-
4 Guests
-
2 Bedrooms
-
1 Bathroom
-
Pets: Yes
Features
- Ground floor accommodation
- Ground floor bedroom
- Open fire
- Garden / Patio
- Pub/shop < 1 mile
- Washing machine
- Dishwasher
- Seaside
Reviews & Ratings
10 Customer Reviews
-
Verified booking
"Damp and dank."
This house was such a disappointment that we only stayed one night and booked another cottage with you on the Saturday. I ended up spending another £1450 due to the low standards of The Lobster Pot. It is poorly equipped, garden has no light so I walked in dog poo before I could clear it up and the stairs are not safe. Slept in the upstairs twin room that Friday as the downstairs was too damp and smelled of despair. You did not link this booking so I could not respond via the app ( you have also linked 3 bookings to my app account that are not mine). I am terribly disappointed and feel very let down. I had a great experience in the second property but should not have had to book it.
Thank you for your feedback , I'm sorry to hear of your experiences at Lobster Pot . Having meet you outside with your very frightened dog I know you were looking forward to your stay in Gardenstown. Its such a shame you had not read the details on the property, as it does state how to get into the back garden from a side entrance from the front of the property. Lobster Pot was built in the late 1890s so the stairs have been widen and are less steep than the original, however it is a Fisherman's Cottage in a conservation area so we are restricted in how it can be further modernised. The cottage is professionally cleaned after each booking, and it was remarked that further stains( probably dog urine) were treated on the carpet upstairs, as well as on the duvet cover in the twin bedroom . Would you say the cleaners had not cleaned the property properly? It does state only 2 dogs , not three . This is because we feel there is not enough space .I wonder if you had just 2 dogs it would have been more comfortable? I have only owned Lobster for a short time , but there was no report of dampness on either the Home report by the building surveyor or other guests . Many guests have actually remarked how warm it is. This is my first venture into holiday letting so would welcome your thoughts on how I could have improved your experience, without making the cottage less authentic . Property Owner
-
Verified booking
"We stayed in Lobster Pot cottage twice last year so although it had changed ownership we knew what to expect as the photographs on the website were the same."
The cottage benefits from parking outside the door which is fairly rare in Gardenstown and it is well placed for the shop, the Garden Arms, Eli's cafe, the harbour and walking to Crovie. Walking in not a lot had changed, the electric shower had been replaced with a conventional shower which was better but unfortunately there were several issues that were not an improvement. The first thing that we noticed was the stained carpet upstairs, there was a long dark stain in front of one of the sofa's and several 'rings' on the carpet where dogs had possibly wet. There was no information pack, whilst we had been before we knew where to take the rubbish but there were no contact numbers in case of emergency, what we should do with the used bedclothes/linen and this is the first holiday let where we have no contact from the owner either by text or e-mail prior to or on arrival. Another guest commented on the TV not working and we had the same problem on the Saturday that we arrived, the TV would come on and go off showing "No Signal". I turned it off at the mains and turned it on again, it came on and then would go off showing 'no signal' or alternate between a frozen screen and the screen with 'no signal'. We started to watch a programme buit it wasn't possible so I turned it off. The earlier guest said that he had retuned the TV so I did that, it worked for a while and then came up with 'no signal', I retuned it again and fortunately it stayed on but occasionally the screen froze, having no wifi we could not watch BBC iPlayer or ITVX is the TV wasn't going to work. On Sunday morning all the electricity tripped off when I put the toaster on, from our previous visit I knew where the consumer unit was, but somebody else may not know what to do and there were no contact numbers. The microwave was rusty inside so we didn't use it, the toilet seat was loose and would keep moving to the right when you sat on it causing it to bang as the feet supporting it fell off the rim of the toilet and the seat doesn't fit properly or id the wrong size. Whilst the shower is an improvement the tile grout between the tiles around the bath needs cleaning or replacing as it is black. The wooden surround to the stairwell, from the two wooden pillars to the cottage wall was very dirty, all the way round from one pillar to the other one, not just a little dust. The kitchen floor was dirty, my wife swept it but there was no dustpan or shovel to collect the dirt, she brought her own dustpan to sweep up crumbs from our dogs Bonio's and she collected a lot of black dog hairs in the lounge which weren't from our dog as he is a West Highland White. The handle on the front door was missing, it looked like it had broken off, to shut the door you had to use the door knocker on the letterbox. A couple of evenings it came a bit chilly but the radiator in the lounge wouldn't work, there were no instructions so I tried all the settings but it would not give out any heat, the radiators in the kitchen and bathroom were OK. The master bedroom requires a new mattress, the sprung mattress on the bed is not comfortable, it may the same as last year but we don't remember it being as uncomfortable. The cottage is in a good location and it is quirky having the lounge upstairs but we fell it needs some maintenance and TLC.
Thank for your comments. The cottage was professionally cleaned ( by a company that has multiple contracts here in Gardenstown) the morning of your visit .They reported everything was in order . There is a broom and vacuum cleaner provided if required . The radiators were all checked as working and safe at the end of June this year , they are a simple to use on / off button and a temperature control . All bedding was replaced this year in May . All my contact details are on the website at Sykes which includes my mobile for any emergency. Im not sure about the signal for either mobiles / TV , but understand from also living in the village it can be temperamental , my guess is the position of Lobster being at the bottom of the Brae signals may be compromised. We have uprated the plumbering and hot water cylinder earlier this year and intend to redecorate during the winter months . Unfortunately the upstairs lounge carpet being light in colour seems to stain easily, however as we are dog friendly accidents may happen , and again the cleaners did not report any stains . We hope you enjoyed Gardenstown Regards Clayton Property Owner
-
Verified booking
"A wonderful cottage in a perfect location, thank you for a lovely stay"
-
Verified booking
"Cleaning products and brush would have been helpful."
Patio/garden area would benefit from being spruced up.
Thanks for your feedback, it's always helpful . The cottage is cleaned and prepared professionally for each stay, there should be washing up equipment in the kitchen and a broom in the cupboard The cleaners leave new sponges , tea towels etc and check there is washing up liquid and tablets for the dishwasher. There is also a vacuum cleaner in the cupboard for your use. As we welcome guests with pets , I found I had to change the format of the backyard to be more dog friendly by removing seasonal bedding plants and some of the pots and ornaments. I hope you enjoyed stay in Gardenstown Property Owner
-
Verified booking
"Nice nautical themed accomodation with mostly good quality furniture throughout, although, we did find the bed rather uncomfortable."
On arrival, we had to re-wash some tumblers, cups and cutlery that were marked/dirty, but most of the crockery was fine. The lounge area was generally comfortable, and well maintained, although let down somewhat by the carpet that was stained in several places. There was no TV signal when we arrived and the freeview TV had to be re-tuned several times during our visit. The biggest factor detracting from our stay was the complete lack of telephone signal. Neither of us had any reception whatsoever and coupled with the lack of wifi at the property, meant that we were completely uncontactable whilst at the property. While we knew in advance that there would be no wifi, we didn't see it as a major issue, as we assumed that we could still use our phones to stay connected when required. Overall, we liked the property and loved the location, but due to connectivity issues, it's not a place we could consider revisting and will look for alternative property in Gardenstown for our next stay.
-
Verified booking
"Lovely stay at the lobster pot, the cottage was comfortable and well equipped."
Gardenstown is a lovely village and will definitely return.
Thank you for your feedback back . I'm glad you enjoyed your stay in Gardenstown Property Owner
-
Verified booking
"The Lobster pot was ideal for us with the dogs for 2 weeks."
We were blessed with the weather and the immediate access to the beach and pathways up the cliff was perfect. The cottage is well appointed, has space to cook properly and good use of the accommodation with the upstairs living area. Eli’s cafe across the road is the social centre of the village during the day and we enjoyed the Garden Arms which is only 5 mins walk away. Gardenstown itself is a developing holiday location. We would recommend the Lobster Pot and Clayton the Landlord was very welcoming
Thank you for your feedback . I'm glad you enjoyed your stay in Gardenstown Property Owner
-
Verified booking
"Sykes information stated that there was WiFi at the property."
There was no WiFi, but then again, we were OK not having it. Maybe, a starter pack would be welcome. Butter, bread, and milk..? The cottage was amazing, and we loved it there. Very quirky and lovely. I would love to stay there again, and I would definitely recommend The Lobster Pot to all. Thank you for such a wonderful stay. xx x
Thanks for your feedback it's much appreciated and we are so glad you enjoyed your stay in our beautiful little village . As regards to the WiFi , I think you may have misread the Sykes information, as it does state that at present the cottage does not have broadband, although we are hoping to install it in the future . Property Owner
-
Verified booking
"Great super affordable place to bed down."
Only set back was that there is no door to the garden from inside the property. With two well large behaved, but anxious dogs we had to walk out on to what could be quite a busy little section with the cafe, and then through the side gate. The garden might be secure with little dogs, but again with large breeds or more active dogs they have to many chances to billy goat over a wall. We wouldn’t have booked if we had known.
Thank you for your feedback and we are sorry the property did not meet your expectations. I have changed the property description to include access to the back garden is via a locked gate to the side of the property. Gardenstown does get busy in good weather as it's a beautiful place to visit and Eli's ( the cafe opposite Lobster Pot ) has a reputation for it's delicious coffee and cakes . Newgound is a cul-de -sac , so has no through traffic, but it is the start to the famous walk along the Brae to Crovie so has walkers and dogs passing most days even in the winter months. As Gardenstown is a historic fishing village, the houses tend to be traditional cottages closely packed together, with little or no outdoor space . Property Owner
-
Verified booking
"A rare find and a lovely location for a relaxing 5 night stay ."
.
Thank you for your review . We are happy you enjoyed your stay and hope you visit Gardenstown again Property Owner
Summary
- Reverse-level
- Two bedrooms: 1 x ground-floor double, 1 x twin
- Ground-floor bathroom with bath, shower over, basin, towel rail, and WC
- Kitchen/diner
- First-floor sitting room with log burner
- Electric central heating
- Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge, freezer, washing machine, countertop dishwasher, kettle, toaster
- TV
- Fuel and power inc. in rent
- Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
- Roadside parking for 2 cars and a public car park nearby
- Enclosed, rear multi-level garden with patio, decking, furniture
- Entry to the rear garden is through a locked gate from front of the property
- Two well-behaved pets welcome
- Sorry, no smoking and currently no wifi available
- Shop and pub 0.2 miles, beach 0.4 miles, Gardenstown Harbour 0.1 miles
- Note: There are steps in the garden, please take care
- Please Note
- No EV Charging is permitted at the property. Please Note: Property only accepts a minimum stay of 5 nights and must check in on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday; any bookings made outside of these parameters may be subject to cancellation.
The property
Lobster Pot is a delightful, two-bedroom fisherman’s cottage, within the port village of Gardenstown, Aberdeenshire.
Resting paces away from the beach, harbour and a selection of amenities, Lobster Pot features a pet-friendly garden, a homely interior, and sea glimpses, ideal for four guests and their furry companions.
Park up on the roadside before heading through the stone-fronted exterior of your new home-away-from-home.
Be greeted by the colourful kitchen/diner, complete with all the appliances for a self-catered stay, where you can rustle up delicious meals and dine indoors.
If the weather allows, head to the multi-level garden to dine alfresco under the cliffs whilst basking in the Aberdeenshire sunshine.
As the sun sets, head upstairs to the first-floor sitting room, to enjoy elevated vistas whilst the log burner offers a gentle glow throughout the space.
Catch some rest from one of two bedrooms, consisting of a ground-floor double, and a first-floor twin, before awakening to a refresh in the bathroom.
Take a short stroll down to the breathtaking landscape of Gardenstown Beach, or enjoy people watching near the marina.
Pay a visit to RSPB Scotland Troup Head whilst in the vicinity, for a day of bird watching and hiking from its clifftop setting.
Travelling towards Banff, firstly stop off at the Royal Tarlair Golf Club or the Macduff Marine Aquarium, depending on your interests, before touring the magnificent grounds of Duff House, following the Bridge of Alvah walking trail, or enjoying a coffee near Banff Marina.
Round off your break by travelling towards Fraserburgh, with the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses awaiting to tour, or opt for another day at the beach at Fraserburgh Beach or the idyllic waters of Philorth Beach, before returning home for supper.
Experience the delights of rural Aberdeenshire at the Lobster Pot.
EPC Rating: Band F
Short-term Holiday Let Licence No: AS-01205-F
Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £200.
Where you’ll be staying
GARDENSTOWN
Banff 8 miles; Fraserburgh 17 miles; Aberdeen 32 miles; Elgin 43 miles.
The port village of Gardenstown is often linked with neighbouring Gamrie and Crovie as one community, and was founded in 1720 by Alexander Garden as a fishing village. Gardenstown borders a small sandy bay with stunning scenery flanking both sides. The village has a pub serving food all year and a restaurant, galleries and several tea rooms in season. A steep road leads you through the ancient, narrow and winding streets to the harbour where many small boats are moored. The neighbouring town of Banff boasts a relaxing sandy beach and a variety of fascinating architecture in contrasting styles, exemplified by Duff House, an impressive Georgian mansion open to visitors and home to paintings and artefacts from the National Galleries of Scotland. Banff and the surrounding area also have a good selection of shops, restaurants and hotels, which serve a fine selection of local sea foods, whilst nearby Pennan, a beautiful old smugglers village, was the location for the movie 'Local Hero'. The whole area is an ideal tourist destination, being on the North East Tourist Trail, with easy access to coastal paths and the Whisky and Castle Trails, as well as numerous golf courses, fishing, sailing, dolphin watching, surfing, climbing, great walking and of course, stunning sunsets and fabulous scenery. The Grampian and Cairngorm mountains are easily accessible for day excursions, and the North East of Scotland is protected from prevailing winds and has the driest Scottish climate with virtually no midges.
This property offers the following short breaks:
- Winter
- Off-season
- Last minute
- Christmas