This meant that if we wanted privacy, we had to
keep the curtains closed, which made the room feel a little dark. Adding some sheer curtains
or blinds could be a simple way to keep the airy feel while giving guests more privacy.
Finally, we feel the listing photos could do with updating, particularly of the bedrooms. The
childrens room shown online is no longer set up that way; instead, it now contains a low
double bed. It would be useful for guests to know this in advance when planning sleeping
arrangements.
Overall, we did enjoy our stay the cottage itself has plenty of charm, the beds were
comfortable, the kitchen was well equipped, and the location was excellent for exploring the
Mumbles and surrounding area. With a bit more attention to cleanliness, some updates to the
garden and furnishings, clearer recycling guidance, and more accurate details in the listing,
Overland Road could easily go from good to excellent. Hide