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.

  Read more less >

• Louise - Verified booking

  Dirty and tired.

  Stayed at NO. 16. Absolutely disgusting. We tried to stick it out but after a few days we couldn't carry on with it. We contacted Skyee Cottage to be helped but received little support. We had to find another property. We were then told after we left that the carpets and sofa are going to be replaced on the 20th June 2024. Overall... Cons. 1. Decore is tired. 2. Carpets are soiled with heavy stains. 3. Sofa and chairs are rancid. Absolutely disgusting. Made us feel itchy and uncomfortable with the state of the place. 4. Found dirt and food benind sofa. Kitchen draws had crumbs and dirt. 5. Windows were filthy and full of cobwebs. Thick Dirt and dust behind and under beds. 6. Never complained about a holiday before but this was a joke. Had to wash our cloths when we got out. Pros. 1. Mattress was dirty but not stained. Very hard but not a problem. 2. Room sizes were ok as well. 3. The Site was us ok for us . Staff were very friendly. Pool was ok. And we liked the table tennis and ping pong. 4. Parking for 1 car.. 5.Decking area was nice. 6. Kitchen has what you need. (Tiles are gruby tho). Please check the standard of no. 16 Savita Cottage before going. Ensure the upgrades have happened. It's no joke. It's terrible. I don't consider myself to be fussy. But it was awful especially for the price. As it stands we are awaiting some sort of resolution. But to be honest I'm not holding out much hope. As we just keep getting told the owner will be spoken to and then we'll get an update. As of close of business today we have had nothing

  Read more less >

• Claire - Verified booking

  It's a lovely cottage.

  The sunroom is brilliant, and the views are outstanding. The location is beautiful, and the garden was perfect for our dog. Having the beach just over the road and the ability to walk in the woods and go to Culzean Castle was just perfect. The pub, Ropes, is good. The food and beer are lovely, and it is dog-friendly outside. We did not go to the restaurant as it is not dog-friendly. The shop/cafe/post office is a gem! You honestly need never leave the village; everything is right there—even an ice cream van comes to visit, making your stay even more convenient. The cottage is exceptionally well equipped, leaving us feeling secure and comfortable. We cannot think of anything that was missing. The bed was a little too firm for my husband and like concrete for me. Despite the overall positive experience, we were surprised and a bit disappointed to find that there was no welcome pack, not even a pint of milk. Basic amenities like tea, coffee, and sugar were also missing from the canisters provided. Additionally, we felt some information or tourist leaflets about the area would have been helpful. We picked up some information leaflets from the Girvan tourist information office and left them in the cottage. Also, the tile grout and caulk in the shower need a good cleaning, and there is some mould around some of the window frames. We had a truly fantastic time and will definitely return again, assuring you of the overall positive experience we had.

  Read more less >

• 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.

  Read more less >

• Fergus - Verified booking

  Our 5th stay at the Segganwell cottages over a 20 year period.

  As ever the location is one of the most spectacular and special we have ever encountered. The cottages have recently had new kitchens and bathrooms installed which are great. However, the kitchen did have absolutely no space to put food other than in the fridge, and the selection of crockery was not great. Also, for those who have travelled a fair distance and arrive late in the evening it would be good if there were a couple of firelighters and a few logs to get you going on a cold evening without having to go out again. We visited the cottage before children, 3 times with young children and on this occasion with older teenagers when we booked both cottages. It is the most amazing location and experience for children, our children have fantastic memories of Culzean, as do the children of friends we have stayed there with. Flicking through the visitors book we are not the only people to have had this experience, it is full of repeat visitors and children with wonderful memories. My point here is why have you removed the bunk beds ? Children can no longer visit and experience the wonders of these glorious cottages. As I said earlier we stayed as a couple before children and having bunk beds in the alcove was absolutely not an issue.

  Read more less >