Guests say
Port Donnel Cottage is praised for its stunning location, private beach access, and beautiful views. Guests appreciate the property's spaciousness, garden, and the thoughtfulness of having a Christmas tree provided upon request. While some guests report a high level of satisfaction with their stay, others mention issues with cleanliness, maintenance, and comfort of furniture, suggesting a need for refurbishment.
Several guests have reported issues with cleanliness, including unclean conditions upon arrival and a long-term lack of proper cleaning. However, some guests found the cottage to be clean, indicating inconsistency in this area.
The location is consistently lauded for its peace, beauty, and proximity to the sea, with private beach access and scenic walks being highly valued by guests.
Guests have mixed feelings about comfort; some find the cottage cosy and homely, while others criticise the quality of the beds and living room furniture, suggesting an update is needed.
The cottage is well-equipped overall, but guests have noted issues with maintenance, such as problems with the TV reception, shower, and oven. Some also suggest the addition of more kitchenware and appliances.
Guests have mentioned thoughtful touches like a provided Christmas tree and a well-stocked kitchen. However, such gestures are not consistently reported, and it should be noted that specific gifts or amenities may not be guaranteed.
About this property
Dalbeattie 6.7 miles. A secluded, whitewashed cottage, resting on the shores of the Urr estuary in the coastal hamlet of Rockcliffe, Port Donnel Cottage offers a group of five a beautiful base for a seaside escape to Scotland. Offering direct access to a private pebble beach from the lawned garden, this National Trust for Scotland jewel provides all you could need for a relaxing retreat with your loved ones. Park up outside the property and be greeted by the idyllic sounds of crashing waves, before entering the property into the contemporary galley kitchen, with sparkling cream units hosting a wonderful range of high quality appliances to assist you on your stay, including a washer/dryer and a dishwasher. Prepare a meal using the amenities at hand, enjoying time together at the dining table over a lovingly prepared meal, before venturing into the warmth of the sitting room and relaxing into the evening around the delightful woodburning stove. In the summer months, be sure to make the most of your superb surroundings by dining alfresco on the lawn, enjoying fresh seafood from the coast for a truly memorable meal. Back inside, you can find a bathroom and a shower room on the ground floor, giving you plenty of space to prepare for your days with either a relaxing soak or a refreshing shower, as well as being ideally placed for washing off any sand after a day at the beach. Move upstairs to find three beautiful bedrooms beneath characterful sloping ceilings, consisting of a double, twin and single, with each room offering a simple and refreshing interior. Begin the day sitting out in the garden admiring your surroundings, with views as far reaching as the Lake District on a clear day, before taking a stroll along the beach. The secluded location of this property is perfect for those seeking a remote escape, while all the amenities you could need for a self catered stay can be found in the nearby town of Dalbeattie. Originally known for its granite quarry mine, this picturesque town offers plenty to see and do, with the Dalbeattie Museum being the perfect place to learn about the rich history of the area, as well as a range of shops, pubs and restaurants where you can while away the hours on a leisurely day trip. Enjoy a waterside stroll along the Barr Burn, or delve into the wooded valley for wonderful bird watching opportunities, while those seeking adventure will appreciate the ease of access to the scenic Solway Coast, with miles of beaches and quaint fishing villages to explore. There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure in the local area, including the renowned 7stanes mountain biking complex and forest walks at Glentrool, where you can follow in the footsteps of Richard Hannay in The Thirty Nine Steps. Venture to the RSPB Mersehead for even more spectacular birdwatching and nearby golfing opportunities, and explore the many wonders of the market town of Dumfries, home to its very own museum, the Robert Burns Centre, the Moat Brae National Centre for Children's Literature and fantastic shopping. Discover the National Trust for Scotland’s Broughton House & Garden in Kirkcudbright; the former home of E A Hornel boasts a Japanese-inspired garden and a fine collection of art, with plenty of Eastern and Western horticulture to admire along the way. Further afield is the village of Ecclefechan, Thomas Carlyle's birthplace, where you can visit the home of this prolific writer and social commentator, constructed by Carlyle’s father and uncle. Be sure to discover the delights of the Threave Garden & Estate too, constructed over the years by the talented students of the Trust’s School of Heritage Gardening, here you can expect to find a variety of ‘garden rooms’, each presenting a different gardening style and planting scheme, Scotland’s only Bat Reserve, wondrous views over the Galloway Hills and the Ken/Dee valley, and plenty more scenic splendour. In a spectacular position for a coastal escape, choose Port Donnel Cottage for your next Scottish adventure. Note: This property can be booked with Refs. 1076590 and 1076591 together sleeping 17 guests.
Dalbeattie is a pretty country town resting in the south west of Scotland in a wooded valley on the River Urr. Offering easy access to the spectacular Solway Coast where you can find beautiful beaches, quaint fishing villages and ample walking routes, there's so much to explore around the town. The town boasts a range of wonderful outdoor activities including the 7stanes mountain biking complex, forest walks in Glentrool, and much more.
Accommodation
Three bedrooms: 1 x double, 1 x twin, 1 x single.
Ground floor bathroom with bath, shower over, basin and WC.
First floor basin and WC.
Dining room.
Sitting room with woodburning stove
Oil fired central heating and woodburning stove.
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washer/dryer, dishwasher, Smart TV, and WiFi.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Cot and highchair available.
Ample off road parking.
Private lawned garden with furniture (not enclosed).
Two well behaved dogs welcome.
Sorry, no smoking.
Shop 1.6 miles, pub and beach 0.1 miles.
There is a step down into dining room and sloping ceilings in bedrooms, please take care.
The opening times, visitor facilities and entry prices of all National Trust for Scotland properties and attractions can be viewed on their website here.
Please bring your own supplies if you wish to use the woodburning stove.
The mobile phone signal can be intermittent due to the remote location of the cottage
Reviews (22)
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Philip
I left a note with some observations (not niggles), which hopefully were helpful. We really enjoyed our stay - the sound of curlews and oystercatchers was special.
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Kathryn
Having such close proximity to our very own little beach, was truly heavenly. We were very lucky as the sun shone all week, and we were reading on the beach, and eating outside all week. Wonderful coastal walks on the doorstep. A very attractively furnished cottage. Kitchen was excellent. We swam every day in high tide. Such a special place - our three adult sons and my husband and I loved it. Thank-you for such a uniquely located cottage and on our arrival, everything so clean and tidy, and the tray of teas/coffees much appreciated.
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Hazel
Views are spectacular. Only slight issue was the 'dog' smell, but when you rent a pet friendly property it's to be expected and almost impossible to avoid. Next time I would look for 1 small dog or cat only properties as 2 large dogs feels very different.