Guests say
Guests have had memorable stays at the Clocktower - Culzean Castle, praising its spectacular views, beautiful grounds, and comfortable furnishings. The unique opportunity to explore the estate with privacy is cherished, and the property's spaciousness and warmth are appreciated. While some minor maintenance issues and a disruptive fire alarm incident were noted, the overall sentiment is highly positive, with many expressing a desire to return.
The property is consistently described as clean and well-maintained, with no negative comments on cleanliness, indicating a high standard upheld by the management.
The location receives high praise for its amazing views, private garden, and proximity to the castle and beach. The ability to explore the grounds outside public hours adds to the exclusivity and charm of the location.
The property is generally found to be very comfortable, with well-furnished rooms and a warm atmosphere. Suggestions for improvement include better window blinds and safer stair carpeting, but these do not significantly detract from the overall comfort.
Facilities are well-regarded, with a well-equipped kitchen and comfortable living spaces. However, guests suggested improvements such as more kitchenware and better window blinds. A disruptive fire alarm incident has also been noted.
There is no mention of gifts or special touches that would indicate thoughtfulness from the hosts. Therefore, this category cannot be scored, and guests should not expect gifts during their stay.
About this property
Maybole 5.6 miles. Perched in the centre of the Culzean Castle & Country Park Estate on the outskirts of the charming town of Maybole, is this superb three-bedroom cottage, The Clocktower, a National Trust for Scotland property offering a group or family of six a remarkable setting for their getaway. The Clocktower enjoys an exceptional courtyard setting with an outlook towards the estates original clocktower, magnificent castle and out towards the sea, a perfect spot for enjoying all the grand estate has to offer. Step into your new home, where you will find all you need in the well-equipped kitchen/diner to create tasty dishes for your loved ones to enjoy at one of two dining areas in the home over a celebratory bottle of fizz. On warmer days, be sure to dine alfresco out in your very own large, private enclosed garden with a backdrop of stunning views as the little ones run and play. After dinner, why not explore the exceptional surroundings of a 260ha estate, where you will find woodland walks, a Swan Pond, formal gardens, fruit-filled glass houses, and an Adventure Cove and play park for the children to enjoy? Return to the living/dining room where you can relax with your favourite tipple and select a much-loved film on the FreeSat TV, whilst the kids escape to the snug to watch a film. The living/dining room also offers a lovely dining area where you can enjoy meals with loved ones with breath-taking views over the garden and out towards the castle. After an adventure filled day, you can freshen up in the well-appointed bathroom, before retiring to the first floor to catch your rest in one of three beautifully decorated bedrooms, a super-king-size with zip/link and views over the castle’s laird, a queen with castle and sea views, and an adult bunk, all with plenty of storage for your belongings. In the morning, take a tour of the castle where you will discover the famous Robert Adam’s Oval Staircase, a must-see for any guests. For a getaway to Scotland like no other, secure your stay at The Clocktower. Note: This property can be booked with Refs: 1060510, 1060512, 1060513, 1060514, 1060515, 1104229 and 1104228 together sleeping 31 guests.
In the 1100s, Maybole served as the capital of Carrick, a province of Scotland. The town hall, which dates back to the 19th century, and Maybole Castle, which is believed to date back to the 1560s, make the high street particularly eye-catching. There are a number of shops and pubs in the village now, as well as a quirky orange stone parish church that was once known for shoe manufacturing. Burns Country's capital city of Ayr, with all its amenities, is only five miles away, as is the stunning Ayrshire coastline. Galloway Forest is just 10 miles away, and Culzean Bay, with its grand castle and lovely gardens, is just 12 miles away. Located in the heart of Scotland's beautiful west coast, this is a wonderful
Accommodation
Three bedrooms: 1 x super-king-size (zip/link, can be twin on request), 1 x queen-size, 1 x adult bunk.
Ground-floor bathroom with bath, shower over, basin and WC.
Kitchen/diner with TV.
Living/dining room with woodburning stove.
Snug
Gas central heating with woodburning stove.
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, coffee machine.
3 x FreeSat TV, WiFi.
Fuel, power included in rent (Wood Burner Fuel not included).
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Travel cot and highchair available.
Off-road parking for 1 car.
Private, enclosed garden with lawn, decking and picnic bench.
Holiday guests can enjoy a complimentary tour of the castle, subject to normal opening hours and availability.
Access to the estate grounds outside of the regular opening hours.
Sorry, no pets and no smoking.
Shop 5.1 miles, pub 5.3 miles, beach 0.9 miles.
Cot bedding is not provided.
The garden is accessed from the outside of the property.
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 (15)
-
Morag
Location is excellent and it was great to explore the grounds of Culzean castle each evening when everyone else had gone home. House very clean and well maintained. Very comfy beds! Only improvements would be black out blinds (especially in the bunk room) and a more powerful shower. Would happily stay here again!
-
Gwyneth
Spacious, well equipped, and in a fantastic setting, overlooking the Castle. The perfect base for exploring the Castle and Country Park and coastline. It even had a lovely little garden to relax in.
-
Eileen
However, an absolute farce one of the nights we stayed as the castle fire alarm went off twice. Once just before midnight and again at 2:45am. This alarm was the most horrible sound and extremely loud from the accommodation. In both instances, the alarm rang continuously for approximately 45 minutes. Also, on both occasions, two fire engines arrived with continious blue flashing lights that lit up the accommodation like a disco. The lights were not switched off. The fire engines were left waiting for some time, until a member of staff eventually appeared with a key to the castle. The next morning, I called to try and speak to a member of staff at Culzean. Despite leaving a message and trying several times, nobody ever got back to me. This was so very disappointing, especially when paying a premium price to stay in unique accommodation. It was most difficult to settle on the following nights, as we were worried that the same situation would arise again. Would not return or recommend staying here.