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Auchenvhin - Rockcliffe

(Ref. 1076590)

Rockcliffe near Dalbeattie, Dumfries & Galloway Show on map

4.8

Sykes rating

  • 8 Guests

  • 4 Bedrooms

  • 3 Bathrooms

  • Pets Yes

Features

  • Off road parking
  • Ground floor accommodation
  • Ground floor bedroom
  • Garden / Patio
  • Cot available
  • Highchair available
  • Washing machine
  • Dishwasher
  • Seaside
  • Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing
Cleanliness
Comfort
Facilities and Maintenance
  • All reviews
  • property (16)
  • house (14)
  • views (13)
  • kitchen (11)
  • well (11)
  • all (11)

24 Customer Reviews

  • "This is a very spacious house, well equipped and comfortably furnished."

    The setting is spectacular and there are some lovely walks from both the grounds and the local area. I would highly recommend.

    Reviewed by Gillian4.7Sep 2024

  • "Everything we wished for and so much more besides."

    Beautiful house and garden with amazing views to Rough Island and beyond. We loved every minute we spent there.

    Reviewed by Carolyn5.0Sep 2024

  • "The house is beautiful and decor amazing."

    Views are outstanding as our the very large grounds. Location perfect for peace, quiet and close to nature with stunning landscape on the doorstep. Practical suggestions for inside property would be door knobs very stiff especially for older and younger family members. Expensive bedding which appears fairly new should have mattress protectors on as should pillows and inner duvet covers would all ensure prolonged useage. This is not a criticism but advice from visiting other special houses. All our large party had a fabulous time and there were plenty of ooohs and ahhs in appreciation of this special property.

    Reviewed by Maureen4.4Sep 2024

  • "Just as other reviewers have written, the house is lovely, with outstanding views across the Urr estuary and the Solway Firth."

    It has been restored and refurbished to a very high standard. I would love to know its history. The interior design is inspiring: beautiful furnishing fabrics, carefully restored and reupholstered older furniture, art and museum pieces discreetly fixed down or locked behind glass, modern beds and sofas. All tableware and cookware is by Denby, and there is plenty of it. Unfortunately, there were shortcomings. We arrived to find the dishwaher out of action, with an inadequate note telling us not to use it, an engineer was needed to fix it. We called the NTS representative on Monday. She explained that the engineer was waiting for a spare part to be delivered. She did not know when the dishwasher might be fixed. Washing up by hand for a large household was a disheartening chore, especially after we invited our Scottish family to Sunday lunch and washed up for 21. The dishwasher was eventually fixed on Thursday afternoon. Five days at the sink certainly dampened our holiday spirit. Standards have fallen since reviewers mentioned the house being "spotlessly clean". While the kitchen and bathrooms were very clean, many weeks'-worth of dust covered some surfaces (sideboards, mantlepieces, hearths, TV table, half-landing windowsill). It appeared that a golden retriever had occupied the first-floor en-suite bedroom; its long hair remained on the carpet and sofa and soon transferred onto the one-year-old baby's clothes and hands. Some bin bags and a second kitchen bin for recycling would be useful. Perhaps NTS could also ask Dumgal Council for more orange-lidded wheelie bins for recycling. Both recycling bins were already three-quarters full and, as they are shared between Auchenvhin and Saltflats Cottage and are collected only once a fortnight, two bins are not enough.

    Thank you for taking the time to give us feedback. We are really glad you liked the property and sorry it didn’t meet all your expectations on this occasion. We are striving to make improvements. We’ve been working with the council to improve the bin collection service for this property and are putting in additional bins and checks to ensure that collections have taken place. We have also implemented new cleaning procedures. We hope this does not deter you from visiting us again in the future. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Brian4.4Aug 2024

  • "All lovely"

    Reviewed by Lindsay5.0Aug 2024

  • "The property is beautiful and in a great area."

    Plenty of equipment perhaps just short of hairdryer. The decor is very original and attractive. We loved our stay. Thankyou

    Thank you very much for your lovely review. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Pamela5.0Jul 2024

  • "Stunning Stunning Stunning Beautiful decor throughout 10/10 to the ..."

    Stunning Stunning Stunning Beautiful decor throughout 10/10 to the designers Very small niggle was the absence of a DVD player to show our 4 year old a disney movie when it rained Again minor comment was the loose toilet seat in the downstairs ensuite For owners attention one of the lead chimney cowls covers to the right of the property on entry via gate, is sitting in the roof gutter

    Many thanks for your lovely comments about the house and thank you very much for the notes about the toilet seat and cowl. We have alerted the property team about them. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Sally4.7Jun 2024

  • "I would love to say it was awful and no one should entertain this property - as if people don’t book it then there would be plenty of availability- but I can’t as it was fabulous - beautiful decor - amazing comfy beds - rare in holiday cottages - position of Property is outstanding - all you can hear is sea,birds and breeze - plumbing quirkay but really didn’t care."

    Reviewed by Lyn4.7Jun 2024

  • "A superb property in a beautiful setting."

    Everything we needed was there, and the whole family enjoyed their stay. The occasional appearance of deer in the garden was an unexpected bonus!

    Reviewed by Stephen5.0Mar 2024

  • "Fantastic Holiday home."

    The views are amazing! It’s the best one we’ve been too for a long time. We had two dogs with us and they loved it. Ball games in the garden. Footpaths from the house to the woods which we all loved. Wonderfully equipped kitchen with everything we needed to cook meals for 8 adults. Would recommend and come again. Plenty of crockery and cutlery and cook ware. All great quality! Just missing salt and pepper grinders. Which is really only a first world problem!!

    Reviewed by Georgina5.0Mar 2024

  • "You cannot beat the coastal location and outlook of this gem of a property with its breathtaking views of the bay and its paths to the coast, the causeway to Rough Island and the surrounding woodland hills."

    Auchenvhin is deceptively spacious, super-stylish and supremely comfortable. Its interior design is stunning; the central heating kept us warm and we also had log fires on occasion. The kitchen has been kitted out to the highest standards. We wanted for nothing. We’ll certainly be recommending Auchenvhin to friends and family.

    Reviewed by Nicola4.7Mar 2024

  • "This property is just wonderful!"

    Clean, warm and fully equipped with everything you could need. The gardens are just wonderful and well kept. From the second driving through the gate..the views are stunning. Very well placed for many walks. Would definitely book again...and again!

    Reviewed by Julie5.0Mar 2024

  • "This house is in a wonderful location, with great views and lots of good walking from the doorstep."

    In fact the pictures struggle to do it justice! Very spacious, beautifully furnished and very well equipped, it had everything we needed, except ..... there were only two small toilet rolls for the four toilets, most of the hand soap dispensers were empty, there was no hairdryer, tea towels were not left out for us, and the bath towels were so small they barely covered even a slim person's modesty! Why skimp on little things when the overall impression is one of luxury and comfort? Also, the oil ran out on our last day which meant we were without heating for half a day. The facilities team responded promptly, but this had happened twice recently (I gathered from them), so that problem should have been sorted out by now.

    Many thanks for your feedback and we are very sorry that the team had not prepared the house to our usual standards. We apologise for this and hope that you will book again with NTS. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Janet4.4Feb 2024

  • "Stunning property and gardens, views outstanding, beautifully decorated and furnished, comfortable, lovely comfy big bed, well equipped kitchen, we really enjoyed our stay."

    ... Including two named storms. Beautiful walks on the doorstep for our dog, was perfect. Hoose can be a wee bit chilly in January, take a fleece. Before we set off I had asked Sykes Cottages to request the owners for the option of a further super king size bed in one of the rooms, rather than the two singles.... This didn't happen but we managed to do it ourselves We also asked where we were going to be able to purchase fuel for the open fires and were told the supermarket, my wife and I both felt we were fobbed off by Sykes Lovely man just before Dalbeattie on the left sells logs with an honesty box store just off the main road and very reasonable

    Many thanks for your comments and we apologise that our housekeepers omitted to convert the twin to a kind sized bed. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Martin5.0Jan 2024

  • "I absolutely loved this house."

    Beautiful location. The decor and the period features were very appealing. The grounds were fabulous for my dog to explore. Very comfortable bed. The kitchen was very well equipped for cooking, ample amounts of crockery and cutlery. The views from the windows are fabulous. However, there are a few things that do need to be addressed. As previously mentioned in reviews, the door knobs are extremely difficult to open, the hot water taps in the bathrooms are dangerously hot. The plug in the private bathroom requires attention as water drains out quickly and its not easy to top up with a scalding tap. The house was very cold and it was not possible to over-ride the control. The guest information said there were extra blankets in the cupboard under the stairs, unfortunately, it was locked. I was slightly niggled that I had to empty a very full dishwasher before I could use it. There were no dishwasher tablets, salt, pepper, cling film or foil - I rarely stay anywhere where these aren't provided - so come prepared! I thought the living room could have been cleaned more thoroughly - my dog was very interested in all of the snacks between the cushions. There was an ice-cream spoon and burst balloons on the floor and evidence of dog hair on the furniture. Also, the Christmas trees were still up, despite me arriving on the 12th night! I'm aware all of these things are very easily rectified. These are the things that could turn a very good stay in to an outstandingly fabulous one! All this said, it certainly wouldn't deter me from booking again - I'm planning another visit. The area is beautiful for walking and tranquility. Fortunately, I had great weather. Just the break I needed.

    Thank you very much for your feedback and we are sorry that you had to report some issues at the house. We will ask the maintenance team to look at the door knobs , look at replacing the bath plug and to look at the heating controls. The extra blankets will be moved to a more accessible location. We will reiterate to our cleaners that they need to check the dishwasher thoroughly, check under all seat cushions. The Christmas tree should have been taken down before your arrival. We do hope to welcome you back to Rockcliffe. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Donna4.1Jan 2024

  • "We had a marvellous stay over Xmas in this property."

    It was very well appointed and had a happy family vibe. I have never made Christmas dinner in such a fabulous kitchen. The views of course are to die for and we were very lucky on Xmas Eve to witness the rare Nacreous Cloud. (Naturally, caused by Santa’s sleigh.

    Reviewed by Derek5.0Dec 2023

  • "We've stayed in many cottages over the years and this is the best."

    large period property, beautifully decorated, in large gardens with it's own rocky beach. fantastic views from the large bay windows. peaceful location. the beds were very comfortable. would definitely stay again. just some things to bear in mind: we arrived in sub zero temperatures and it took a long time to heat the house up. bring throws and maybe a fan heater. the fire was provided with coal and paper but no kindling or firelighters so bring them. some people might struggle with the door handles which require a strong grip. when we left we took our rubbish and recycling to the bins at the far gate but there was no general waste bin, just recycling. owners notified. couldn't find a dishcloth. there were several wet towels in the washing machine when we arrived which we removed and dried. but these don't matter when you're staying in such an amazing property. we all had a lovely holiday.

    Many thanks for the excellent scores and feedback. we are sorry that there were a few slipups on preparing the house for you. The team at Threave have noted the comments about the bin and the towels. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Colin4.7Dec 2023

  • "Well what a stunning house & location, spotlessly clean, and well equipped."

    I could've honestly just have stayed permanently, just having a cup of tea and watching the view with the occasional deer thrown in. Would like to thank Linda from NTS (Threave) for her help, without this help we couldn't have stayed. I can imagine this property will be fully booked going forward as its that good, but i promise i will try to return.

    wow thank you for your great feedback, it has been selling extremely well since it came online . Property Owner

    Reviewed by Fiona5.0Oct 2023

  • "The photos of this special house and gardens in such an idyllic location did not do it full justice."

    On arriving to a beautiful sunset we were first bowled over by the views and autumnal garden, and the size of the house. On entering the house it was clear this was a beautiful, well maintained and cared for property to spend the week. 7 adults/teenagers fitted in comfortably with our own space and plenty of space to share too. The beds wrapped you up for sleep, the kitchen was spacious for creating good meals having worked up a good appetite walking and cycling in the local area and the sofas welcomed you for post-dinner snooze and games. We are already booked to return, even though this is such a popular property it is hard to book!

    Reviewed by Paul5.0Oct 2023

  • "The property was clean and beautifully decorated."

    The beds were comfy. The kitchen was well equipped. Our ‘ negative’ feedback would be: Some of the doors are almost impossible to open. The handles are too stiff and won’t turn. Especially the door to the dining room and the en-suite upstairs. The downstairs bedroom and en-suite are really cold. The cold wind whistles down the chimney in that room and it didn’t get warm all week. The garden is only partially enclosed - this needs to be made clear in the description- it’s definitely not dog proof!

    Thank you for your comments. We can look at the door handles in the house to see if we can ease them off. We are also researching a chimney draft excluder for the downstairs bedroom made from natural fibres. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Lyn3.4Oct 2023

  • "A really lovely property."

    Very spacious and comfortable. The kitchen is equipped to a very high standard and the furnishings throughout the house are lovely. The extensive grounds and views of the sea are an added bonus. There are lots of good walks in the area, especially the path behind the property which takes you into Kippford. The house is relatively new to the holiday rental market and did have one or two “teething problems”, but a quick phone call to Linda at NTS soon got things sorted out. All in all, Auchenvhin is a delightful property. We really enjoyed our break and are hoping to return before too long.

    Reviewed by Pamela5.0Sep 2023

  • "The holiday was fine and the house excellent."

    However we had a problem getting into the house because your instructions were wrong.I called your company many times and failed to a response until around 6pm.Your staff member advised that they had emailed NTS and would have to wait up to 2 hours for a response but if that failed Sykes would try to rehouse me or reimburse me .He said they had no contact they could call to help resolve the problem. Fortunately Linda at NTS arrived and we got access to the house. She did advise that Sykes do have a helpline number to call. so there is something wrong with your procedures This situation was extremely distressing for all of my party so I will be very wary of booking with you again. Linda at NTS will be in touch with you on this issue but I expect a direct feed back from you James Tiffney

    Many thanks for your feedback about your stay and the access to the house. We checked the key pad and apparently it has ceased hence your problem getting in. We have checked the timeline with Sykes and we understand the first call was to Sykes at 5pm and they tried to assist with the door opening. Sykes then called our property manager. Sykes called yourselves at 6.20pm and we understand that our property manager had been able to let you in by then. We are sorry that you were inconvenienced at the start of your holiday. Property Owner

    Reviewed by James5.0Sep 2023

  • "An outstanding property in large private grounds right on the coast."

    The furnishings and kitchen equipment are of high quality and plentiful. The house is much larger than it appears in the external pictures — all rooms are very spacious with three good bathrooms. Fantastic value — I would definitely try to book again.

    Reviewed by Robert5.0Sep 2023

  • "Wow. The pictures do not do this property justice - it is amazing."

    Alfie, the border collie loved the vast grounds and we were pleased that the drive had a gate that we could close. The property has its own rocky cove which was perfect for launching the kayak from. The house is much bigger than it looks in the photo and is extremely well furnished with comfy beds. No expense has been spared on the kitchen. There is a useful porch area which is ideal for taking off muddy boots and drying the dog. Perfect for a quiet getaway - we've already rebooked!

    Thank you so much for the lovely comments, Auchenvhin is the latest holiday property that the National Trust for Scotland have brought online. You were our first guests and it is great to read that you really enjoyed yourselves and we look forward to welcoming you back. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Stephen5.0Aug 2023

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Summary

  • Four bedrooms: 1 x super-king-size (zip/link, can be twin on request), 1 x super-king-size with en-suite bath, walk-in shower, basin, heated towel rail and WC, 1 x twin (zip/link, can be super-king-size on request), 1 x ground-floor twin with en-suite walk-in shower, basin, heated towel rail and WC
  • Bathroom with bath, walk-in shower, basin and WC
  • Cloakroom
  • Kitchen/diner
  • Sitting room
  • Oil central heating
  • Electric range cooker with oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher and washing machine
  • TV, WiFi
  • Fuel and power inc. in rent
  • Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
  • Cot and Highchair
  • Starter pack for the open fire inc. in rent
  • Off-road parking
  • Private garden
  • Pet-friendly
  • Sorry, no smoking
  • Shop 1.5 miles, pub 4.3 miles, beach 0.1 miles
  • The mobile phone signal can be intermittent due to the remote location of the cottage

The property

Dalbeattie 6.9 miles.

Situated within an extensive private garden with direct beach access, in the beautiful coastal village of Rockcliffe, Dumfries and Galloway discover this impressive National Trust for Scotland seaside retreat, Auchenvhin.

Benefitting from close proximity to the coast, en-suite bedrooms and off-road parking, Auchenvhin welcomes eight guests, ideal for large families or groups of friends seeking a memorable retreat in Scotland.

After parking up, cross the threshold into your new home-from-home and kick back in the inviting sitting room, homing a TV and feature fireplace where you can curl up on cooler evenings and saviour some light entertainment; allow the chef of your group to get to grips with a superb range of appliances in the well-equipped kitchen before setting the dining table, ready to tuck into a feast as the wine is poured and conversation flows.

If you prefer to bask in your surroundings a little longer, take advantage of the extensive private garden with access to the original jetty, ideal for water sport enthusiasts or relax with a cold tipple and immerse yourself in the beautiful coastal views.

When night falls, escape back inside to treat yourself to either a long soak or warm shower prior to choosing from four beautiful bedrooms, two of which have their very own handy en-suite facilities, to catch some well-deserved rest.

In the morning, kickstart your itinerary at Rockcliffe Beach, an idyllic spot where you can truly absorb the uninterrupted beauty of the area, listening to the waves crash along the shores as you soak up the sun’s rays in warmer months.

Rockcliffe is located on one of Scotland’s most beautiful coastlines, stretching along the Solway Firth on the southern edge of Dumfries and Galloway, part of a National Scenic Area, this National Trust for Scotland nature reserve is fringed with wildflowers and dotted with sailing villages, further inland the shells and shingle give way to patches of ancient broadleaved woodland and meadows, rich with flowers, butterflies and wildlife.

If you’re seeking a holiday surrounded by breath-taking scenery and outdoor activities, you’re in the right place, as a peppering of fantastic walking and cycling trails can be found nearby, including The Jubilee Path, which leads to the charming coastal village of Kippford, offering two welcoming pubs where you can sample some hearty fare, for the more adventurous the clifftop walk from Rockcliffe to Sandyhills offers lovely views all the way across to the Lake District hills and Rough Island (12 miles return).

Head to Dalbeattie to find the Dalbeattie Museum Trust, in addition to a shop and several pubs where you can stock up on the essentials or treat your loved ones to a delicious meal on the days you don’t feel like cooking!

Nearby, thrill seekers can also take advantage of the 7stanes mountain biking complex, or explore your surroundings on foot with a picturesque walk in Glentrool.

Slightly further afield you will find the market town of Castle Douglas, also a designated Food Town with an abundance of local retailers that either produce or sell quality food and drink in addition to many independent retailers, uncover Threave Garden, a stunning National Trust for Scotland site located on the outskirts of Castle Douglas, showcasing landscaped gardens where you can embark on a peaceful walk or enjoy a family picnic amongst the picturesque backdrops.The region of Dumfries & Galloway is a stunning part of Scotland, with an undulating coastline of rocky shoreline and sandy beaches, acres of forest and green spaces and an abundance of outdoor activities, history and cultural attractions for you to discover.

Whisk your family away to Scotland with a stay at Auchenvhin.

Note: This property can be booked with Refs. 1060517 and 1076591 together sleeping 17 guests.

EPC Rating: Band E

Short-term Holiday Let Licence No: DG-00553-F

National Trust For Scotland

Whether searching for your next city to explore, or seeking a homely dwelling to relax in with your loved ones in rural surroundings, the wonderful collection of properties from National Trust for Scotland is sure to have something perfect for you. Discover the beauty of Scotland's two national parks and stunning countryside, with lots of properties catering to a wealth of outdoor pursuits to enjoy on your doorstep, with some featuring additional facilities for angling, field sports and cycling, making it easy to enjoy your stay to the fullest. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the lively city scenes of Scotland, with properties in and around Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness and Glasgow, all teeming with historic sites, beautiful architecture and plenty of entertainment. Being Scotland's largest conservation charity, National Trust for Scotland has been able to beautifully preserve and renovate many historic buildings to offer unique holiday locations. With over two-million visitors each year across twenty-seven castles and great houses, forty-six munros, thirty-five major gardens and designed landscapes, and seven national nature reserves, National Trust for Scotland has something for everyone. Each property is equipped with all you need for a self-catered stay, with kitchens complete with essential appliances and more, dining areas to come together for hearty meals, and many sitting rooms boasting open fires or woodburning stoves to settle down in front of, not to mention elegant bedrooms and sparkling bathrooms where you can feel refreshed. Bring your canine companion along with you to some of the properties, and keep up to date with the world via the WiFi connections offered in most cottages. With more and more people discovering the beauty and allure of Scotland every year, ensure your stay is special with a National Trust for Scotland cottage.

View on map

About the location

DALBEATTIE

Castle Douglas 6 miles; Kirkcudbright 13.5 miles; Dumfries 14 miles.

The attractive country town of Dalbeattie is nestled in the south west of Scotland. The town sits within a wooded valley on the River Urr and provides access to the picturesque Solway Coast with its miles of beaches and pretty fishing villages. Dalbeattie is originally known for its granite quarry, which exported stone all over the world, most notably for the Eddystone Lighthouse and Thames Embankment. Today it is renowned for its outdoor activities with the world famous 7stanes mountain biking complex nearby as well as forest walks in Glentrool, where you can follow in the footsteps of Richard Hannay in The Thirty Nine Steps. Dalbeattie and the surrounding area offer panoramic views of the Solway Firth, the Lake District and the Galloway Hills. A great location, which has something for everyone.

The mobile phone signal can be intermittent due to the remote location of the cottage