The Mansion House at Kirkhill

We had a nice stay at Kirkhill, but I’d avoid it if you don’t want to risk losing money. We paid to have the hot tub for the weekend, but when we went to use it on Friday evening it was empty. I reported it and was told they’d sort it ASAP. By Saturday afternoon it still hadn’t been filled. The caretaker started filling it Saturday evening, but it takes hours to fill and around 12 hours to heat, so we couldn’t use it at all. I asked for a refund and was told it would be arranged, but the money never came back. I followed up several times and was repeatedly told they’d sort it, then they stopped answering my emails. Five months later I still had no refund and no reply. Very, very poor. We also didn’t know the caretaker lived in the basement of the house, where there are rooms guests also use. It would have been useful to know beforehand. We approached him thinking someone was trying to break in. Another guest, thinking it was a private property and only us girls were staying there, walked naked between bedrooms. If she’d come across an unknown man there moments later, she would have been terrified.

There’s lots of garden furniture outside, and the house was clean and comfortable. It worked well for our long weekend with a large party, and it’s hard to find somewhere big enough for 30-plus at this price. It sleeps 32 comfortably, with individual beds and a kitchen equipped to feed everyone. The owner set up the table so all 32 could dine together. The grand hall is great for hosting events once the table is moved.

My partner and I had a wonderful time here. The hot tub setting was gorgeous, and the dining area and living room were lovely. I’d highly recommend it. Only regret is we didn’t book more time! 😂

We had a great weekend at Kirkhill for a wedding and family get-together, and I’d return. The house had room for all 28 adults and 10 young children. There’s a big kitchen, a long table that seats about 25, and a sitting area next to it with several sofas. We also enjoyed the games room and its newly refurbished pool table. The grounds have loads of room for the bouncy castle we hired. There’s a hot tub too, though we didn’t use it. It was good value for money, and the owner was available if we needed help. Most of the interior has been freshly decorated. There are some issues, especially with the bedrooms and weak Wi-Fi, and it isn’t five-star. If you expect perfection, it may not be the place for you, but I’d recommend it.