Dog Friendly Ayrshire Holiday Cottages

Reviews

What our customers say about their holidays

• Hayley - Verified booking

  Overall, a little disappointed with our stay at South Segganwell.

  You cannot deny the beauty of the surrounding area and views from the cottage but there were more than a few issues, which left us feeling somewhat disappointed for what we paid. The cottage was clean and bed was comfortable, however we were not keen on the bedding/sheet, the quilt didn't fit the cover/sheet and it just got a bit annoying after a couple of nights. Quite fussy, I know, but its the little things that really do make your stay special and cozy. We actually had a bit of a rejig of the furniture in the lounge because there was a big chair in front of the window with its back to the amazing views outside. Therefore we placed the dining table in the window bay so we could enjoy the views while we ate our meals. Just be aware that there is people constantly walking past the cottage and looking in, so if that bothers I wouldn't recommend. The only way you can get any privacy at the cottage is to keep the bottom shutters closed, but that blocks out a lot of light. There were a few facilities listed that were not present/inaccurate that let the cottage down... There was no DVD player, despite us specifically checking with Sykes about this, prior to our holiday and it being advertised on the property description. We spent money and time selecting some dvds prior to our holiday, so this was very disappointing. We did contact Sykes about it while we were there but it took them a few days to reply, towards the end of our stay, by which time it was too late, and the issue was never resolved, nor were we contacted by the owners about this. The cottage description advertises a 'private lawn', however this was not private, with the general public having their own picnics etc right outside your front door. Nor was there a 'patio garden', or 'garden', as advertised. Some other side issues were there being some basic but essential items missing from the cottage such as tin opener, bottle opener, corkscrew, things like that. These little things all just added to our frustrations. Most self catering cottages we've stayed in through Sykes have basic items such as salt, pepper, cooking oil, toilet roll, maybe a pint of milk to get you started, however these were not present. So a note to future holiday makers at the cottage, you need to take absolutely everything with you! There was also no fuel for the open fire, which I think is a bit silly to advertise an 'open fire', without even providing a few logs to get you started. There was a bit of a fly/insect issue in the kitchen so I think the cottage would really benefit from a fly screen, particularly in the kitchen. I know a lot of this sounds really picky but little things like, salt and pepper, a tin opener, cozy & comfortable bedsheets, really do go a long way! And if I knew all of the above before I'd stayed at the cottage. I would have come a lot more well prepared. The cottage location is undeniabley beautiful but we sometimes felt a bit 'on show' with passers by, dog walkers etc. A couple of times when we were sat on the lawn in front of the cottage, dogs ran in the cottage and a couple of people even thought the cottage was public toilets. Maybe a clear sign, letting the public know that it is 'private property and to respect the privacy of the residents' would go a really long way!? And just another little side not to future holidaymakers, we had no problem getting a phone signal at SS, which was useful. I don't think we'll be heading back to South Segganwell anytime soon unfortunately.

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• Sarah - Verified booking

  Overall the property was really lovely, it was let down by some smaller issues though.

  There was no welcome/info folder, property owner advised that it was being updated however having read a review from last month there wasn’t one then either. We holiday twice a year in the UK and have done for 5+ years and never not had a folder with useful property and local information. There is no normal TV, all done through catch up apps - again if there was a welcome/info pack we would have found this out sooner and not had to contact the property owner. Also, if people staying here do not have catch up accounts, you cannot watch anything. Many lights missing bulbs or just not working, the one in the porch by the front door meaning when you arrive back in the dark you cannot see well at all. Also, bedside lamps would be great! Only 2 bulbs out of the 5 in the living room light were working. Had to hunt for crockery as there was non in the cupboard, then found it all set up in the conservatory, which is a lovely touch but maybe get more so people do not have to ferry the plates etc to the kitchen. Having cameras set up in the garden was a little off putting, granted they may not be in use when the property is occupied but it made us feel a little uncomfortable. Unable to turn some of the radiators off and unable to locate a thermostat. Also, not the greatest welcome when both dustbins overflowing with rubbish out the front and bags of rubbish left next to the bins.

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• Karen - Verified booking

  I am from Ayrshire and spent many a happy time at beautiful Culzean and Croyshore.

  I have always wanted to stay at Segganwell. The cottage was cosy, clean and comfortable but in need of some TLC. It is pleasing to know that the cottages are due for rennivation in 2022 as they do need it. I was happy with my stay there however I suggest the following improvements: The welcome pack consisted of 2 teabags, coffee sachets, sugar, milk and a couple of biscuits which is very poor in comparison to other Sykes cottages e.g. eggs, bacon, butter, fresh coffee, homemade scones and jam I came prepared with logs etc but I do think a starter pack should be included. The kitchen equipment is good but sharp knifes and kitchen scissors would be useful. The shower is a sprinkle and needs fixing. I suggest a matt at the front door and shoe rack at the front door. There are no laundry facilities, not that I want to be washing clothes but I am sure this addition would be useful for families. All if these items have been conveyed in previous feedback by other customers. It is dissapointing that they dont seem to be actioned particularly with the cost of staying there. It will be lovely to see these cottages when they have been rennivated. I had my head torch but I do think there needs to be installation of lighting leading down the steps to the cottage and handrails on either side.

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• F - Verified booking

  The location was perfect, in fact exceeded my expectations, however, the cottage could be improved & I felt it was overpriced for what it was.

  The living/dining area was good. Bedroom was a good size, however, if being advertised as sleeps to, it would be better to take the bunk-beds out. The kitchen was a bit pokey and dark. The chopping boards were very worn and as a vegetarian, I was concerned about contamination. I went and bought one for my own use from the supermarket! The sharp knives, as fairly normal in self catering places, were blunt. I understand that you don't want to provide top quality as sadly, people will take them, however, when you can't actually cut your food, it makes the idea of self-catering limited. There were no scissors and no bread knife! It's fine not providing these things, but don't advertise it as self-catering. Lastly, a coat of paint and removal of black mould on the walls would be great. I couldn't seem to find any information about the property, i.e. dealing with rubbish and recycling or whether there were any outdoor chairs to sit on other than the bench. The information may have been in there, but I didn't find it, so it would be good to leave it on the table along with a 'things to do in the area' for people to read on arrival. Overall, I had a good time and loved the location and I would go back. However, a little TLC on the property would make it better and worth the cost.

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• Steve - Verified booking

  We had a wonderful week at Culzean Castle in South Segganwell Cottage.

  We took our two dachshunds and they quickly settled in. Although it’s 100 steps down from the car park we only went back up them a couple of times during the whole week. We mainly walked along the beach and upwards past the gas house to the castle or North along the beach towards Dunure. The castle grounds are excellent, and take time to go inside Culzean Castle itself, the guides are really friendly and are well informed about the history of the place. Segganwell cottage was perfect, beautifully clean and very warm. Lots of towels and a comfy bed. You will need to take more loo rolls if staying for more than a couple of days but everything else is there including some great smelling shower gels and shampoos. Also there is a hairdryer provided. We took some spare towels and blankets for the dogs and be aware that when it rains the water creeps under the front door so have an old towel ready. The sea views are amazing, it was so lovely to wake up to the waves splashing on the shore. Everyday we saw different wildlife including ducks, a resident swan and a blue heron. The weather was great even when it rained we still got out and enjoyed the walks and the fantastic scenery. We definitely recommend this place for a quiet getaway.

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