Drystanes

63 Customer Reviews

• "First of all, the property doesn't support elderly/disabled people."

  The furniture was too low; bed was too low. The shower door didn't close properly. The champagne was a nice touch. However, a welcome pack with coffee, tea, and milk would have been more practical. Maybe a few leaflets of the surrounding area as well.

  Reviewed by Kevin2.8★Mar 2025

• "The property was in need of a deep clean."

  We had to clean every piece of cutlery, glassware and crockery before we could use them. The 3 pans, 1 lid, were beyond this and so we were unable to cook at the bungalow.There is 1 single wardrobe to accommodate up to 5 guests and the beds, and bedding, have seen better days. The pool table needs repairing and the television was hit and miss with signal. Adverised as near shop and pub, the shop never opened and the pub closed Monday to Thursday. What was meant to be a relaxing, cheap winter break turned into a most stressful and expensive one. We had to drive miles out on dark unfamiliar country lanes every evening to find somewhere to eat which wasn't helped by the fact that no local litrature had been left in the bungalow for guests. I got the impression that the owners weren't local and probably left the maintenance and cleaning to others. My advise would be new staff. I will never trust Sykes ratings again, this property would struggle to be a 3 rating never mind a 4.

  Reviewed by Dawn1.3★Feb 2025

• "We absolutely loved our stay at Drystanes."

  The property was lovely and had everything we needed. Due to the time of year we stayed, most of the close by shops and pubs were closed. However, this didn't matter to us and we (and the dogs) loved having the beach pretty much to ourselves!! Can't wait to return next year.

  Reviewed by Samantha5.0★Feb 2025

• "We had an amazing stay at Drystanes!"

  The bungalow had everything we needed and is perfectly located near Southerness Beach, the lighthouse, and the Paul Jones Hotel. While some local bars and shops close for the season, the convenience of supermarket deliveries and the delightful Loch Arthur farm shop made our stay even better. Our dogs loved the back garden and the beach. We’ve already booked our return visit.

  Reviewed by Lyndsey5.0★Nov 2024

• "Nice cottage comfortable nice quiet area everything u need Only downside was ..."

  Nice cottage comfortable nice quiet area everything u need Only downside was the bed far too low We enjoyed our stay and had a really nice holiday Host very pleasant Malcom and sue

  Reviewed by Malcolm5.0★Sep 2024

• "Enjoyed our stay especially the dogs being so close to the beach."

  Drystanes was clean and tidy will definitely be back.

  Reviewed by Suzanne5.0★Sep 2024

• "The proximity to the beach and local amenities is great, as is the quiet location away from road noise."

  Garden is a great size and was great for our dog and child. The playhouse and slide was a hit. The conservatory helps provide a really good amount of space, though the dining room being at the opposite end of the house to the kitchen is awkward. Massive TV isn't anchored and is a hazard for kids. Bedrooms are a good size, though so much space is wasted in the master by the oversized and awkward bedframe. A normal bedframe would've meant we had room for our baby's travel cot but it just wouldn't fit. Bed clothes were too big and meant you got tangled in them. Duvets in kids room were far too heavy for use. Shower is small if you have to squeeze in with a child. Plenty of towels, though no spare bedding which would've been sensible to provide. Request for this was ignored. Kitchen was under equipped, no welcome pack of information about recycling, appliances etc., uncomfortable sofa and over soft mattresses (as in springs can be felt) on all beds, as men.tioned in other reviews. Decor is in need of a refresh throughout. Enquired in advance of our stay about a travel cot and highchair for our baby and had a reply to say they'd be provided. Cot was there on arrival (included a pillow and duvet totally unsafe to use) but highchair wasn't. Messaged the owner who said someone would come to get it out of the garage. 2 days later, no one had and a follow up message to the owner went entirely unanswered. Could be so much better with some thought about guest needs and investment. Seemed over rated by Sykes and overpriced. Disappointing. Wouldn't return

  Reviewed by Patrick1.9★Jun 2024

• "Lovely spacious bungalow, but in need of a bit of TLC."

  There was no information about appliances, heating, bin collection or emergency numbers for local vet, doctor etc. The kitchen was not as well equipped as many of the cottages we have stayed in, there was only one pan lid! None of the doors would shut properly, there was no wardrobe in the main bedroom. There was an unnecessary surround round the bed, which took up a lot of space….perhaps without it, a wardrobe could be fitted in! We couldn’t get the TV to work initially, but eventually discovered the remote needed new batteries, which we replaced. On the plus side, the beach and pub were very close and the secure garden was huge, which our dog loved

  Reviewed by Kevan4.1★Jun 2024

• "This was a lovely cottage and location, and we did enjoy our stay but think there could be improvements."

  We found the kitchen quite poorly equipped even for basic cooking. No microwave dishes or oven proof dishes and also no place mats for the table. Some of the cutlery and pans had to be cleaned before we used them too. We also thought the outdoor furniture needed replacing. On a positive note loved the conservatory and garden, and lovely comfy bed! The welcome gift of Prosecco was appreciated and was a nice touch.

  Reviewed by Kevan2.8★Jun 2024

• "This is our third stay an we have already booked again for next year."

  Drystanes is perfect location for the beach . Garden perfect for dog /children . House is ideal size and has everything you need . However if i had any little thing to say it would be house feeling little less loved this year than previous visits few little things missing like for example table mats as was worried about marking table with hot plates ect . Bedding could do with updating now as quilts thin an covers dont fit properly anymore . But not that it will put me off as lovely overall and owners very helpful if need them

  Reviewed by Lisa4.7★Jun 2024

• "It was lovely to get a welcome message from Iain and Donna."

  I can see why the property would have received good reviews but it is now in need of the paintwork being freshened and a really good deep clean to get it back up to scratch. The back garden is beautiful and the conservatory is a great addition. Although it was nice to receive a bottle of Prosecco on arrival, some milk, bread and butter would have been a much better welcome (especially as we arrived late due to awful traffic) luckily the small shop by the huge caravan park was still open otherwise we'd have been very hungry! We found the sofa and bed too soft for us but that is probably personal taste. The cottage is perfectly placed for beautiful beach walks and there are some wonderful places to visit nearby. We did have a fantastic holiday here so would recommend it. It now just needs a little money spending on it!

  Reviewed by Ruth2.5★May 2024

• "We chose Drystanes as it is dog-friendly & literally a couple of minutes walk to the beach in one direction & to the Paul Jones bar & grill in the other."

  The house was fab; we particularly liked the large conservatory with a pool table & decking at the rear, this was all in the sun for most of the day - our dogs loved this too. The owners sent me a text on day two of our break with some handy tips & asked me to get in touch with them if I needed anything. Thanks guys - we will definitely be returning.

  Reviewed by Jonathan5.0★Apr 2024

• "Our second time at Drystanes, everything is just perfect apart from the weather on this occasion."

  Great location, Crieffel hill close by for a challenging hike and challenging walk to the Steamboat inn for lunch, even went on a highland cow safari near stranraer. Great for the dog too! Have tried to book for next year but already booked up, need to be quicker next time

  Reviewed by Tina5.0★Apr 2024

• "Lovely location and well kept property."

  We will be back to Drystanes!

  Reviewed by Kate5.0★Mar 2024

• "Property was in excellent condition and easy to access."

  In terms of accuracy of location, pictures of property and overall expectancy it met expectations. The pool table and large TV were real plus points for us during our stay. Whilst we did not require any assistance during our stay i had spoken to the owner a few times prior to our arrival and they duly responded within 1-2 working days. Overall was an excellent stay and would not hesitate to return in the future.

  Reviewed by John5.0★Mar 2024

• "We love coming to Southerness and staying at Drystanes."

  It's a beautiful place. Lovely comfortable place. Perfectly located to the beach for our walk with the dogs. This has been our 3rd stay here and we will be back next year.

  Reviewed by Steven5.0★Mar 2024

• "No welcome pack and shop not open No hairdryer Plenty room in garden for the dog to play and only short walk to beach"

  Reviewed by Patricia4.7★Feb 2024

• "Superb cottage 100 yards from the beach."

  Small problem with the heating which was immediately dealt with by the owner even though it was a Sunday

  Reviewed by John5.0★Jan 2024

• "Second time at the cottage everything spot house was lovely and warm when we arrived In the afternoon dogs loved the big garden lovely frosty mornings to walk the dogs on the beech have already booked it again for may."

  Reviewed by William5.0★Jan 2024

• "Amazing place for my husbands 50th."

  On arrival to find a bottle of prosecco in master bedroom which was a nice touch. Felt so at home, the kids loved the pool table. The dogs even loved there holiday home and got so used to the surroundings, our little dog went to visit the neighbours

  Reviewed by Melanie5.0★Dec 2023

• "Fabulous cozy cottage and extremely peaceful"

  Reviewed by Mike5.0★Dec 2023

• "Drystanes was warm and welcoming."

  I love the touch with the outside lights being on to show the outside and to make it easier to reverse into the driveway on arrival. Inside is well furnished and comfortable with all you can need for your stay. The gardens are lovely and the neighbours friendly. There is a very large TV and plenty of choice of viewing, including Netflix, a nice touch. It is very handily placed for the beach which we loved. It was extremely peaceful. As we were there late in the year, most places were shutdown for the winter which didn't spoil things for us. Just a note, the chippy and shop close until March, the pub is on restricted hours which makes perfect sense. Tesco do deliver if you don't want to go out. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and will be booking to return next December.

  Reviewed by Brian5.0★Nov 2023

• "Absolutely brilliant, cottage."

  Really high end furnished. Comfortable beds, and sofas. Heating so easy to work constant hot water. The conservation as a pool table, the owner sent another heater to help heat the extra large conservatory. In winter they ate colder than in summer, as expected. Other guests have complained over this but. It's not the be all and end all at this time if year. The garden was wonderful to separate areas front and back total enclosed for your furbabies. Less than 5 minutes to the beautiful beach. The dogs loved it as did we. Would definitely recommend. You can get tesco delivered to which was perfect this time of year. We will be back.

  Reviewed by Tracey5.0★Nov 2023

• "Generally speaking we had a good stay at the cottage."

  The decor is a little shabbier than the photos suggest. Garden is beautiful but obviously didn’t get the use of it because of the time of year. The conservatory was unusable as it was freezing cold and the little heater gave out practically no heat. The kitchen was well stocked with utensils and the couch comfortable. However the bedding on both beds was of very poor quality. Very thin duvets and the covers didn’t fit properly. Several times during the night the duvet bunched up inside the cover (in the bunk room) and I woke up cold as a result. The beds themselves were comfy enough.

  Reviewed by Helena3.8★Nov 2023

• "Had a lovely week away in Scotland."

  Bungalow was very clean. Bottle of fizz was nice thanks. We were disappointed that all the local facilities advertised pubs, chip shop, shop etc were all closed now til next year! Meant driving a lot further to find dog friendly places to eat out. Also conservatory / games room heating needs a rethink....its absolutely freezing in there and the tiny heater provided is not dog safe. Thanks for having us

  Reviewed by Donna5.0★Nov 2023

• "Very clean and spacious having a decent sized TV makes a change too."

  Beds all comfortable and a decent shower, Plenty towels left to use. Garden is beautiful plenty seating it would be great for a BBQ just a Shame the weather wasn't on our side so didnt get to sit out there! We have stayed in many cottages in southerness and we Would deffo come back again deffo on my favourite list.

  Reviewed by Heather5.0★Sep 2023

• "2nd visit to drystanes an love it here ."

  Lovely property with all you need an couple of minutes walk an straight on the beach . Lovely fully enclosed garden for the dog with a nice high perimeter fence . We even booked again for next year before we left . Very relaxing place with decent space inside and out

  Reviewed by Lisa5.0★Sep 2023

• "What a fantastic property Drystanes is!"

  Spotlessly clean and thoughtfully equipped, we especially appreciated the electric fan as we visited during a heatwave! The large, enclosed garden was perfect for our Frenchie who particularly enjoyed the miles of sandy beach which was only a stones throw away. A couple of minutes walk to the dog friendly local pub, mini mart and takeaway. We highly recommend Drystanes and will definately be back.

  Reviewed by Catherine5.0★Sep 2023

• "Could do with instructions for appliances and a info pack letting you know where nearest facilities are such as nearest vets, super market petrol station and nearby places of interest."

  Reviewed by Malcolm4.7★Sep 2023

• "The property is in a lovely location and very cozy."

  We had an accident at the property, to which Sykes have offered no help in how to claim from the insurance company. Instead being very rude, abrupt and arrogant.

  Reviewed by Tim2.5★Aug 2023

• "Really enjoyed out stay at Drystanes,comfortable property,enclosed garden exellent for our 2 dogs,grandchildren really enjoyed games room wheres we spent most of time playing pool,boards games,would certainly recommend for a family holiday ."

  Reviewed by Steven4.4★Aug 2023

• "We al loved are stay here."

  The owner gave us some good tips, for days out. The dogs loved running around the fully enclosed garden. I would recommend to anyone.

  Reviewed by Alan5.0★Aug 2023

• "Wonderful property in a fantastic location, just 2 minutes walk from the beech."

  The owners kept in touch to make sure things were OK and the gardener shared some local knowledge with us to help us find our way around. The gardens were well enjoyed by our 2 Yorkshire terriers, with more than enough space to run around, while also being relaxing for us on the decking, with seating and tables a plenty to follow the sun around. We really enjoyed our stay and would recommend it to anyone. A rare thing when it was even better than the advert.

  Reviewed by Peter5.0★Aug 2023

• "We had a fantastic week at this drystanes."

  The property was very clean and really well laid out for kids. We will definitely be returning to drystanes. Ian was also very helpful and is always there if you have any questions.

  Reviewed by CLAIRE5.0★Jul 2023

• "Cottage is very modern and has all you need for a comfortable stay."

  Two minutes from the beach. The enclosed garden was great for our dog. The owners helpfully answered a couple of queries we had about the property. Can't recommend it highly enough.

  Reviewed by William5.0★Jun 2023

• "Really enjoyed our stay at Drystanes."

  The garden was fantastic for our Saluki dog as it was lovely and secure. The beach was just a short walk away. The property itself was very comfortable and clean. The added bonus was the pool table if the weather wasn't great. Very spacious and well kept. We will definitely be back and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to our friends.

  Reviewed by Neil5.0★May 2023

• "Absolutely Beautiful."

  Couldn't fault this lovely Bungalow and setting at all.

  Reviewed by Barry5.0★Apr 2023

• "Clean, comfortable and well equipped."

  Perfectly situated, two minutes walk to beach, shop, pub/ restaurant, cafe and takeaway. Great, spacious wrap around garden with huge deck and several seating options including sun lounger. Dog friendly. Almost instant response to a minor problem we encountered.

  Reviewed by Pauline5.0★Apr 2023

• "The cottage was perfect and spotlessly clean."

  The location was great for exploring and the nearby beach was just fab for our mad dog too! There is a lovely bar/restaurant, shop and chippy all close by,

  Reviewed by Tina5.0★Apr 2023

• "The cottage was very clean and had everything you needed for a nice holiday."

  Reviewed by Donald5.0★Mar 2023

• "We absolutely loved our stay at Drystanes, this is our second stay."

  We came here last year and loved it so much we rebooked. We will be rebooking for next year again. It's so peaceful, comfortable everything you need just a minute walk to the beach. Our dogs love the garden and the beach. Thank so much Iain and Donna.

  Reviewed by Steven5.0★Feb 2023

• "What can I say, absolutely Brilliant little cottage 2 mins from the beach."

  Lovely for walks really enjoyed it. Very clean and comfortable. lovley big garden for the dog Like home from home . Big thanks to Ian and Donna.

  Reviewed by Dougie5.0★Feb 2023

• "We arrived on 11th Feb for 7 days with our 2 dogs."

  They totally loved the large decking and back garden loads of room for playing and zoomies! Lots of room inside also and extremely cozy and comfortable especially the bed in the master room. Lovely powerful shower. Everything you need at hand. A big thankyou for the lovely prosecco as we were also celebrating our wedding anniversary. The games room was an added bonus and played plenty of pool as the weather wasn't the best. 2 minute walk to the beach and local pub Paul Jones which is very dog friendly. We have been coming to Southernes for the past 6 years and highly recommend this property.

  Reviewed by Arlene5.0★Feb 2023

• "We thought drystanes was a lovely place to stay, loved the Christmas touches, bed was super comfy, place was beautiful and dog loved garden."

  Only fault we had was when we arrived place never had any handwash/soap and cleaning products (wasn’t wanting £250 taking from me by company so property was clean during our stay and before we left) never known this in any other property we’ve stayed in before ie soap, had to drive a hour to Dumfries and back to get some but really wouldn’t stop us coming back.

  Reviewed by Kerry4.7★Dec 2022

• "Drystanes is a practical and comfortable cottage to enjoy a beach focussed holiday with your 4 legged friends."

  The cottage is well equipped and very comfortably warm (except the sun room, which isn’t heated). Beds are comfortable and bedding and towels all good quality. The beach is at the end of the lane with a small cut between 2 properties for direct access to the beach, from where you can walk for miles, just beware of the quicksand!

  Hi Micheal, Thank you very much for your positive feedback, it really means a lot to us. We're sorry to hear that you found the sun room cold. There is an electric heater located on the top shelf of the hall cupboard. It's small but powerful and heats the sun room in just 5 minutes. We will be leaving out in future. Best Regards, Iain & Donna Property Owner

  Reviewed by Michael4.7★Nov 2022

• "Bungalow is lovely and warm and welcoming and is more spacious than the listing description."

  The kitchen is very clean and well equipped. I liked that there was laminate flooring throughout which was easy to keep clean with the dogs. The shower had good pressure. The widescreen tv was very good and the lounge area was very comfortable. The bed was very comfortable and Southerness was very quiet so we slept very well. The garden is spacious, enclosed and great for dogs. It was great to be able to park the car on the driveway. The proximity to the beach was excellent.

  Reviewed by Gillian5.0★Nov 2022

• "Great location and lovely comfortable house, felt like being at home."

  Pool table came in useful when the rain appeared, and a great garden with an enclosed part for our dogs. Its handy for a local shop, holiday park facilities and a couple of pubs. Also beach a stones throw away. Highly recommended.

  Reviewed by Anne5.0★Oct 2022

• "Excellent accommodation close to beach, pub, shop and chippy."

  Large dog friendly garden. Excellent location for walking dogs on the beach. HIGHLY RECCOMMENDED

  Reviewed by Malcolm5.0★Sep 2022

• "On arrival to the cottage we were very impressed with the cleaniness of the property it was just as described but better."

  absolutely loved the conservatory was a great space for family entertainment esp with the pool table , the large garden was very large and perfect for my dog and was secure space to let him run around both front and back the very large decking area was superb to sit out during the day and the sunbed did come in handy as the weather was up to 30 degree in heat most of the week we stayed , the beach was perfect just a round the corner 200 yards every morning it was a lovely walk there as my dog loved it and the streams of water as the tide went out even better as we have never seen a beach so very very large as when the tide went out it went out like a desert , food the paul jones is very nice to eat in and the food was great also the the 19th hole great entertainment bar/food if you have kids and sports always on and a sing a long as well,also the games area in the caravan resort is free entry as well,the steamboat inn is very very recommended for the sea views and the food excellent please book only a 5min drive, sandyhills is a great place to go see caves and has a nice beach area for the kids to play again when the tide goes out it goes out where I do not know and leaves great small pool areas for the kids to play a must go with picnic costs £5 to park all day just a 10min drive from the cottage,if you like water sports etc try the Galloway activity centre me and my kides loved the water sports on loch ken only 25min away from the cottage a must must all day to go and pack a picnic as nice areas to sit and watch etc , dalbeatie held nice woodland walks for my dog and has a small play area for the kids very peaceful a must if you like the tall trees and long walks through the woods choose your trail and follow!! the cottage held a very very large tv with great apps to watch those movies etc after a long day out , beds very nice and comfy very clean inside and clean fresh smell was on arrival loved the bottle of Prosecco as well thanks, a great touch also it was very quite area to stay also there is a golf course there you can even seen them tee off from the front of the cottage , enough room for my estate car and well as my daughters car to park on the drive gated as well so the dog cannot get out I cannot say anything bad about this property as it was perfect for us even my kids were impressed and that's a 17 & 14 years if you are thinking of booking its a must as we will be back in the future as it was a safe place for my dog and he loved waking up in the mornings just wanting to play in the garden, opps there is a castle in the front garden and decking area if you have little ones a great touch to let them play, the kitchen area and the bathroom was very new along with other places in the cottage and everything was as expected the sun rising in the morning in the back garden and goes down in the evening in the front garden with great mountain views as well I could go on and on thank you Iain & Donna for our Lovely stay in your cottage (we will be back!!) thanks again.

  Reviewed by Shaun5.0★Aug 2022

• "Really enjoyed our stay at Drystanes , lovely and clean, plenty of room for our 3 grandchildren, the youngest enjoyed the castle and slide."

  Only a short walk to the beach, and they were able to use the pool on the caravan sight opposite for a small fee. Would recommend

  Reviewed by Martin5.0★Jun 2022

• "Fantastic cottage, we really enjoyed the space inside and outside the cottage."

  We loved playing pool as a family and our son and dogs loved the garden. Literally 2 minutes walk to the beach. The owner was easily contactable.

  Reviewed by Katy5.0★May 2022

• "Great for closeness to beach and pubs."

  Spacious bungalow. One of the comfiest beds on a holiday ever. Great secure garden for the dog. Loved the pool table and massive tv for later on evening. Quiet and relaxing in garden.

  Reviewed by Craig4.4★May 2022

• "Clean, comfortable and well presented property."

  Enclosed garden area's for the dogs. The property is within 1 minutes walk for the beach, pub and small shop. Ideal location for exploring the surrounding area. All the facilities you need for your stay, warm and one of the few that has comfortable sofas and beds.

  Reviewed by Andy4.7★Apr 2022

• "Excellent property had everything we needed for a weeks break as a family the ..."

  Excellent property had everything we needed for a weeks break as a family the dogs loved the enclosed garden and layer in the conservatory in the sun just a short walk to the beach and plenty to see in the surrounding areas we will definitely be back

  Reviewed by Carolyn5.0★Apr 2022

• "We were extremely satisfied with all aspects of our accommodation and would be happy to reccommend to friends"

  Reviewed by James5.0★Apr 2022

• "Great cottage, clean, comfortable and with a great garden."

  We enjoyed a very relaxing week in great surroundings.

  Reviewed by Avril5.0★Mar 2022

• "Wonderful place ."

  Just as described . Has everything you need for a perfect stay . 2 minutes away from a lovely beach . Will be booking another stay here . Book it as you wont regret it

  Reviewed by Lisa5.0★Mar 2022

• "The was lovely and plenty of space and was in a very nice area and very quiet ..."

  The was lovely and plenty of space and was in a very nice area and very quiet peaceful would hilly recommend this cottage for hiring Mr @Mrs James c Anderson

  Reviewed by James5.0★Mar 2022

• "This cottage is an excellent base to see around the Solant area it is close to the sea and the beach is a good mix of sand and rock pools many different types of birds we spent the whole week just exploring the beach and sea front."

  We will be going back if given the chance.

  Reviewed by Stephen5.0★Mar 2022

• "We loved the cottage, it was beautiful, lovely decorated everything we needed was there."

  A lovely welcome package. Perfect place fir a nice relaxing holiday. We have booked again for next year. Xx

  Reviewed by Steven5.0★Feb 2022

• "The property was perfect for our needs."

  Very clean and comfortable. We We’re just out of season for the local pubs etc to be open full time But it served us well Would recommend a stay to anyone.

  Reviewed by Lee5.0★Feb 2022

• "Just a few very minor points needs a better selection of kitchen utensils For mobility difficultys a hand rail at front door All in all a pleasent and comfortable cottage for every one the dogs loved the facilities We would definitely stay again."

  Danny Burrough

  Reviewed by Danny4.4★Jan 2022

• "Very clean with good facilities, patio and big garden."

  The cottage is very close to the beach . Local shops at caravan site very expensive though, cheaper to go to Dumfries or Dalbeattie for your groceries.

  Reviewed by Peter5.0★Oct 2021

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