This is a very interesting place to stay. Now the reason I gave it 5 stars is because of the service. Barbara Blackborne is great and the lady that makes breakfasts, though quiet was terrific. The time of year was dreadful though. I would not recommend winter months here only because it is very cold in this big house.

The service was above and beyond. Yet the house does need some TLC. I wanted to redo things myself. I just loved the possibilities and I think that is why I enjoyed it too. The house needs some inexpensive repairs, replacements and new carpet on the steps in the hall. The couches in the living room are out dated and need replacing. The Asian decor does not go in the room, though we kind of liked all the eclectic odds and ends.

The four poster room, loved it. I would suggest a tapestry on the wall for the right time period. The house has so much potential and really would not take much to do the slight make over that I kept fussing over that. The breakfast room was fine, just wanted some sort of pastry or scones. None to be had.

This place has a fantastic view over the river!

There is a cemetery in front of the house. It looks like it could use some TLC too. A good hard weekend of fixing stones and weed pulling would make it look much better. What was interesting was the trees were literally growing around the head stones. It was a bit sad to see the neglect.

The one thing that we found that really need work was the conservatory entry. It was poor we had to admit it. They had some serious leaks in it, with towels on the floor. The doors had no insulation and could not close properly so the cold air blew in. They did have a second door in the hall that blocked off the cold to the upstairs with this magnificent stained glass dated long ago.

The bathrooms where perfect and up to date. Just fiddled with the hot water and had scorching hot shower. It just needed right touch to adjust.

You have to understand your in a castle like setting and it is drafty and cold and old. The home should be closed for a while and proper upgrades & repairs should get done. Properties like this are very expensive to run but I think with the right upgrades it would be booked solid because the hostess is extremely kind and the breakfasts are delicious.

So basically, go here in the warmer weather. It probably looks stunning when everything blooms. The beach below looked amazing to explore and long walks around the property would be the best as the Antoine Roman wall was near by and the home sat on Roman site long ago.

You have to go with an open mind and a sense of adventure. If you think your getting the four seasons or the Ritz Carlton, not going to happen. You will not be happy. However, if you love adventure, places that I swear we heard foot steps at night walking the corridors, big rooms, and history you just may enjoy this place quite a bit.

My suggestions are only helpful ones and not meant to put down this place. It is pretty cool and there is even a secret door in the living room! It has all those things you would look for in a haunted castle or a great historic building. Of course we really wanted to see the other part of the house that looked incredibly impressive, but the owners lived there.

I believe this is a diamond that needs just the right polish and it would be incredible. Many people go to these places to find comfortable accommodations and traditional furniture.The big old chairs to melt in or the queen Anne couches. This place has so much potential it was a pleasure just looking at its faults and thinking what to do to make it grander.
Replacing the items are difficult because they must be as they are in the period of the home.
Yet a leaking entry is a big turnoff. What you see instead is the potential of a room water tight, heated and filled with flowers year round.

After we left we realized it was a really cool place to stay even though it was a bit quirky and the owners where probably the best in Scotland. Who lets you stay a little longer than normal? No place, but they did here and it was extremely helpful to us. So we will remember the big canopy bed, the foot steps at night, the creepy cemetery, the fantastic view of the firth of fourth and the delicious breakfast served to us as if we where the Lady and Lord of the manor. It was fun and I do recommend it to anyone who wants a change and a bit of an adventure