South Stables - House Of Dun

42 Customer Reviews

• "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!

  Thank you for your very kind review! We're so happy you had a wonderful time exploring both the property and the local area. It's lovely to hear how much your children enjoyed their stay, and we truly appreciate your enthusiasm for staying at National Trust properties— we hope to welcome you back again soon! Property Owner

  Reviewed by Amy5.0★Apr 2025

• "Lovely place for a restful break."

  Reviewed by Molly3.8★Mar 2025

• "Absolutely brilliant place to stay"

  Reviewed by Kevin5.0★Jan 2025

• "...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

  Reviewed by Andreas4.4★Dec 2024

• "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.

  Reviewed by Patricia5.0★Oct 2024

• "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!

  Thank you very much for the lovely comments. Property Owner

  Reviewed by David5.0★Oct 2024

• "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.

  Reviewed by Barbara5.0★Sep 2024

• "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.

  Reviewed by Veronica5.0★Sep 2024

• "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.

  Thank you for your feedback and we are sorry that you were inconvenienced. We had hoped to get the plumber into the cottage early on your day of arrival but he couldn't attend that day. The team were coming over to the cottage to put a note in to explain the delay and remove the towels but you had arrived very promptly. We understand that the House of Dun team did see you several times during your stay to ensure you were comfortable. We are hoping to accelerate our plans for a new kitchen for both cottages at House of Dun. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Fergus2.5★Aug 2024

• "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.

  Thank you for completing the feedback email. We had an update from the Property Team at House of Dun during your stay about this issue with the boiler. A boiler engineer had a delay in getting a new part , we did ask if we could gain access during your stay to get the part fitted but you declined to allow access to the cottage as you didn't want to be disturbed by anyone. We are sorry that you were inconvenienced. Holidays Dept, National Trust for Scotland Property Owner

  Reviewed by Bernard Russell3.1★Aug 2024

• "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.

  Reviewed by Robert5.0★Aug 2024

• "Superb accommodation with great facilities in a magnificent setting!"

  Will definitely return!

  Reviewed by Tony5.0★Jul 2024

• "Loved the property, in beautiful grounds."

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

  Reviewed by Catriona4.7★Jun 2024

• "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.

  Thank you for your comments which have been sent to the team at the House of Dun and we have noted the issues that you encountered. Good to read that the bed was great as well as the suite. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Richard4.4★Jun 2024

• "We had a relaxing lovely time."

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

  Reviewed by Carole5.0★Mar 2024

• "... 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

  Reviewed by Gabriele Tirsch4.4★Nov 2023

• "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.

  Thank you for your lovely comments about South Stables and the House of Dun. We set the change over day 3 years ago as that is easier for the team to schedule the cleaning of the 2 apartments and the other areas of the property. Property Owner

  Reviewed by David5.0★Oct 2023

• "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.

  Thank you so much for your feedback, we have noted your comments about the kitchen equipment. We are lucky - we have great staff at NTS! Property Owner

  Reviewed by Harold4.4★Jul 2023

• "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.

  Thank you very much for your review and we hope to welcome you back to the NTS. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Jim5.0★Jul 2023

• "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.

  The NTS thank you very much for the feedback. We really do appreciate all the comments we receive and to confirm NTS still manage the cottages. We have checked the entry for South Stables and it doesn’t list a DVD player. However, East Lodge mistakenly has a DVD player listed and we have asked for the web entry to be amended. East Lodge doesn't have wifi at the moment but we are hoping in the near future that we will be able to provide wifi. The Holidays dept at NTS have asked for an update about the sofa and the kitchen inventory from the team Crathes. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Janice3.4★Jul 2023

• "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.

  Reviewed by Anthony5.0★Jun 2023

• "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).

  Reviewed by Helen5.0★Apr 2023

• "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.

  Reviewed by James5.0★Mar 2023

• "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.

  Thank you for your feedback and the team at House of Dun receive a copy of your feedback to note your comments about the crockery and heating. We have rechecked the listing on the Sykes website and it accurately describes the apartment, its location within the National Trust estate and the distance to various towns are noted. The map on the listing is also accurate so we are not sure what else we can do to show where the property is. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Iona3.4★Jan 2023

• "This property was beautifully decorated and very comfortable."

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

  Thank you very much for your kind words and we look forward to welcoming you back to the National Trust for Scotland. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Lesley5.0★Dec 2022

• "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 .

  Thank you very much and we look forward to seeing you again. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Elaine5.0★Nov 2022

• "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 !

  Reviewed by Alan5.0★Nov 2022

• "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.

  Reviewed by Alan5.0★Oct 2022

• "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.

  Many thanks for your feedback about the apartment. We have passed on your comments re trying to rebook with Sykes to their reservations team. They will call you to assist with your booking. Property Owner

  Reviewed by David5.0★Oct 2022

• "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.

  Reviewed by Fiona4.7★Oct 2022

• "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 very much for the very postive comments, lovely to read you enjoyed yourself. We have asked the team to recheck the kitchen inventory at the next opportunity. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Helen5.0★Aug 2022

• "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.

  Reviewed by Emma5.0★Jul 2022

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

  Thank you. Rosemary

  Thank you very much for your feedback, it is lovely to read that you have stayed with us twice now and we hope to welcome you back. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Rosemary5.0★Jul 2022

• "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

  Many thanks for your feedback about your stay at House of Dun. The photos were taken by the Property Consultant and it is a difficult building to get the best angle but we are going to have more photos taken after May. The kitchen cupboards are going to get a refresh. Thank you for your comment about the single beds, we now have a kit to make the bed into a super king. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Lloyd5.0★Apr 2022

• "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;-))

  Many thanks for your feedback, it is a great location, especially good for bird watchers, walkers etc. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Carsten4.7★Apr 2022

• "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 !

  Thank you for your feedback, great to hear that you enjoyed the area and the apartment. We have purchased a kit that converts the bed to a King sized bed when it is needed. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Alan4.7★Mar 2022

• "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.

  Thank you for your feedback, the property has been refurbished and maybe a beige carpet wasn't the wisest choice. We will monitor the condition. We will also be encouraging the teams at our properties to look at the kitchen inventory. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Tracy4.4★Feb 2022

• "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.

  Thank you for your positive feedback, it is great to read that you enjoyed South Stables. It has just had new carpets, new sofa, curtains and various electrical equipment. We look forward to welcoming you again at the NTS. Property Owner

  Reviewed by James5.0★Dec 2021

• "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

  Many thanks for your feedback, great to hear you enjoyed your stay. We will ensure that the team are made aware of your comments. Great to read that they offered excellent customer care. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Eileen4.7★Dec 2021

• "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!

  Thank you very much for your positive feedback and we look forward to welcoming you back. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Susan5.0★Dec 2021

• "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!

  Reviewed by Sonia5.0★Sep 2021

• "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.

  Reviewed by Diana5.0★Aug 2021

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