Mackenzie House, Kirkcudbright
ID: S135567
- Bedrooms 3
- ・ Sleeps 6
- ・ Pets No
Guests say
Mackenzie House in Kirkcudbright offers a central location with views of the castle and a neat garden. Guests appreciate its charm, traditional features, and improvements like a new kitchen. However, some report cleanliness issues, including mouse droppings, and suggest the property could benefit from decluttering and maintenance.
Reviews are mixed regarding cleanliness. Some guests have reported significant issues, including mouse droppings and a general lack of cleanliness, which suggests room for improvement in this area.
The central location opposite the castle and close to local amenities is highly praised by guests, making it a standout feature of the property.
The house is described as spacious and comfortable by some, but others mention dated seating and a damp smell, indicating that comfort levels may vary.
Facilities like a well-equipped kitchen and a fabulous shower are noted, but the property is also described as cluttered and in need of updating, which affects the overall experience.
There is no mention of gifts or special touches that would indicate thoughtfulness from the owner, so it is not possible to provide a score in this category.
About this property
Looking straight out to the Castle, this self-catering accommodation offers a warm comfortable holiday home, for families and friends, in the lively Artists' Town of Kirkcudbright.
Mackenzie House has the prime spot in Kirkcudbright for seeing MacLellan's Castle as the traditional townhouse apartment looks straight out to the Castle. The house is in the original part of the “artists town” and has been in Meg Walker’s family since 1913. Meg is based in Vermont and is a well established and recognised Sculptor and Artist in her own right, as you might expect traditional Scottish and contemporary art adorns the walls.
The house retains many original features and follows the theme of the original architecture making it a spacious and comfortable holiday home for families and friends while retaining a classic and historical character.
The large corner windows in the first floor sitting room offer magical views of the Castle, the picturesque harbour and river, plus, a unique perspective of Kirkcudbright’s lively, colourful, civic parades and celebrations. It is a photographer’s dream as it is the perfect spot for capturing the busy life of the eclectic Artist and Fishing harbour town, not to mention superb views of the Castle against a backdrop of ever changing colours as the sun goes down behind it.
Meg Walker and Peter, her architect husband visit Scotland frequently, as do their family and have taken great care to ensure that the house is sympathetically cared for whilst also providing an ample kitchen/dining room with all that is needed and also a spacious family bathroom with double width shower and the original cast iron rolltop bath. The three charming bedrooms and a cloakroom are on the top floor. Wifi is available throughout the house.
The “secret” walled garden is accessed by a cobble path and is a peaceful and sunny retreat from the bustle of the town. There are views to Church which can be enjoyed while relaxing and taking in the attractive borders round the central lawn. A separate small barbecue patio ensures alfresco dining can be enjoyed and guests are free to pick both flowers and the garden fruit which includes rhubarb and apples.
Kirkcudbright is a thriving town with long established traditional shops with fresh produce, as do the restaurants, pubs and cafes – all within walking distance. Stroll to interesting small boutiques, art galleries, the harbour and the town’s recreational facilities. Short drives to lovely sandy beaches, hiking and cycling trails, sailing, fishing, birdwatching and much, much more…….
Post Code: DG6 4HZ Mackenzie House works on an any day arrival with short breaks are welcome throughout the year
Damage Deposit £150
For groups of 4 or less there is a £25 discount per week. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
STL Licence:- DG00781F
EPC:D
Accommodation for up to 6 on three floors:
Ground floor: Entrance porch and hall.
First floor: light airy Sitting room; Bathroom with large walk in shower, original cast iron roll-top bath, wash basin and WC; Kitchen/Dining room with granite worktops, range cooker and American style fridge/freezer and Antique dining table & chairs; Walk-in larder/storeroom with sink.
Second floor, note restricted headroom in areas: 1 King with King-size bed and additional single bed; 2 Double bedrooms (one with a standard double bed, the other with a small double bed, Note restricted headroom over beds); Toilet with WC and wash basin;
Cellar with Washer/drier and extra fridge; Bicycle storage and drying rack. Garden with furniture and charcoal barbecue.
Services: Gas central heating and electricity included* Bed linen and towels provided* Washer/Drier * Large American style fridge/freezer * Fridge * Dishwasher * Range cooker with gas hob and two electric ovens * Microwave * T.V with DVD/CD player * Mobile reception * WiFi * 2 Hairdryers * High chair * Ample on street parking * Enclosed garden with furniture * BBQ * Secure bicycle storage in the basement * NO smoking * NO pets * Shops and eating out 1 minutes' walk.
Reviews (10)
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Confirmed Guest
We really enjoyed our return visit. It's a great location.
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Confirmed Guest
I have been wondering whether or not to leave this review, but on reflection, have decided this could ruin someone's holiday if they were to book here. Check in was straight forward and the gentleman who keeps the key is nice and helpful. The house, however, wasn't clean. I was informed I was the first person to stay here this year, and I hope the owner makes changes before too many more come to stay. The house is in desperate need of some updating. There is too much furniture in the house and this makes it cluttered, a lot of the furniture is old and dirty. The bed sheets were old and stained also. The carpets deteriorated. The worst issue though, was the mouse droppings all over the house and general cleanliness. Mostly in the kitchen, I didn't feel like I could safely cook a meal without having to clean absolutely everything. I contacted the caretaker, and he was very helpful. He brought the traps and bait I had asked for and I set them. Nothing was caught which told me that perhaps the house just wasn't cleaned properly since the winter. I asked him to arrange for the cleaners to come, which he did, and they came the next day. When I returned to the property, the same mouse droppings were still there, some spots he mentioned specifically to the cleaner were the droppings on the kitchen floor. It hadn't been cleaned very well at all, even though a note was left by them. In the end, I gave up and emptied the hoover and gave the whole house a going over myself. I washed the minimal stuff I needed to, so I could have some cereal for breakfast and a coffee but looking at the worktops and the rest of the kitchen, I decided it was easier not to cook. I ate out every night and had take away. There is a loud noise and banging outside the bedroom window from some structure on the roof of the Co-op next door. This has been previously mentioned apparently and was supposed to have been dealt with but if its windy, it can be very noisy throughout the night. I have photos and videos of the mouse droppings, but I won't add them. I have sent some to the caretaker. I left the house earlier than I was booked to stay until as my plans had changed and to be honest, I didn’t want to stay any longer than I had to. I hope they used that extra time with it vacant to make some improvements to the cleanliness of the house. In hindsight, I should have asked for a refund and looked into hotels in the area, but it was a busy time of year with the Easter holidays and accommodation was difficult to find at the time.
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Cameron Easton
Owned by a sociable friendly and helpful man. Superb location opposite the castle and harbourside and the River Dee. Has the advantage of an easily accessible garden which is very neat and tidy. If anything slightly too big for just a couple. Well equiped. warm with a very nice ambience. Will I come back. Probably not (size). Would I recommend. Certainly!