South Stables - House Of Dun

We have stayed at the House of Dun 7 times, six times at South Stables.

The situation of the flat in the courtyard is superb, the grounds are beautiful with a variety of different walks to enjoy. A tour of the House of Dun by the fabulous Colin as ‘William’ is always a fascinating experience. The museum is well displayed and there are lots of different events programmed over the year. We particularly love it in the autumn as the skeins of geese fly over on their way to the Montrose basin and the nerines are in flower along the back of the walled garden. The flat is comfortable, though the stone steps up to the entrance are challenging when carrying up cases! The plants for sale are a bonus and we usually bring some back for our garden. We have loved every visit here.

Our second time staying in the stables at The House of Dun.

We love it here, accommodation is great and isn't missing anything at all. We really enjoy spending time round the estate and the easy access to surrounding beaches and Cairngorms is a big plus.

The Stable block accommodation was very comfortable and it was a delightful place to stay, The staff were very friendly but not intrusive, and the grounds and gardens were wonderful to explore out of hours with a wide variety of walks close at hand.

Easy accommodation with 2 dogs. The steep stair up to the front door was the only possible problem if a visitor was infirm. The trolley provided to help take luggage to the car was much appreciated. Thank you for making our stay a very enjoyable one!

The property was very nice, well laid out and comfortable.

Unfortunately we had problems with the shower for nearly the whole week. (It was finally fixed the day before we left.) Also the handbasin pop-up plug was broken, so we had no way of filling the basin either! Even after we reported the problem, we had to find a hardware shop ourselves to get ourselves a rubber plug for it. It was very cold while we were there and the small convector heater in the kitchen also did not work. We reported this too but with no outcome. However, when we reported the broken switch on the kettle, it was replaced within a couple of hours! Also, the kitchen tap was very difficult to turn off completely, especially with arthritic hands. And as I would imagine it is usually more elderly folk who book this type of acommodation, many of whom will have arthitis, this is not helpful. It is a shame that our time in this lovely area was let down by poor facilities and maintenance.

Absolutely wonderful week stay at the South Stable, NTS House of Dun.

The property itself is very tastefully decorated inside and has everything you need for a comfortable weeks stay. The bed was very comfy and the kitchen had all the utensils for cooking that you’d hope to find. The dishwasher and washing machine are definitely a plus. The accommodation was absolutely spotless when we arrived with a folder giving all the instructions needed, plus contact numbers of NTS staff if you need to contact anyone. One note for people of reduced mobility is that there are a flight of stairs up to the flat, as can clearly be seen in the photos. This does make taking your luggage that little bit harder, but a trolley is provided for the distance between where your car is parked and the flat to make life that bit easier. There are various walks that can be done around the grounds if you wish, these can be done when the house is closed and everyone has gone home, again if you wish. After the visitors and staff have gone home then the grounds of the property are there for you to explore for yourself. We would absolutely recommend not only this wonderful property, but booking a National Trust for Scotland property through Sykes.

Absolutely loved this place from the cosy apartment, the beautiful grounds and amazing hospitality of the people that work there.

Our trip was made even more special with the festive lights and frosty mornings to get us in the festive spirit. We all had a truly magical time, including the dogs who like us were reluctant to leave - thank you

We had a great week at South Stables.

Even the weather was mostly kind to us. For two people and a dog the accommodation was ideal. The property was well equipped, beautifully clean and as House of Dun was only open to the public for part of the week, we felt quite privileged. It does, however, have possibly the fiercest shower I have ever encountered. Combining a hair wash with a head massage is as I discovered quite relaxing. Thank you for a great week.

Rather small cottages when publishing it for 4 - although there were 2 bedrooms for 2 persons each, the lounge area and seating would not give much space, the dining table hardly suffices for 2; bathroom gave youth hostel impression rather than National Trust quality.

Kitchen floor linoleum isn’t what fits the property, the bin lid and 1 cupboard door loose and facilities not built-in;

The onsite cafe , book/gift shop, access to the grounds make this a perfect holiday.

Our dog particularly enjoyed making friends with the treat friendly staff. We mainly self catered but a few mornings had brunch in the cafe. All the staff are lovely, friendly and helpful.

We loved our stay at the House of Dun South Stables, in particular we enjoyed the access to the grounds out of hours, and the great walks around the grounds.

The beds were really comfortable, there was lots of hot water (though larger towels would have been nice), the kitchen was pretty well equipped, it is so peaceful at the House of Dun and the views were lovely in all directions. We didn't mind all the steps up to the front door, they kept us fit! The onsite staff were really friendly and helpful, and Colin gives the best guided tours (we really loved his costumes and extra information, plus the 'lucky' pennies!); Kevin, the operations manager, also responded out of hours when a major issue occurred with the kitchen tap and resolved the issue swiftly. However, there were things outside of the local staff's control - namely the fact that we had no internet all week (though Shona did her best to chase up the new router), and the fact that our first night's accommodation was cancelled at short notice due to Storm Floris. Bottom line - there are things that could be improved, but hopefully these will all be resolved when we next stay!

Lovely property - comfortable, spacious, clean and nicely furnished and decorated.

The staff/volunteers at House of Dun were friendly and helpful. Very special to explore the beautiful grounds when everyone else had gone home.

We had sole access to the beautiful gardens, and grounds during our stay.

We felt like Lord and Lady of the Manor!

Lovely accommodation, fabulous views / surroundings, friendly staff who were especially kind to our young children.

This is the best National Trust for Scotland property we have stayed in so far (though the others - East Wing Castle Fraser, and cottages at Hill of Tarvit - were also great). Days out exploring the grounds, doing a guided tour of the house, Lunan Bay, birdwatching at Montrose Basin visitor centre, Montrose Air Station museum, brunch & play at Charleton Fruit Farm. We will definitely return!

Lovely place for a restful break.

Absolutely brilliant place to stay

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..a great Holiday experience at a special location - Ideal for Dog`s and humans. Tidy, cosy and all you need for a perfect break. Location on the grounds of House of Dun is fantastic. Next supermarkets 5 minutes by Car, the next endless Beach 15 minutes away. The only `but` - you must climb 18 steps ( outside steep stair ) to reach the entrance. But it`s worth the effort

We loved our stay in South Stables in October.

The property was comfortable and roomy with everything needed. Great views from the master bedroom. The staff were really friendly and Henry our Labrador enjoyed the woodland walks and extra treats including doggie ice cream from the cafe. Great location near to beautiful beaches.

This was the seventh time we have stayed in this flat.

Set within the House of Dun it is fabulous especially at this time of year with autumn colours and 1000s of geese flying to and from Montrose Basin. The gardens are lovely - never managed to grow nerines like them - a line of vibrant pink. The stunning beaches of St Cyrus and Lunan Bay are close by and there is a huge amount to discover whether you are interested in castles, museums, Pictish stones, or whiskey. The tour around Fettercairn was the best we’d been on. And the displays at the House of Dun are excellent and the house tour led by’William’ brilliant. Only once caught in storms in the autumn in 2023. Booked for next year! Always good to but plants to take back and add to our garden as a reminder! The flat is comfortable and it is good to have a washing machine after any muddy walks! The only extra we would like are extra bedside lamps and an extra light in the lounge. Not a fan of flat trays but that’s just being picky!

Lovely, clean, comfortable accommodation.

We did wonder why there was a lovely cream carpet everywhere when dogs are allowed. We didn’t have any accidents & fortunately the weather was dry so no mud came in which was a relief. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay and will probably return to have a tour of the house & explore the grounds more as we didn’t have time on this occasion. Thank you to all those who look after the property as it was beautifully presented & our dog loved the treats & ball.

We have just returned home from a fabulous week’s holiday at the House of Dun.

The accommodation in the south Stables exceeded our expectations, the furnishings were to a high standard with extremely comfortable beds, very clean with good information about the surrounding area. The staff were very friendly and welcoming, a free tour of the house was a nice bonus. To have the grounds to ourselves when the House was closed was magical. The gardens are beautiful even in mid September the flowers were beautiful. We would have no hesitation in staying again.

heating boiler leaking.

Towels on bunker top left to soak up dripping water Repair made midway during stay. Doors hanging off kitchen units as well as oven. Stayed here before the place looks tired. Waste of money came home early.

When we arrived there was a bucket under the boiler, which did not contain the number of leaks.

As a result it was leaking onto the worktop. We reported this and eventually spoke to someone but took no action. We ended up emptying the bucket twice a day. They did not warn us of this existing problem and supplied nothing to mop the water up. They gave us one very small sponge for washing up. One of the draws and one of the cupboards needed repairing. The oven door was in a poor state. No spare light bulbs, as two had gone already. This is the worst National Trust property we have stayed in. National Trust seemed very distant to our needs. So we would not recommend this place until they update the kitchen and address problems.

South Stables is an excellently presented property which I could not fault in any way.

One minor improvement would be to furnish the welcome folder with the Dun Estate walking map, and the brochure rack with the SWWT Montrose basin map/guide leaflet.

Superb accommodation with great facilities in a magnificent setting!

Will definitely return!

Loved the property, in beautiful grounds.

Very comfy beds. Thoroughly enjoyed our weeks stay and the complimentary house of Dun tour was really good.

Generally very happy with the property.

Just a few items looking a little tired, kitchen draws, toaster only works on one side, towel holder in the bathroom drops off. Bed was great and the lounge furniture too and the shower was great once it warmed up.

We had a relaxing lovely time.

Location excellent, very quiet and dark. The staff were very helpful as well.

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.. a perfect place / perfect location - friendly and extrem helpful staff - ideal to discover the area from Stonehaven to Dundee... The forest and Park gives Dog a perfect place too. The only but`s : The stair is an old steep stair with 20 steps - nice to see but not always to climb. Inside you find everything you need from perfect heating to Power Shower - only the fridge with feezing compartment is convenient for a single household but not for a four person accommodation However - a week here at House of Dun is more than recommended. When the house is closed you have all on your own

The South Stables is in a wonderful position and able to enjoy the beautiful National Trust for Scotland property The House of Dun.

Beautiful beaches of Lunan Bay and St Cyrus are close by, a mere 30 miles to Dundee and if you come when the geese are flying over to Montrose Basin it is truly magical. The staff at the House of Dun are friendly and helpful, with suggestions for other places to visit. The House of Dun is fascinating to visit and the enjoyable tours by the knowledgeable’William’ should not be missed. We love going there and the only criticism for us is that since letting changed to be made through Sykes we can no longer book on a Friday to Friday which we preferred for travelling.

This is a great property.

The furnishings and decoration are excellent. The location next to the house of Dun is great. The property is within reach of many local attractions all within half and hour: two great beaches St Cyrus and Lunan, towns such as Arbroath and Montrose and Glen Esk and glen Doll. I would highly recommend. P.s. The staff are also great. Minor downsides: small fridge so think about buying some frozen foods for the ice box. Great washer but no dryer, so you have to use the wooden clothes racks.

We really enjoyed our stay in South Stables, the accommodation was excellent, very clean, well equipped and maintained.

The staff were very helpful, and went out of their way to assist us. I would thoroughly recommend a stay at the House of Dun.

The location, on site NT staff and the cottage itself were as great as when we last stayed 10 years ago.

What has altered is Sykes management. The site promised a DVD player and we took lots of our favourites and there wasn't one. We are now at Crathes cottage and the same applies, though this 2nd property doesn't have Netflix either. The kitchen was very poorly stocked, we had to buy a baking tin and a measuring jug but many other basics were missing. At Crathes we have already had to buy kitchen scissors, the settee has a leg missing and is propped up by books and the bathroom mirror almost fell of the wall when we turned on the light. The NT used to leave milk and a nice welcome tray with fresh flowers. Sykes clearly don't.

Magical surroundings with a view from the second bedroom across the Montrose basin.

Views from the other windows show the house plus the small avenue of trees which lead to the courtyard and the stables apartment. The apartment itself was furnished to very high standards and spotless. All the staff or volunteers were incredibly friendly, helpful and enthusiastic about their property. An abiding memory is that of sitting on the terrace overlooking the Montrose basin and having the whole grounds to ourselves after the visitors had left. The formal gardens are immaculate. A property not to miss and we would hope to return to again.

The property was very luxurious and had everything that we needed.

On our doorstep were the walks around the forests and gardens, we couldn't believe how beautiful the area was. Our stay was made more special by the staff that would do everything to make our stay a pleasant as possible. They were very helpful and were more than happy (and went out of their way) to give their expert knowledge of the grand house, gardens and history of the family. We would thoroughly recommend a stay at the House of Dun, and also the National Trust for Scotland properties.

House of Dun staff were friendly and helpful making the whole stay even more enjoyable.

Lots to do locally and on the estate itself (green walk was beautiful and kids enjoyed the complimentary house tour).

Nice property but it should have been stated that it was an ISOLATED property.

Not suitable for certain people. Very noisy central heating system and a TINY fridge. Barely adequate crockery, 8 of each item rather than 4 would not have broken the bank and would have been far more appropriate. I imagine it would be lovely in the summer.

This property was beautifully decorated and very comfortable.

The surrounding estate provided many enjoyable walks. Really enjoyed our stay.

We had a wonderful 3 nights in the apartment.

It was spotless and the national trust staff were all very nice. We took our Cockapoo Teddy into the tearoom and he was fussed over and given treats. We definitely hope to be back .

Just love it here.

Flat is warm and comfortable, comfy bed ! Fridge is a wee bit wee ;-) no room for my beer! Wife kept putting food in it ! Grounds are amazing, and the NTS staff are fantastic! Already booked for next year !

Beautiful estate, grounds are stunning.

The staff of the National Trust are amazing! Everyone is so friendly, helpful and kind. Can’t wait to return.

The property is lovely - we have stayed several times and love the position of the flat.

The team at the House of Dun are welcoming and helpful and we have enjoyed seeing how the link with the collections from the Angus Folk Museum has developed so successfully. When we first came across the property we booked it directly through the National Trust of Scotland and the rental was Friday to Friday which we preferred. We want to return but have found trying to book on line tonight impossible. We have a code for a discount of £40 that is not recognised, we do not require insurance through Sykes and when phoning there is no message to say when the phone lines are open. It has been very frustrating wanting to book for next year and unable to do so. Ironic that there is a booking fee of £45 but not a helpline if something goes wrong with the system.

We loved South Stables.

There was exactly the right mix modern facilities and “old fashioned” comfort and charm. We savoured the peace and beauty of the location, enhanced by the coming and going of 20,000 Pink Footed Geese on the adjacent Montrose Basin - a superb spectacle! And the National Trust staff could not have been more friendly and helpful; they made us feel really welcome. We look forward to our next trip.

We really loved staying in the stables.

The flat was perfect and was much more stylish inside than the photos suggested. The staff at the House of Dun were very helpful and friendly. We loved having the grounds to ourselves in the evening. The kitchen was well equipped with good quality pans, knives and crockery. My only suggestion is that the cooking equipment would be improved by the addition of some ovenproof dishes so that the oven and microwave could be used as well as the hob.

Thank you for a lovely relaxing stay, lovely staff, very clean cottage, beautifully furnished, we loved being able to explore the estate after closing time and our dog very much appreciated her welcome pack.

A very tiny negative was, there could do with some more cooking dishes/trays, but we couldn't fault our stay otherwise. Thank you to all the team.

Our second stay in the South Stables, again excellent & the National Trust staff were very welcoming and kind.

Thank you. Rosemary

The property is far nicer than the pictures on the listing show.

It might be worthwhile to update your images. Only slight quibbles were both bedrooms have two single beds rather than one double bed and one with singles. Also not easy for 4 people to sit down to eat together. There was only three in our party and we just about squeezed in round the table. Otherwise the Stables were excellent and we really enjoyed our stay

A wonderful gem.

..located on an NTS estate. You feel like living in a Museum. Perfect location, truly amazing walks from the doorstep. Also, you are within reach of all the attractions that Region has to offer. We will gladly return. (One little thing: the fridge needs to be a size bigger;-))

We had a great weekend here.

The staff on the premises were friendly and very welcoming! Gave us great tips for walks and beaches etc. The flat was spotless, warm and comfortable. The grounds are beautiful! Pity there’s 2 single beds in both bedrooms? Don’t know why they didn’t opt for a double or even a Kingsize in the lovely and bright bigger bedroom? Not a criticism, only an observation because we’re already booked to go back ! Can’t wait !

We had a most enjoyable week at South Stables.

The House of Dun is in a spectacular setting and the NTS staff were really friendly and welcoming. There is a huge estate with extensive walks which we enjoyed with our dog, and the NTS land extends to the Montrose Basis nature reserve where there are several wildlife hides for birdwatching. The area has lots to see and do and we particularly enjoyed visits to Dunotter Castle at Stonehaven, and the fascinating and vibrant city of Dundee where we would highly recommend the Discovery and the Verdant Works Jute Museum. The cottage itself was warm and cosy and beautifully decorated having been freshly renovated. Slightly too beautiful - it was carpeted throughout with a pale beige carpet which was not ideal for a dog-friendly property on a muddy estate! The staff we spoke to were aware of this and said they had received similar feedback from other guests, so I imagine that the carpet in the entrance hall at least will be changed to something a bit more practical (which no doubt the housekeeper will be very thankful for!). There was also a problem with the shower which had been newly fitted and did not seem to have been set up properly so was not very warm, which was not a big issue to us but a hot shower would have been nice given the cold weather. We reported this and the staff were very apologetic and said they would get it fixed for future guests. Finally the kitchen could have done with some more cooking dishes for the microwave and oven, and some basic supplies such as salt & pepper, clingfilm & foil etc that are often provided in holiday properties. These were only tiny issues which did not impact our enjoyment of the holiday at all and we would thoroughly recommend South Stables as a lovely place to stay and an ideal base for exploring the area.

The cottage was clean, well presented and very warm - very important in mid December.

The NTS staff we met were very helpful and pleasant. In particular, the lady who gave us a tour of the House of Dun itself. It was a very interesting tour and an unexpected and lovely bonus. Thank you

Excellent short stay.

Quiet but beautiful location. Accommodation was spotless and tastefully decorated. Shower nice and powerful as hot water came direct from the new (ish) condensing boiler. Good selection of games. We particularly liked the NTS game (can it be purchased by the public?). Met two members of staff briefly who were warm and friendly. Will recommend to friends.

This cosy comfortable cottage is ideal for a break.

Staff at Dun House also very helpful and informative, planning to return again soon - we loved it!

This is a true little gem!

Rooms were lovely and spacious. Kitchen was large and had everything needed. The grounds of the house were beautiful. All the staff we spoke to were incredibly friendly and helpful. Spot on!

South Stables was a great base for exploring the area.

The location is very peaceful, yet during the day there are several NTS staff around so you don’t feel isolated. The grounds are beautiful and great to walk around. The cottage is very traditional and has everything you need. It felt really homely and cosy inside. We arrived in the evening, it was dark and a bit drizzly, The were no signs to the stables and the place was deserted. The written directions we were perfect, but some additional signage to the stables up the main drive (maybe only put out when expecting visitors) would have been useful.