Guests say
The Pend, a historical cottage in Newton Stewart, is praised for its atmospheric charm, cleanliness, and thoughtful touches like a welcome pack. Guests appreciate its comfortable furnishings, warm ambiance, and convenient location with easy parking. While some find the antique decor and low lighting enchanting, others note areas for improvement such as bathroom facilities and kitchen updates.
Most guests report the property as exceptionally clean, with only one review mentioning mould and dampness. The positive remarks on cleanliness are overwhelming, suggesting a high standard is typically maintained.
The location is frequently described as brilliant, with easy parking and amenities within walking distance. The area is peaceful and the local people are welcoming, contributing to a positive experience.
Guests find the property warm, cosy, and comfortable, with comfy beds and a homely feel. However, some mention issues with bathroom temperature and underfloor heating noise, slightly affecting the comfort level.
The property is equipped with unexpected modern conveniences like a dishwasher and Wi-Fi, but some guests note the need for better bathroom facilities and kitchen repairs. The balance of feedback suggests room for improvement.
Many guests express gratitude for the welcome pack and other extras, indicating a high level of thoughtfulness. However, as gifts are not guaranteed, this score reflects the overall sentiment without setting expectations.
About this property
This lovingly restored gatehouse to the Priory at Whithorn, can be found in the centre of the former Royal Burgh of Whithorn in Dumfries and Galloway. The Pend is a remarkable listed building, and a National Trust for Scotland property in a central location for discovering The Machars and the Galloway Forest Park. Offering traditional accommodation for four guests, this property is ideal for a couple, small family or group wanting to explore this fascinating region of Scotland. This property exudes history and rests next door to The Priory, which once housed the relics of St Ninian, who died in 431 AD. Parking is available on a neighbouring driveway and as you enter the property, you will discover a living/dining room, the first of two reception rooms, with a large exposed stone feature fireplace, housing a woodbrning stove, with cosy furniture careful placed in front, stunning dark wooden beams on the ceiling and a dining table, where the whole group can gather to enjoy a meal, prepared in the compact but well-equipped kitchen. There is a family bathroom with a bath and hand held shower, where you can get ready for each day, while upstairs are two bedrooms; a twin room with back-to-back beds, maximising the space in the room, as well as a stunning king-size, four-poster double bedroom, complete with stunning 17th century windows that open out onto the street. There is a second sitting room on this floor, with exposed wooden flooring, ornate furniture and a TV you can enjoy watching. Outside is a rear, enclosed courtyard with furniture, where you can enjoy an alfresco breakfast or morning coffee, before heading into the town centre, where a selection of shops and pubs can be found less than a mile away. Whithorn is an Outstanding Conservation Area and one of Scotland's oldest settlements, home to Scotland's first Christian church, built in 397 AD by St Ninian, whose shrine can be visited at Whithorn Priory, following in the footsteps of many medieval pilgrims. Here you will find a visitors centre and stunning carved stone displays, while along the coast, you can see the isolated cave of St Ninian's Cave, thought to be a hideaway for the saint. Explore The Machars peninsula and discover quaint villages, rugged coastline, idyllic harbours and lovely sandy beaches. Head to Scotland's national book town, Wigtown to find French-style architecture, quirky shops, bookshops and tearooms and venture north towards the Galloway Forest Park to enjoy scenic walking and cycling trails through the largest forest in the UK and Scotland's first Dark Sky Park. An incredible, historic property to base your next getaway to this fascinating part of Scotland. Note: This property can be booked with Refs. 1046834 & 1044477, together sleeping 12 guests. EPC Rating: Band E
The former Royal Burgh of Whithorn is renowned for having the first recorded Christian church is Scotland, built in 397 by St Ninian. The area of Whithorn is rich in history and is also home to a medieval priory and an archaeological site. Whithorn is situated on the Machars Peninsula in Dumfries and Galloway, home to spectacular gardens. To the north of the Machars are the Galloway Hills, offering walking to all levels as well as world class mountain biking. Golf, fishing and wildlife spotting are well catered for and the sandy beaches of Monrieth, Garleston, and along the whole of Luce Bay will delight any visitor.
Accommodation
2 bedrooms: 1 x king-size double, 1 x twin.
Ground-floor bathroom with bath, hand-held shower, basin, heated towel rail and WC.
Kitchen.
Living/dining room with woodburning stove.
First-floor sitting room
Oil fired central heating with underfloor heating and woodburning stove.
Electric oven and hob, microwave, TV and WiFi.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Cot and highchair available.
Parking on neighbouring driveway.
Enclosed rear courtyard with furniture.
Sorry, no pets and no smoking.
Shop and pub within 0.1 miles.
Note: Master bedroom accessed by an additional set of stairs.
Please note: There is no facility to charge cars at the property but there is an EV charging point within 100 yards for public use
Reviews (26)
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Andrew
Very comfy beds, well appointed and spacious property in a great location. Will definitely book a return visit. We had a blast!
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Andrew
Easy access to area. Enjoyed the open fire.
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Gail
However, we found the cottage to be too dark for our liking and struggled on the stairs and to read. The cottage had a quietness about it that made it comfortable but for us we found the furniture rather uncomfortable although we understand that it is all in keeping with the history of the building. It was a good base for a couple of nights but we would prefer something brighter with more comfortable sofas to stay longer.