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"Had a great time at the flat, all rooms were spacious especially the bedrooms, the kitchen was well appointed and all the appliances looked new, the bathroom however was what you would call "bijou"."
Even though I was there in June the weather was very windy and a bit cold, however the night storage heaters were on when I arrived and the whole place was nice and warm. The main attraction is of course where the flat is - in a castle surrounded by beautiful woodlands with great walks and a large adventure playground for the kids. I have visited Culzean many times (I used to have a caravan along the shore) and I never grow tired of the place, I have stayed in two of the suites on the top floor of the castle and also in the Royal Artillery cottage - anyone staying in any of the properties will certainly not be disappointed.
However, a few little suggestions for the managemant to consider:-
1. A net curtain on the inside front door for a wee bit of privacy.
2. A handle to be fitted on the wardrobe door in the bedroom with the two single beds, the door was sticking - I had to use a spoon handle to prise it open.
3. A tray for carrying food to the dining table (maybe there was one but I didn't see any)
In conclusion, I can highly recommend the properties I've stayed in and I have every intention of booking in again.
Many thanks for your feedback which has been passed to the team at Culzean. We are planning to refurbish Brewhouse Flat over the coming winter.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Robert5.0★Jun 2024
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"We had a wonderful stay at the Brewhouse flat again in springtime and enjoyed the peace and beauty of the Culzean estate and its nearby beaches."
Apart from a visit to Alloway, everything we wished was on our doorstep. Having stayed there twice before, we knew the flat and what was provided; anything on our wish list for improvements is so tiny that it does not overshadow the restful and rewarding week there. Thank you NTS and Sykes
Reviewed by Patricia4.4★Apr 2024
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"This location exceeded our expectations."
The flat was clean, tidy and spacious. The NTS Scotland staff in the castle could not be more helpful. What a lovely spot. If you love the coast, history and the countryside, then you won't find better than this. Well done National Trust Scotland.
Many thanks for your lovely review. We are very lucky at the National Trust for Scotland to have cottages and apartments in such stunning locations.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Ian5.0★Apr 2024
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"Booked Brewhouse for short Autumn self-catering break, with easy country walks, and within an hour of family in Glasgow."
It ticked all the boxes and more! We'd never been to Culzean Castle before and were blown away by the views (best in the apartment was from corridor window).
Cons: 1. small bathroom with a shower over bath which both worked ok but not brilliantly (why only gave facilities a smile, not super smile)
2. Patchy wifi (could be considered a pro!)
Pros: 1. Views, views, views
2. Really comfortable beds and sofas
3. Castle with the enthusiastic guides in all the rooms (we did Lego self tour & then the guided grizzly tour)
4. Staying on a National Trust for Scotland property with a cafe, gift shop, second-hand bookshop, and recycling bins - so easy holiday rubbish sorting!
Thank you for your kind words. we will certainly consider the bathroom when Brewhouse is due its refurbishment,
Property Owner
Reviewed by Jane4.7★Oct 2023
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"Absolutely idyllic setting and flat was well equipped with everything you could need."
Reviewed by Rachel5.0★Sep 2023
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"Loved every minute of our stay at Brewhouse flat."
Very comfortable, cosy even on a very stormy night! Felt very special staying in the castle! So much to see and do in the grounds of Culzean. We’ll definitely be back! Thank you NTS.
Reviewed by Jane5.0★Sep 2023
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"Very peaceful, good walks around the gardens and nice views around the castle, staff helpful when needed with a couple of problems."
BAD POINTS. At night no security or cameras facing the flat, large rooms that look very sparse due to no pictures on walls, no slip mat in bath or hand rail very limited space in the bathroom, one side of bed very worn and uncomfortable. Would we stay here again. A BIG. NO.
Many thanks for your feedback and we will certainly check the beds you mention. We are not sure about the suggestion of security cameras for the Flat as most guests might find this intrusive, we do have security for the castle. We will certainly look at the decoration when we are reviewing properties for refurbishment.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Andrew3.1★Sep 2023
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"We really enjoyed our stay at Culzean Castle and loved having access to the grounds after they had closed to the public."
The Brewhouse is as quirky as you would hope an apartment in a castle would be: huge rooms and long corridors yet with modern bathroom and kitchen, well equipped with everything you could need.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks for taking the time to compete the feedback. Great to read you enjoyed your holiday and the private access you get in the evening. We hope to welcome you back to the NTS.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Robert4.1★Aug 2023
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"The setting is wonderful and very special in the evenings when you can wander the grounds and the beach in peace."
Numerous walks and paths kept us busy for a week and the excellent restaurant makes a good back up when self catering.The flat is well supplied and the beds are comfortable . The storage heaters make it quite hot so we turned them off in the bedroom. It would feel more luxurious if there were some more pictures (hooks but no art), the throws were of better quality with an armchair in the bedrooms etc. The furniture in the second bedroom was rather tatty and again no pictures or ‘comfort’. Visible cobwebs in the kitchen and bathroom window recesses and greater attention to cleaning skirting boards and around the toilet area was needed. While appreciating it is a coastal property, clean window exteriors would enhance the magnificent views and a more comfortable seating area outside would be an asset.
Many thanks for your feedback. The team at Culzean have received your feedback about the cleanliness issues and will attend to the matters. We have noted you comments about the decor and furniture. We are currently on a 3 year project to refurbish and refresh the NTS holiday cottages. We do take all feedback seriously.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Anthony3.8★Aug 2023
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"Stayed in many Trust properties over the years and this was the most disappointing and ironically the most expensive one we have visited."
Not value for money! There was the basics, but a lack of attention to the details. For example, there was washing up liquid to do the dishes but no sponge or dish brush and only one tea towel for the week. The 'private' gargen was not marked as such and had at least two groups come around to see what was there, one of whom was part of a wedding party looking for a quite spot to drink thier beer. The garden is a small mown triangle of lawn, with 8 manhole covers, one of which must have been part of the sewers because it smelt and the smell blew into the flat (hence the need for the scented defuser in the living room. The dark chocolate brown carpet and cream walls are depressing and the feel of the flat was dark. The view from the windows over to Arran is obscured by Sycamore saplings the have grown up, and really could do with a prune. As mentioned by others, the WiFi is only really accessible in the hallway. That is another quick fix, but as I say the lack of attention to detail (and previous feedback) mean that this is still an issue. While on gadgets, the cheap TV need updating to receive HD because we were unable to watch the local news for weather updates. Like a lot of things about this property, for the price you'd expect better and from the Trust too. Finally one of the polite notices ask that you don't put tea bags down the toilet: who knew that was a thing! So overall a lovely setting in a lovely part of the country, but a not so lovely flat. We will not be back.
Reviewed by K2.8★Aug 2023
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"It was like having your own piece of paradise when most of the day visitors had gone."
So much so see and do on the estate let alone elsewhere. Well equipped kitchen and comfortable. We have only one suggestion. Understandably the mobile signal is poor inside the flat, being semi-basment and with thick walls, but the wifi is shaky in the bedroom. The property is on one floor and presumably the bedrooms and sitting room are on the same electric circuit. A Wifi extender that plugs into the electric circuit is better in buildings with thick walls.
Thank you very much for your feedback, we glad you enjoyed your stay at Culzean. We are currently working on improving or providing wifi at most of our locations.
Property Owner
Reviewed by F4.4★Jul 2023
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"The dullest and most sparse furnishing ever seen in a historic holiday cottage."
Battleship grey sofas on liver coloured flooring! Jig! Neatly and large but not cousy. Comparative standards: NT cottages, other NTS cottages before Sykes took over, Landmark Trust Cottages and Irish Landmark Trust Cottages. And what we three really missed: a simple garden set to be able to enjoy outside meals, tea and coffee while admiring the view on Arran! NT cottages always have those small iron sets.
The last ten years or so we have seen many NT and NTS cottage furnishings change in to non-descript interiors without any historic atmosphere. Pity, the attraction once was exactly that bit of shabby chic with antiques, book cases - including books -, old prints, worn tapestries, snug sofas ... in line with the 'genius loci''.
But, admitted, the location itself made up for everything. Of course Adam's architecture, which was the main reason to stay at Culzean, incredible sundowns (and even one moondown) over Arran, fantastic private coffee drinking (before opening time of the parkland) in the orangerie building in the fountain garden among the blossoming and weet smelling lemons, walks along cliffs, beaches and estate boundaries, strolling in the walled garden, cream tea at the home farm ... Culzean whiskey in our flat ... so after all: 5 stars!
Reviewed by Andries4.1★May 2023
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"An excellent return visit to the Brewhouse flat in Culzean Castle, recently."
Spring in the Culzean estate is magical with the gardens, woodland walks and the beaches to north and south. The flat has lots of character, and comfort, reflecting its historical surroundings; the kitchen and bathroom are modern and well-equipped. We were delighted to find that the twin room had new beds with firm mattresses so we eschewed the very soft mattresses of the superking bed and slept much better. Often, the beautiful sunset over Arran, across the water from "our" windows, bring the day to a peaceful end. Hope to return again - thank you NTS and Sykes.
Reviewed by Patricia4.7★Apr 2023
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"We had a thoroughly enjoyable and relaxing holiday at the Brewhouse Flat, Culzean Castle."
We found it very spacious, clean and warm. The property met with the description so we found the property to our expectations. Overall, a great place to stay. Thanks.
Reviewed by Karen5.0★Mar 2023
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"We had a great stay, the Brewhouse Flat was quiet and private and had great views of the Firth of Clyde and beyond."
The grounds of the castle were a delight and we took different walks each day of our stay. The flat is well equipped and an ideal location to explore the Ayrshire Coast.
Not for publishing - An updated system or WiFi extenders would be good, very difficult to connect to the router.
Reviewed by Martin5.0★Nov 2022
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"Great experience to be in the castle building."
Accommodation was very spacious, cosy and comfortable and we very quickly felt 'at home'.
Lots to do without leaving the grounds - plenty of walks and beautiful scenery and even the coffee shop was open every day! Already started looking at the other cottages avaIlable at Culzean as we enjoyed it so much!
Thank you very much for your lovely comments and we look forward to welcoming you back.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Marlene5.0★Nov 2022
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"We absolutely loved our stay at The Brewhouse Flat."
The property was perfect for our needs and was very warm and comfortable. The steps were not a big issue for us despite having my parents of 86 and 83 staying with us. They run parallel to the building with a steady incline and plenty of resting places so my parents were well able to manage them.
The estate itself is absolutely beautiful and the views are stunning at this time of the year. If you like walking it is the perfect location. I would thoroughly recommend a stay at Culzean.
Thank you very much for the kind words and it is great to read that your parents were able to access the flat. Culzean is indeed in a great location and there is plenty of opportunities to explore the Estate.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Patricia5.0★Oct 2022
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"We had a lovely week in such a special place."
It is our third stay at Calzean and we can’t wait for another visit.
Reviewed by Rebecca4.4★Oct 2022
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"The flat is of a high standard, large rooms and well furnished."
The flat is in an excellent location in the grounds with plenty of walks in the grounds, the views are breath-taking. The facilities on site are superb.
Reviewed by Angela5.0★Sep 2022
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"Overall a very pleasant and enjoyable stay in a comfortable property."
It would have been helpful if the information provided in advance had included reference to the dishwasher - that was a welcome 'addition'.
There was something of a lack of information in the property about the local area, potential visits, walks, etc. In particular an OS Map of the local area, information on bus routes/times would have been helpful.
Reviewed by Alan4.4★Jul 2022
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"Loved staying here - it is the second time we have been and we will go back again."
Thank you very much for your feedback, we are really pleased you enjoyed your holiday and we would love to welcome you back.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Jane5.0★May 2022
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"First holiday after covid, I chose the Brewhouse Flat because I’d been seven years ago and remembered how private and isolated it was."
It was just what we needed, a break from fear, very comfortable in an amazing setting and a great base to go explore other places- wasn’t sure I’d feel happy going anywhere other than the grounds but felt very safe in Scotland nowhere was crowded. Culzean was fabulous for miles and miles of walks and the castle was great, Coastal walks in Ayr, and a trip to Dalgarven Mill for fabulous historical costume exhibit. We did a lot considering we hadn’t been out of the house for over two years!!!
Lovely to read your comments, I'm glad you felt safe and not over crowded.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Amy3.8★May 2022
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"Excellent value for money."
Two problems which should be noted:
1. The space between the basin and the bath is very limited. I banged my hip badly on one occasion and I am only a size 10. This would be an issue for larger/disabled visitors.
2. No warning that the fire alarm would go off at approx 9am on the Friday morning. We only quessed it was a test because we had stayed prviously in the flat.
Apart from the above we had a fabulous week and enjoyed being able to walk in the grounds which were peaceful and full of autumn colours.
Reviewed by Yvonne4.7★Nov 2021
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"We stayed at the Brewhouse Flat in Culzean Castle."
It is a lovely apartment made all the more enjoyable with the fact you are actually staying in a castle. The apartment was equipped with everything you could need. It is a lot bigger than the pictures make out, and is warm and cosy on cold nights. The kitchen and bathroom have both been updated and are different to the pictures online. Some of the furniture looked a bit dated, still nice and useable, but what do you expect from a castle :-) The castle grounds are beautiful, and you have them to yourself when they are closed to the public. We could have stayed for another week, as we were enjoying ourselves so much. Would love to stay again in the future!!
Reviewed by John5.0★Oct 2021
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"The flat was excellent."
It was warm, comfortable, very cosy and immaculate. The contact we had with some members of staff was very friendly. The park and gardens were a delight and we enjoyed exploring along all of the designated paths. The cafe was a bonus with excellent food and very friendly staff . Everyone observed covid protective behaviour yet still made us feel very welcome. All in all a wonderful holiday in a magical setting. Thank you so much.
Reviewed by Linda5.0★Oct 2021
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"It was a bit chilly"
Thank you for your feedback, each of the heaters can be adjusted so we are not sure why there was a problem.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Margaret3.4★Aug 2021
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"The location was stunning and the apartment was comfort and clean."
The grounds of the Castle were beautifully maintained my only regret was that we were not staying longer. Recommended to friends already!
Many thanks for your kind words, you are always welcome to return to Culzean.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Jennifer4.7★Jul 2021
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"Nice and spacious flat in old historic castle with high ceilings."
Dedicated parking close to the property. The property is in quiet corner of the castle grounds, surrounded by beautiful park and sea.
Glad to read that you found the apartment to your liking.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Gediminas5.0★Jun 2021
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"We had a lovely 5 night stay in Brewhouse Flat."
It had a new kitchen and bathroom, comfortable large bed and pleasant lounge. The views over the sea to Arran and Holy Isle were great. The great bonus for us was living in part of a historic castle and within the estate grounds. Huge with varied landscapes and the castle and adjacent buildings are so atmospheric, especially in the evenings when the daytime visitors have gone. A different walk every evening.
Great to read that you enjoyed your stay, and to read that you made the most of the grounds.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Jennifer4.7★May 2021
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