Blue Door - Kirkcudbright
ID: S282711
- Bedrooms 3
- ・ Sleeps 6
- ・ Pets 2
Guests say
Guests appreciate the Blue Door's charming decor, comfortable furnishings, and excellent location in the heart of Kirkcudbright. The property's period features and proximity to local attractions are highlights, alongside the well-equipped kitchen and cosy atmosphere. Some guests mention the garden's eccentricity and the town's delightful character.
Reviews indicate a mix of experiences regarding cleanliness. While some guests found the property clean and well-presented, others reported issues with dust, mould, and kitchen hygiene. The inconsistency in cleanliness experiences has led to a slightly above-average score.
The location is highly praised for its convenience to the historic and artistic centre of Kirkcudbright, with easy access to shops and local attractions. The quiet setting and proximity to the coast are also appreciated, contributing to a high score.
The majority of guests found the cottage to be comfortable, with cosy furnishings and a warm atmosphere. Comfortable beds and spacious rooms are noted, although some guests mentioned issues with soundproofing and the size of the double bed, leading to a slightly reduced score.
Facilities are generally well-received, with a well-equipped kitchen and multiple bathrooms. However, guests have reported maintenance issues such as tricky windows, poor internet connection, and a need for refurbishment. The presence of thoughtful touches like a welcome tray is noted, but not guaranteed.
While some reviews mention a welcome tray, there is not enough consistent information about thoughtful gestures such as gifts to accurately assess this category. Therefore, the score is set to null, and it should be noted that such amenities are not guaranteed.
About this property
Resting within the culture-rich town of Kirkcudbright, close to the spectacular grounds of the National Trust for Scotland's Broughton House, is this characterful terraced cottage, Blue Door. Offering accommodation for up to six guests, it makes a delightful choice for friends and families seeking a unique getaway to Scotland. Formerly the home of stained glass artist E A Taylor and his wife, illustrator Jessie M King, you can expect to find plenty of unique artistic delights throughout the property. Find the cottage tucked away down a quaint close, its name reflective of its entrance, where you will be welcomed into the hallway before stepping into the inviting kitchen/diner for a warming cup of tea. Gather around the table and discuss an exciting itinerary for your stay, the surrounding units offering a charming farmhouse feel, as well as hosting a good range of appliances to assist you during your stay, including a dishwasher and a washer/dryer. Move through into the sitting room, flicking on the electric fire in the winter months, and settle down onto the sofas, admiring the artwork on the walls that displays the creations of artists who have lived and worked in the area. Also on the ground floor, you can find a convenient wet room, ideally placed for freshening up after a day of rambling, while the first floor will bring you to the family bathroom, where you can choose from a shower or a relaxing soak. Find two of the bedrooms on the first floor, a double with its own en-suite cloakroom facilities and a twin, while the second floor hosts the final twin bedroom beneath the sloped ceilings of the cottage. The property benefits from a lawned garden 100 yards away, where you can sit out and enjoy your morning coffee, taking in the views across the town as your canine companions stretch their legs. The grounds of Broughton House lie within easy reach; its Japanese inspired garden is a true delight at any time of year, with a blend of Eastern and Western horticulture, while the house itself was once the Edwardian home and studio of Scottish artist E A Hornel, now presenting visitors with collections of art, ceramics, furniture and literature. Be sure to explore the wonder of Kirkcudbright; hosting generations of painters, craft makers and artisans, it still boasts a rich cultural scene with excitement around every corner. The town is home to a variety of shops, where you can pick up gifts for your loved ones back home, along with tempting eateries and delightful pubs. Visit attractions such as the Stewartry Museum, as well as the picturesque park, swimming pool and tranquil marina, while the summer months boast even more entertainment, with a four-day Arts and Crafts Trail and Jazz Festival, a weekly Scottish night with pipe band and dancing, weekly town tours, farmer’s markets, a vintage car rally and so much more. Walkers will delight in exploring the nearby Galloway Forest Park, as well as Barhill Wood, the perfect walking route for wildlife watchers, and the five-mile walk to the charming village of Dundrennan. Here you will discover the ruins of a 12th century Cistercian Abbey, along with hill walking opportunities at Screel Hill and mountain adventures at Cairnsmore. For those wanting to explore further afield, Thomas Carlyle's Birthplace can be found in the modest village of Ecclefechan; owned by the National Trust for Scotland, this historic gem houses objects and artefacts from the historian’s life, with books and reference texts of his wonderful workings. Another nearby National Trust for Scotland delight can be found in the form of the Threave Garden & Estate, home to immaculate gardens boasting a plethora of wildlife, accompanied by an osprey platform where you can spot the soaring ospreys and even red kites and peregrine falcons, there’s plenty here to see, as well as the unique attraction of Scotland’s only Bat Reserve, making the perfect day out for the nature lover. In reach of Newton Stewart and Dumfries too, there is so much adventure to uncover at Blue Door.
Kirkcudbright is a historic chocolate box town resting on the banks of the River Dee on the north Solway coast in Scotland. The small port town is best known for its bustling fish train and Blue Flag marina, as well as hosting a range of shops, pubs and restaurants to explore on your visit. Explore the many gardens, museums and castles in the area, or enjoy a relaxing day on the coast, the Galloway Forest Park being well-worth exploring for an action-packed day out too!
Accommodation
Three storey terraced cottage.
Three bedrooms: 1 x double with en-suite basin, heated towel rail and WC, 1 x twin, 1 x second floor twin.
Ground floor wet room with walk in shower, basin, heated towel rail and WC.
Bathroom with bath, shower over, basin and WC.
Kitchen/diner.
Sitting room with electric fire
Gas central heating and electric fire.
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washer/dryer, dishwasher, Smart TV, radio, Wifi.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Cot and highchair available.
Free roadside parking outside Greengate Close.
Lawned garden at the bottom of the close 100 yards away.
Two well behaved pets welcome.
Sorry, no smoking.
Shop and pub within 0.1 miles.
There are winding staircases in this property.
Some limited headspace when stepping into the first floor bathroom's bath and in the second floor bedroom, please mind your head.
The opening times, visitor facilities and entry prices of all National Trust for Scotland properties and attractions can be viewed on their website here
Reviews (30)
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Margaret
We liked the artwork - Hornel paintings in lounge and samples of Jessie King artwork around the house. There was lovely Denby crockery and cookware. The kitchen was very well supplied with utensils, although the scales lacked a battery. We appreciated Netflix on the tv. The information brochure was clear but there was no information about the Wi-Fi log in code, although there was a booster on the window sill. As this was a NTS property, we would have appreciated more information about the history of the property and about Jessie King, a previous resident. We would also have appreciated more information about local walks which were itemised in the information brochure but no more information given. We would also have appreciated more publicity brochures about the local area and events taking place locally. Note: You may publish this feedback selectively, taking out any negative comments
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Jill
The decor and furniture immaculate, and the kitchen probably the best equipped with utensils, crockery and welcome tray we've ever encountered. The outdoor space was intriguing, if a little puzzling, finding 'our' garden a magical mystery tour until we discovered it. Lovely!
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Bob
If this was sent from a âno replyâ email, it certainly wasnât made clear. There were only 5 mismatched wine glasses for 6 guests. There were only 5 tumblers for 6 guests. Missing light bulb in bedside lamp in room with WC Over mirror light and ceiling light in WC not working - tricky! One of our guests got locked in the wet room when the inside handle fell off - fortunately we heard his pleas to open the door. Overall the cottage delivered what we wanted, but two nights were probably the maximum stay weâd tolerate. The cottage was cleaner than previous reviews led us to anticipate, but clearly there are some issues with maintenance and housekeeping. Many thanks.