Guests say
The Portland apartment on the Isle of Arran offers a convenient location with easy access to local amenities, ideal for exploring the town and enjoying nearby views. Guests appreciate the property's proximity to shops and the beach, making it suitable for families, dog owners, and outdoor enthusiasts. While the apartment's unique layout and responsiveness of the owner are noted, there is a consensus that attention to cleanliness and maintenance would enhance the experience.
Multiple reviews indicate significant cleanliness issues, including dirty appliances, presence of wood lice, and a general need for deep cleaning. The property seems to have been neglected, with guests spending their own time cleaning upon arrival.
The property's location is highly praised for its convenience, being within walking distance to shops, the beach, and ferry access. The central location is ideal for guests looking to explore the Isle of Arran.
Guests have reported issues with comfort, such as musty smells, dampness, and unwelcoming furnishings. However, some found the property comfortable enough for their stay, indicating a mixed experience.
Facilities and maintenance are a concern, with reports of broken appliances, furniture, and a lack of essential items. The property requires significant improvements to meet guests' expectations.
While an owner's apology and a box of chocolates for a special occasion are mentioned, there is insufficient information to assess the overall thoughtfulness of the host across all stays. Therefore, such gestures cannot be guaranteed.
About this property
Set in Brodick, a harbour village in North Ayrshire, is this ground-floor apartment, Portland. Well-positioned near local amenities and the coast, whilst boasting four bedrooms, two bathrooms, an enclosed patio, and an abundance of storage, Portland is suitable for a large group trip, welcoming six guests and two well-behaved dogs; popular walking trails and hikes are in proximity, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Feel at home whilst settling into your time at Portland, featuring a well-equipped kitchen, an inviting sitting area with Smart TV in tow, plush bedding, offering flexible sleeping arrangements, and the perfect setting for alfresco dining, by travelling outdoors to your very own suntrap. Eager to explore the village, be welcomed by an array of eateries, local businesses, and shops, to fulfil your self-catering needs; enjoy tapas at Eighteen69, brunch at Little Rock Cafe, and stock up on your must-haves at the local Co-op. Just a short drive away, head to Brodick Castle, a 19th-century building with stunning grounds, Glen Rosa circuit, following its circular walking trail, or perhaps prepare for a hike up Goatfell, recognised as the highest point on the Isle of Arran. Further hidden gems include Devils Punch Bowl, a recommended route for avid walkers, King's Cave, displaying both coastal and woodland views, and Drumadoon Point, offering dramatic cliff top views of the bay. Arran Heritage Museum is also nearby, ideal for educational trips or for those who appreciate historical tours, whilst Arran Coastal Way, set over 65 miles, offers a challenging activity, enveloped by Scottish shores and hills. Enjoy the outdoors by using Portland as your base in North Ayrshire.
Brodick is the main village on the Isle of Arran, located between the Scottish towns of Sannox and Lamlash. It is recognised for its connection to Mainland Scotland, as well as its resident castle, which was once the seat of the Dukes of Hamilton. While visiting the village, take in tours of Brodick Castle, competitive afternoons at the 18-hole resident golf course, and educational treks to the Arran Heritage Museum. For lunch, Crofters Arran and Cruize Bar Brasserie offer bistro-style cuisine, while the adjacent Co-op has all the necessities. A variety of countryside walking paths, including as Devils Punch Bowl and walks up Goatfell Mountain, are just outside the settlement, while a trip to Tormore will provide clifftop excursions and visits to ancient relics, such as Machrie Moor Standing Stones.
Accommodation
Ground-floor apartment.
Four bedrooms: 1 x king-size, 1 x double, 2 x single.
Shower room with walk-in shower, basin, and WC.
Bathroom with bath, shower over, basin, and WC.
Kitchen/diner.
Sitting room
Electric panel heating.
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher.
Smart TV, WiFi.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Roadside parking.
Enclosed rear garden with patio and furniture.
Two well-behaved dogs welcome.
Sorry, no smoking.
Shop 0.2 miles, pub 0.1 miles.
Note: There are steps to the interior and exterior of the property
Reviews (12)
-
Angela
Positives...owner contacted me with clear instructions for entry. Excellent location. The 2 double beds very comfortable. All sheets and towels clean. Large tv excellent dishwasher easy to use. Heating good although hot air rather than radiators. 2 showers and toilets. Negatives. Whole property needs a thorough clean. Carpets dated and clearly not hoovered . Furniture old fashioned and well used. Sticky surfaces in kitchen and door handles. Both doors to wc and bathrooms did not lock and had to use a handmade sign to indicate if occupied! Door to one of the bathrooms slid shut but tended to blow open from the bottom leading to no privacy! The large shower ran scalding hot then cold..so you had to do a little dance when showering to avoid being scalded! The other shower head had to be taken off the wall to manually shower as it kept falling off! The outside patio area is messy with old plastic furniture discarded in a corner. The single bedroom you reach down a step...there was a sign to warn you...was uncomfortable and it had a flimsy plastic rail as a wardrobe! There was no iron. The worst thing was that the plastic roof was sagging and so was propped up by a tree trunk! Didn't look safe at all! Not an expert but wondered if the place needed a rewire. There was no information to tell you any information at all. Wallpaper was coming away at certain areas. Light bulbs missing in some lamps. Most of all the house smelt very musty..so we had to leave windows open! We were next to the hardware shop entrance so had many folk were passing directly by our living room window ! The microwave made strange noises when in use which was worrying! This place could be so good with some money spent on it ..new carpets curtains and furniture and a really good clean between each let. It just felt so tired and unhomely. Such a shame as it really would not take much to make this a great rental accommodation rather than a tired one .
-
Charles
Decor a bit tired and shabby. Mitch responded very quickly when I reported the dishwasher wasn't working and had someone around within an hour. However he didn't provide an oven glove when we asked for one, or help with disposing of our green waste - need advice & container for this. Inaccurate descriptions [basic factual error which is inexcusable]: Bed was not kingsize, and double was a small double. No working locks on bathroom doors. Microwave is malfunctioning and very noisy Yard: roof over seating is leaking and sagging, and the yard was very uncared for⦠there was a table and chairs but you really wouldnât want to sit out there Mechanism for the blind in the kitchen was broken We could have done with at least one bigger saucepan and big bowls for serving and salads.
-
Jen
However its on a path to a shop and so passerbys often look in, curbing the privacy. Things were broken (toilet, blind, furniture, crockery), and everything needs a very good clean - we had to deep clean it upon arrival to make it liveable, with what we had. There was old food in the freezer and cupboards, stained cups and possibly damp in one bedroom. Really unacceptable state. The owner contacted us earlier in the day to explain how to access the key which was helpful, he told us then about one toilet not working - it would have been helpful to know in advance one toilet was not working (without the excuse that plumbers are hard to come by) as one working bathroom between 6 is not OK and we may have reconsidered staying. We won't be back to this let.