Guests say
Marl House is highly praised for its spaciousness, well-equipped kitchen, and beautiful, peaceful surroundings. Guests appreciate the thoughtful touches, including welcome gifts and a friendly host. The extensive gardens and proximity to the beach are recurrent highlights, with the property offering ample room for large groups and activities. Some minor concerns about maintenance and Wi-Fi connectivity do not detract from the overall exceptional experience.
Reviews consistently mention the property as clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, with no negative comments on cleanliness. The high standard of cleanliness contributes significantly to the overall positive experience.
The location is frequently described as stunning and peaceful, with easy access to the beach and wildlife sightings. The rural setting is appreciated for its tranquility, although the remote location may affect Wi-Fi and phone signals.
Guests find the house very comfortable, with special mentions of cosy furnishings, spacious rooms, and a warm kitchen thanks to the AGA. The variety of bedrooms and the large garden add to the comfort level, although a preference for firmer mattresses is noted by some.
The property is well-equipped with a games room, multiple appliances, and a well-stocked kitchen. However, some guests mention a cluttered games room and a desire for more modern amenities like a smart TV. The mention of only one stand-up shower for a large property suggests room for improvement in facilities.
The host's thoughtfulness is evident through welcome gifts and a well-considered space. While these gestures are highly appreciated, it is important to note that such personal touches, although delightful, are not guaranteed for every stay.
About this property
A very well presented eight bedroom farmhouse set in attractive and generous grounds in close proximity to the burgh of Whithorn and the Isle of Whithorn. With the feel of an established country house, this fine property sleeps up to 17 people, making it ideal for large families and close friends. Tastefully furnished with both comfort and practicality in mind, Marl House is a pleasing 'home away from home' with plenty of room in which guests may spread out and feel immediately comfortable.
There are six bedrooms (one en-suite) and two additional bathrooms in the main body of the house. The two wings have a further bedroom and bathroom each, and there is a large downstairs wet room with shower, basin and wc. In addition there is a spacious sitting room with wood burning stove, a comfy TV room (which can be converted to a further twin bedroom and is suitable for wheelchair users should it be required) and a large well lit open plan kitchen with extended dining area which is comprehensively stocked crockery, pots, pans and utensils.
Leading directly from the kitchen through double doors is a more formal dining room which is light and airy, with large panel windows and outside access. At the end of one wing there is a games room with table tennis and darts, as well as some outdoor games. Adjacent is the 'garden wing' with large French doors and chairs and tables which can be used outside. Far reaching lawns afford guests a real feeling of space and privacy and are as suitable for peaceful strolls as they are for energetic games of football! The beach is accessible by farm track and is a twenty minute walk from the house. For some more challenging walking trails and activities, head 20 miles north to the Galloway Hills which provide walking for all levels as well as world class mountain biking. The property has direct access to 20 kilometers of new cycling/walking track, situated on the farm in a coastal location.
Don't miss out on the nearby spacious sands of Monrieth, Garlieston and Luce Bay beaches. For those looking for culture the Royal Burgh of Whithorn is home to a fine little museum, a recently constructed Iron Age roundhouse and the mediaeval remains of St Ninian's Priory. Wigtown, one of Scotland's book towns and home to a ten day annual book festival is a twenty minute drive away. The Machars and Rhins of Galloway boast fine gardens and historic sites which include the 75 acre Castle Kennedy Gardens, the Aldouran Wetland, Glenwhan Gardens and Logan Botanic Gardens. Marl House is the perfect location in which to spend your holiday break.
The area of Whithorn is rich in history and is also home to a medieval priory and an archaeological site. Logan Botanic Gardens, the Aldouran Wetland and the gardens of Castle Kennedy are all a must see. To the north of the Machars are the Galloway Hills, offering walking to all levels as well as mountain biking.
Accommodation
Eight Bedrooms: First floor: 2 x twin (one in separate wing of the house), 2 x double (one in separate wing of the house with en-suite bath, hand-held shower, basin and WC), 1 x single, 1 x king-size double with en-suite bath, hand-held shower, basin and WC.
2 x bathroom with bath, hand-held shower, basin and WC (one in separate wing of the house) Second floor: 2 x twin.
1 x Bathroom with bath, hand-held shower, basin and WC.
Ground floor: Kitchen/diner.
Utility.
Dining room.
2 x sitting rooms (one with woodburning stove).
Games room; Garden room.
Cloakroom with basin and WC.
Wet room with shower, basin and WC.
Oil heating with woodburning stove.
AGA, electric oven and hob, fridge, 2 x fridge/freezer, 2 x washing machine, 2 x dishwashers, 3 x TV, WiFi, selection of books and games included table tennis.
Fuel, power and starter pack for fire/stove included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Cot and highchairs available.
Off-road parking for 10 cars.
Lockable bike storage.
Lawned garden, patio with furniture and BBQ.
2 well behaved dogs welcome.
Sorry, no smoking.
Pub and shop 3 miles.
Note: sloping ceilings and restricted head height in a couple of the rooms.
Note: The 8 upstairs bedrooms sleep 15 people, however the second sitting room can be turned into a double or twin bedroom to sleep a total of 17.
This extra ground floor bedroom is also suitable for wheelchair use with an adjacent wheelchair friendly bathroom.
Please note: No Stag/Hen or similar.
Reviews (28)
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Sue
There were a couple of quite minor things - internet was problematic in room next to table tennis room. The wifi boosters did not work for much of the week - may have been linked to the router in above room. Given there was no phone signal at the property it did make it difficult for some of our party who needed to do remote work whilst away. - hairdryers - could not find one in the whole house - not a big deal for our group but may be for other groups - mattresses - these were pretty soft - but we understand that mattresses are very much a personal thing and whilst firm mattresses suit us, that may not be everyone's choice. - the downstairs toilet and cupboard next to aga smelt very strongly of oil. - table tennis room - lock did not work (looked to be the wrong sized barrel for the door). We could secure the property with an internal door so was not a big deal.
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John
We had a family gathering with Granny and Grandad, three sons and families together - all told eight adults and seven children ranging from 14 years to 4 months. The kitchen is superbly equipped plus two dish washers, two washing machines and two spin driers - brilliant for managing meals and all of the things that young families need. The gardens are excellent for family sports and the range of games in the house (for all ages) has something for everyone. There is plenty of room in the house for people to find their own spot - or to be together. Local beaches (and kayaks at the Isle of Whithorn boat club) give great scope for seaside activities. Harvest was under way while we were there. The area is quiet and rural. If you want a holiday haven for yourselves, comfortable, well equipped and full of opportunities for your own activities, Marl House is hard to beat.
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Elizabeth
Very well maintained huge gardens . A very rural setting.