Big Cottages & Group Accommodation in Stranraer

Reviews

What our customers say about their holidays

• Nicolene - Verified booking

  This is a dog friendly property a few minutes drive from the local shops, Morrisons, Lidl and a terrible Tesco.

  There is even a dog friendly cafe The Royal Cafe…..which we found on the last day. Waters Edge is a redecorated four bedroom (two of which are downstairs……) 70’s house with splendid views over Loch Ryan as far as the Irish Sea. I didn’t venture upstairs but my husband had a tour so I’m aware there are two bedrooms and a bathroom. On arrival, we were delighted by the appearance of the house and it’s proximity to the Loch. There’s a great lobby for coats and outdoor paraphernalia which is certainly a plus for keeping the interior clean and tidy. However, on opening the connecting door the overwhelming smell of cooking/dogs was most unwelcoming; perhaps an open window or two might have made this more bearable? The front bedroom has a very small double bed but, as we wanted the view, this was the room we settled on; our stay would have benefited vastly if the Master bed had been in this room. The kitchen diner is large and extremely well equipped, but there was food in the freezer and an (open) bag of some sort of savoury biscuits in the cupboard and many of the plates/pizza tray were filthy. A broom would have been good, I am disabled to the point where I can’t use a vacuum cleaner, There was an abundance of loo rolls, towels, bedding, which was brilliant but no bleach for the showers or the loos. Also, the electric shower power is desultory at best and you have to wait a long time for the water to heat up, but the absolute negative was the size if the showers - they are tiny. Agreed, there are baths, but I haven’t been able to access one of those in 17 years so it’s a shower or nothing. My tummy is black and blue from the shower door knobs. For that reason alone we could not recommend this property despite it’s excellent nature and dog friendliness. Also, there is no garden which people with dogs need to be advised about; it’s a dark, dangerous step to the park late at night for last walkies. And, please note, there is no milk at the property (other companies ensure a “welcome” pack of one degree or another). There was some fudge, but we left that behind as we wanted to leave everything exactly as we had found it, as instructed time and time again by Sykes Cottages who really do know how to write the rudest email messages I’ve ever read, implying all paying guests are somehow filthy, entitled and disrespectful. Overall we had a great time and the area is very relaxing especially with the five days of lovely weather when we could enjoy the patio table, but as much as we’d love to, I guess we won’t be back because the facilities do not meet my personal needs.

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• Daniel - Verified booking

  We booked Waters Edge for Christmas and had a most enjoyable stay.

  We would like to thank the owners for decorating the house and putting up a Christmas tree for our arrival. The house was very spacious and clean. The views from the lounge and the bedrooms looking over Loch Ryan were wonderful. It was like being on a cruise ship looking out onto the sea. There were a few issues with leaking windows which didn’t impact on our stay as we contacted the owner who responded promptly. The kitchen was large and had plenty of cupboard space and was well equipped. We enjoyed eating our Christmas dinner at the large dining table. Location is good as it is a short walk into town although you have to drive to the nearest beach. Despite it being dog friendly lack of a garden was an issue. If you are going in the winter months bring a torch with you to navigate the uneven concrete steps down to the road. There is a light on the porch but it doesn’t help going down the stairs. A security light on the garage door would help solve this situation. The owners were good enough to let us use their garage as we had two cars with us but it was tricky to navigate into as you have to reverse in at an angle. The parking for the other car was also difficult as it wasn’t easy negotiating the uneven concrete parking space. Some of the furnishings didn’t reflect on the price that we paid for six nights (£1200). Beside cabinets in the main bedroom were more suited for a bathroom and small plastic lamps were not a good look. There were two side tables in the lounge but both had lamps on them. A couple of extra tables or a nest of tables is necessary as there was nowhere to place our drinks or snacks. None of the bathroom windows had blinds but windows were covered with a plastic film which made them look unfinished. The upstairs bathroom in particular needed a blind as the top part of the window had no plastic film on it and you felt as if the neighbours could see in. Some of the issues may seem as minor but again reflecting on the price would need to be addressed. Unfortunately we would not return due to the lack of garden and the parking issue. If we had had a third car, as the house accommodates eight people, I would not like to park my car 100 yards from the house. We would still recommend this holiday house for families if you don’t mind the issues we have highlighted.

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• Catherine - Verified booking

  Marie gave us a warm welcome and had provided lots of thoughtful touches such as delicious homemade wheaten bread and rocky road, local cheese and Arran toiletries.

  The house itself is immaculate and beautifully decorated and furnished. All the rooms are spacious but very cosy. The views across the sea, to the light house and over to Ireland and Kintyre are magnificent. Being surrounded by the grazing animals added to the feeling of being in the heart of the countryside. Everyone we met was very friendly and kind. We stayed relaxing at the house for much of the time because we felt so at home. Other days we played golf and visited the pretty seaside village of Portpatrick. Had a wonderful afternoon on the stunning Lady Bay beach which is close by. Fabulous scenery and wildlife all over the area. Cannot recommend this property highly enough if you want super accommodation in a relaxing and peaceful setting.

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• Fiona - Verified booking

  Had such a relaxing week at Waters Edge.

  Plenty of space with stunning views. Bring binoculars and cafetiere! Easy flat walk into town through lovely park with daily activities. Friendly locals and great shops and cafes - 3 supermarkets! Really hope to return and would recommend . Points to note for info only - parking, one small, awkward space and narrow road to turn. Alternative parking is out of sight from house. House windows tired and needed cleaning inside and out - condensation inside glass panels spoilt the view. Poor maintenance of steep path and plants proved challenging for pram. Old bird dropping s on glass balustrade - all easy to rectify for next guests. Don't be put off ! We would still recommend and hope to return next year

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• John - Verified booking

  The property was beautifully clean on arrival, which was most appreciated, thanks to the high standards of the housekeeper!

  ! The house is situated perfectly, the views from the front room/bedroom were stunning and the walks around Loch Ryan were just perfect for the photographer, like myself. I shall miss the Oyster Catcher and Curlew noises from the bedroom in the evening and morning!! We done a visit to Belfast on the Stenaline, we managed to pick a day where it was just £15 each, apparently there are 3 days out of the 7 that are priced cheaper to get you over to Belfast shopping??!! We were happy with that! Portpatrick was a beautiful place to visit and walk around also. Overall we were extremely happy with our stay, the property was perfect and Stranraer had lots to offer us, we'll be back, regards Amanda Baldwin

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