Villas In Castle Douglas

Reviews

What our customers say about their holidays

• Confirmed Guest - Verified booking

  We enjoyed our week in Barscobe House. It has a lovely prospect looking over the countryside, set in a well kept estate, and a large secluded garden with a mowed lawn. There are walks starting from the house e.g. the Holy Linn waterfall, and up into the hills. It was reunion for three generations of a family, coming together from Edinburgh, Yorkshire, London and Maine USA. It was helpful having the caretaker and housekeeper staying on the estate to help with queries. We also used a local agent, who had good local knowledge. The kitchen is very well equipped: it is difficult to know what one is going to find in a holiday let, but this property has the sense of a much loved family house, well designed for catering. There were many baking trays, cake, bun and loaf tins, a blender, food processor, hand mixer, ice maker… A real old fashioned larder, 2 fridges (one with a freezer section) and a chest freezer. Ample cutlery and crockery etc. Good recycling arrangements (glass to the nearby village, or local supermarkets). Two washing machines, a tumble dryer, an old style wooden ceiling pulley for clothes (in a separate scullery). Two dishwashers. Some of the chairs and furnishing are wabi-sabi, but we found this made it comfy, and matches the house. Beds comfortable, nice cotton bedding, plumbing good, very toasty hot press to dry/air clothes. We already knew that Castle Douglas is a foodie town, and it didn’t disappoint: three butchers (we used Grierson’s, excellent), bakers, a greengrocer, and we ended the week ordering a very good fish supper from Moore’s (with a rigid insulated box and a foil-lined bag, they stayed hot enough on the 25 minute drive). The nearby village of Balmaclellan has a friendly community shop for messages like fresh milk. There are mobile fish van shops in the region too. We were lucky with the weather, but the house has a snooker table (pool too? Not my strong suit!) and lots of indoor space should the weather break - we did consider playing “Sardines”, but actually spent a lot of time exploring local attractions for outdoorsy types (some of my family has an affinity for cold water, and swam enthusiastically in Loch Ken), with the coast not too far away. We were sad (in a way) not to need the fires, that’d be cosy indeed. The “dark sky” area meant that on clear nights we could see the Perseid “falling stars”. The wifi dropped out occasionally but this wasn’t a problem for us. The caretaker was on hand on the one occasion the router needed rebooting. We understand that infrastructure improvements are coming soon. It is an interesting old building (early 20th century) that must be challenging to keep from disrepair. The windows alone are a daunting task. The hefty security deposit is unusual in these days, but I see why it is imposed, and it was repaid within the week. The entry time of 5 pm is the latest we’ve ever been offered (due to cleaning schedule, I think), but we built that into our arrival time. We had one electric car in our party: the provision at the house is currently via a standard indoor socket using one’s own trickle feed cable: rather slow, and the surcharge seemed arbitrary (not metered, rather high) - but we did opt to use it as the fast chargers in Castle Douglas were in use/out of order: the infrastructure will presumably eventually catch up (and I don’t just mean at this property). Highly recommended.

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• Confirmed Guest - Verified booking

  Visited twice this year April and September we had already booked a lodge for September and last minute decided to try caravan also in April .Found the caravan entrance door mat grubby and crumbs in cupboards everywhere else fine. I have two Labradors we took their beds they were never in any of the bedrooms. On leaving I hoovered cleaned all benches cooker, oven nothing was left dirty. On return I received a letter stating it had to have a deep clean to say I was shocked and insulted is an understatement.We left immediately after hoovering and everything was left spotless bins emptied you name it.I can only assume I have missed dogs hairs which can only have been in the lounge We did pay for the dogs and surely that covers any hairs left behind from the dogs. There was no damage no spill no marks apart from the grubby door mat that was already there. . Because we had already paid deposit for September we did go back to the lodge .I did not enjoy as I was constantly worrying about dogs hairs.I definitely would not go back as of all the beautiful places we have been to we have never received a letter like this. As for the owners I would have appreciated a detailed report of what the problem was to inform me that it needed a deep clean which I strongly dispute. The owner said she checked the property herself but did she check it previously ,if so why didn’t she check the cupboards and remove grubby front door mat. I respect other people’s property as I do my own. This time on leaving lodge I made a video of the whole property including oven/cooker.I only wish I done this previously. It’s very unfair in receiving a letter like this which I think is probably due to dogs hairs. We were recommended these lodges by our friends Chris and Joan who go every year for 2weeks and also in December We we’re there together inSeptember they have the end lodge they are also our neighbours back home and they fully understand how I feel and would not go back. As for customer service I notice how she acknowledged the people on the next lodge and had a few words with them and yet never said a hello when we were on the porch.Still waiting for explanation on how some dogs hairs require a deep clean.Definitely not recommend this place for that reason.She needs to be honest and state what the issue was and admit she got it wrong as I can’t accept deep clean.

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• Confirmed Guest - Verified booking

  We had a really pleasant holiday at Ernambrie Cottage. In a lovely part of the country with beautiful views and a lot of birdlife often not seen these days. Curlew, peewit, snipe, sky lark, heron, oyster catchers etc. The cottage was very clean, warm and comfortable, with all the equipment necessary. It has a lovely garden, The owner was kind enough to let us (two friends) take our four dogs with us which really made our holiday. Plenty to see and lots of interesting places to visit. Could not have been better. Would definitely go to the same place again. Many thanks. CH & MB.

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• Confirmed Guest - Verified booking

  From the minute you turn onto the farm road, everything is immaculate and well maintained. As you reach the lodge there are plenty of parking space, (at least four cars.) The interior of the lodge is of a very high standard, towels bedding furnishings are luxurious. There is everything you need and more. The welcome pack was much appreciated. The weather was very wet and windy but the quality and insulation meant that it was barely audible and so cozy. The beach was spotless and perfect for morning walks and beach combing. Would definitely recommend and will be returning.

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• Confirmed Guest - Verified booking

  The cottage was in the perfect countryside location! Not far from the local town of Castle Douglas and a good base to explore Dumfries and Galloway and all that the area has to offer. Countryside walks, beaches, galleries, castles and quirky local independent shopping - what's. Not to love! The cottage was clean and tidy, generous in size and exactly what we were looking for. The owner was on hand to offer help and advice when needed, leaving us alone to enjoy our holiday! The balance was perfect. We would highly recommend Ernambrie for all your holiday needs.

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