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The Pend

(Ref. 1046835)

Whithorn, Ayrshire and Dumfries & Galloway Show on map

4.5

Sykes rating

  • 4 Guests

  • 2 Bedrooms

  • 1 Bathroom

  • Pets No

Features

  • Off road parking
  • Open fire
  • Garden / Patio
  • Cot available
  • Highchair available
  • Pub/shop < 1 mile
  • Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing
Cleanliness
Comfort
Facilities and Maintenance
  • All reviews
  • all (9)
  • no (9)
  • place (9)
  • back (9)
  • time (9)
  • house (8)

26 Customer Reviews

  • "The cottage was well equipped and bedding clean and comfortable."

    However, we found the cottage to be too dark for our liking and struggled on the stairs and to read. The cottage had a quietness about it that made it comfortable but for us we found the furniture rather uncomfortable although we understand that it is all in keeping with the history of the building. It was a good base for a couple of nights but we would prefer something brighter with more comfortable sofas to stay longer.

    Reviewed by Gail3.4Aug 2024

  • "The Pend combines comfort with tradition: it has all the mod cons - such as a microwave and wifi modem - within a house that has been lovingly restored and furnished to reflect 16th/17th century interiors."

    I will definitely come back for visits in the future.

    Reviewed by Stephanie5.0Jun 2024

  • "We loved the house and area."

    Bathroom was cold was the only problem. Kitchen is small but effort made to make it work and great pub nearby. Great value and would go again.

    Reviewed by Sophie3.4Mar 2024

  • "A unique house to stay in, the antiquarian decor and age of the house makes it a very special place."

    We were impressed by how clean and comfortable it was. Very easy to book and the arrangements for key pick up were easy and convenient. Whithorn itself is a charming, friendly and fascinating place.

    Reviewed by Carolyn4.7Feb 2024

  • "We left after a few hours as the place was mouldy, damp, wind blowing in from the bedroom, furniture broken and the place dirty."

    It shouldn’t be being rented out and needs repairs, deep clean and updating. I raised a case and have not received a refund and Sykes are not helping. Don’t book here or any property through Sykes cottages!

    Thank you for your feedback on the Pend. Many thanks for voicing your concerns : unfortunately, due to the size of Sykes’s portfolio of properties, we can't visit every property on a weekly basis. We are sorry to hear you experienced maintenance issues during your stay at the cottage. We want you to have all advertised facilities on our website and we strive on having exceptional property standards in all Sykes properties. We do ask that if anything is not right on arrival at a property you let someone know straight away so the owner can be given the opportunity to put things right. A refund has been actioned back to you. Many visitors who have come to this cottage have enjoyed its historic features and its restoration, and report positively on the cleanliness and warmth of the house. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Kerry1.3Dec 2023

  • "Overall a lovely place to relax and spend a holiday, genuinely feels like you're in a piece of history whilst being warm and cosy."

    Only slight drawbacks, which in no way marred the experience - more quality of life issues - were that the bathroom/shower situation needs some thought, and the kitchen is tiny and has seen better days. That said the living areas and bed rooms were sumptuous and well worth the price.

    Reviewed by Jacob4.4Sep 2023

  • "Very interesting old building."

    The bathroom is an issue with a handheld shower that is impossible to use without flooding the room

    Reviewed by Elizabeth3.8Jul 2023

  • "The cottage was wonderful, it was like stepping back in time."

    Reviewed by Pam5.0Jun 2023

  • "One of the best holiday and not only because of the sacred area in Scotland-Whithorn but also by us staying in this beautiful, great decorated property."

    We will be back soon

    Reviewed by David5.0May 2023

  • "Property is interesting and atmospheric."

    Furnished with antiques and old furniture it is like stepping back in time. However much we enjoyed our stay, there are a few things that are not to an acceptable standard: 1. The bath/shower arrangement is very poor. There is no shower curtain to the rear of the bath so that it is almost impossible to use the shower without water cascading down the wall onto the floor behind the bath. This is not good in a house that is hundreds of years old. There is also no extract fan which would help stop condensation and mould becoming a problem (there is one in the kitchen). 2. The kitchen units are falling apart. There is evidence of mice/ droppings in the low cupboard by the door. 3. Is there any need for the level of lighting to be so low? I appreciate that some people may feel that it adds to the atmosphere but brighter bulbs could be considered. 4. There is no broom to sweep the floors, only a dustpan and brush. The mop does not have a head in it.

    Reviewed by Chris2.8Sep 2022

  • "The welcome pack was very much appreciated, the cottage was well provided and very clean and comfortable."

    Loved the enclosed garden. The historic feel was wonderful. Excellent property.

    Reviewed by Angela5.0Sep 2022

  • "Lovely place to stay."

    .very comfortable whilst retaining a feel of history. Excellent facilities, easy parking in a lovely little place.

    Reviewed by Emma4.4May 2022

  • "Stepping back in time but all the modern day comforts."

    Unbelievable place. Thank you for an unforgettable experience.Alan and Elaine

    Reviewed by Elaine5.0May 2022

  • "We had a wonderful stay in this delightful period property which was exceptionally clean and well presented."

    The furnishings were all in keeping and evocative of the history of the building. We appreciated the thoughtful extras: a bottle of milk in the fridge, well stocked hospitality tray and fresh flowers. We were blessed with a week of fabulous weather which was a real bonus, especially as at this point in the season many amenities were not open. We were sad not to be able to access the visitor centre and museum as those facilities open April 1st. Due to covid constraints there were no reference books or information leaflets available and we did not have the wherewithal to use the internet. Apart from this minor issues The Pend was all that we would wish for in a holiday let.

    Reviewed by Joyce4.7Mar 2022

  • "So good we’ve booked it again!"

    Reviewed by Nicola5.0Feb 2022

  • "We loved this accommodation, it’s the best we’ve stayed in with Sykes."

    The decor and location were both great. We’ve recommend it to anyone.

    Reviewed by Jackie5.0Feb 2022

  • "The Pend is a step back in time ,with all mod cons ."

    All facilities in the cottage were spot on . Nothing was missing . Welcome pack was good to arrive to . Lovely village location , with no parking problems and shops for anything you'd need .

    Reviewed by Christine5.0Oct 2021

  • "The Pend is a beautiful historical house."

    Warm, cosy and very comfortable. The listing does not say that there is dishwasher, washing machine and dryer, which was a very welcome surprise. The location is brilliant; shops, chemist, post office, takeaway, museum and church all walking distance. Parking was never an issue. Local people were very welcoming to us. We are very sad to leave and can't wait to book to come again! Thank you!

    Reviewed by Victoria5.0Aug 2021

  • "The history and sense of time and place of the venue."

    It was an extraordinary place to stay - like stepping back in time. If only walls could talk!!

    Reviewed by Gillian4.7Jul 2021

  • "We had a brilliant time in this fascinating property."

    The furnishings have to be experienced to be believed, the photo's on line do great justice butit's even better when you arrive. It's a definite time warp.

    Reviewed by Pat4.7Jun 2021

  • "We had a really great week at the Pend and became absorbed in the history of the place, wondering that so many Scottish monarchs had travelled underneath our bedroom!"

    The house was sensitively restored and had all you needed for a week away. It was beautifully clean, warm and atmospheric. We especially enjoyed the upstairs reading room. The coastal and woodland walks were stunning, the local towns and villages interesting and welcoming and we found several places to enjoy coffee or an evening meal. The area was peaceful and the roads were quiet. Intend to return

    Reviewed by Fiona4.4May 2021

  • "As soon as I walked into the house I just loved it and new I was going to enjoy ..."

    As soon as I walked into the house I just loved it and new I was going to enjoy my time there Unfortunately due to the time of year and Covid we did not manage to get out and about to some places Under normal circumstances I would definitely recommend The Pend as somewhere to stay as a good base for that part of Scotland I look forward to returning in the foreseeable future

    Reviewed by Mary4.7Dec 2020

  • "This is a very unique property almost like living in museum, the period furniture and decor are spot on."

    The property was remarkably warm and comfortable considering the age the type of walls and flooring (stone tiles). There were a couple small things that could be improved, the back door lock is exceptionally stiff to use this could potentially be a hazard if the property had to be exited in a hurry (easy fix) The other one is the under floor heating can be noisy in the main bedroom, the floor creaked all night which kept me awake the first couple of nights. The fix is to ensure the heating is switched of about 2 hours before retiring. Other than the above the property offered very good value and a high level of cleanliness, Highly recommended......

    Reviewed by Alistair5.0Nov 2020

  • "The house was absolutely amazing - full of period features and very comfortable."

    The smell of peat fire reminded me of my time in Orkney and helped me to feel at home. In addition, weather behaved very nicely and after a day of exploring, coming back to a nice and warm place was a great experience.

    Reviewed by Katarzyna5.0Oct 2020

  • "Fabulous accommodation - quirky and unusual whilst still providing all the home comforts we needed."

    It was great to have the courtyard to sit in and the fire being laid was a lovely touch. Enjoyed the complimentary tea tray and thank you for providing all we needed to have real fires every evening.

    Reviewed by Natalie5.0Sep 2020

  • "A special place everything was explained well and reassuring about the cleaning regime at this time."

    Warm and cosy, unfortunately we couldn't get the stove going it was too warm! We would like to return.

    Reviewed by Marie5.0Sep 2020

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Summary

  • 2 bedrooms: 1 x king-size double, 1 x twin
  • Ground-floor bathroom with bath, hand-held shower, basin, heated towel rail and WC
  • Kitchen
  • Living/dining room with woodburning stove
  • First-floor sitting room
  • Oil fired central heating with underfloor heating and woodburning stove
  • Electric oven and hob, microwave, TV and WiFi
  • Fuel and power inc. in rent
  • Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
  • Cot and highchair available
  • Parking on neighbouring driveway
  • Enclosed rear courtyard with furniture
  • Sorry, no pets and no smoking
  • Shop and pub within 0.1 miles
  • Note: Master bedroom accessed by an additional set of stairs
  • Please note: There is no facility to charge cars at the property but there is an EV charging point within 100 yards for public use

The property

This lovingly restored gatehouse to the Priory at Whithorn, can be found in the centre of the former Royal Burgh of Whithorn in Dumfries and Galloway.

The Pend is a remarkable listed building, and a National Trust for Scotland property in a central location for discovering The Machars and the Galloway Forest Park.

Offering traditional accommodation for four guests, this property is ideal for a couple, small family or group wanting to explore this fascinating region of Scotland.

This property exudes history and rests next door to The Priory, which once housed the relics of St Ninian, who died in 431 AD.

Parking is available on a neighbouring driveway and as you enter the property, you will discover a living/dining room, the first of two reception rooms, with a large exposed stone feature fireplace, housing a woodbrning stove, with cosy furniture careful placed in front, stunning dark wooden beams on the ceiling and a dining table, where the whole group can gather to enjoy a meal, prepared in the compact but well-equipped kitchen.

There is a family bathroom with a bath and hand held shower, where you can get ready for each day, while upstairs are two bedrooms; a twin room with back-to-back beds, maximising the space in the room, as well as a stunning king-size, four-poster double bedroom, complete with stunning 17th century windows that open out onto the street.

There is a second sitting room on this floor, with exposed wooden flooring, ornate furniture and a TV you can enjoy watching.

Outside is a rear, enclosed courtyard with furniture, where you can enjoy an alfresco breakfast or morning coffee, before heading into the town centre, where a selection of shops and pubs can be found less than a mile away.

Whithorn is an Outstanding Conservation Area and one of Scotland's oldest settlements, home to Scotland's first Christian church, built in 397 AD by St Ninian, whose shrine can be visited at Whithorn Priory, following in the footsteps of many medieval pilgrims.

Here you will find a visitors centre and stunning carved stone displays, while along the coast, you can see the isolated cave of St Ninian's Cave, thought to be a hideaway for the saint.

Explore The Machars peninsula and discover quaint villages, rugged coastline, idyllic harbours and lovely sandy beaches.

Head to Scotland's national book town, Wigtown to find French-style architecture, quirky shops, bookshops and tearooms and venture north towards the Galloway Forest Park to enjoy scenic walking and cycling trails through the largest forest in the UK and Scotland's first Dark Sky Park.

An incredible, historic property to base your next getaway to this fascinating part of Scotland.

Note: This property can be booked with Refs. 1046834 & 1044477, together sleeping 12 guests.

EPC Rating: Band E

Short-term Holiday Let Licence No: DG-00051-F

View on map

About the location

WHITHORN

Castlewigg 2 miles; Wigtown 10.5 miles; Newton Stewart 17 miles.

The former Royal Burgh of Whithorn on the Machars Peninsula in Dumfries and Galloway is renowned for having the first recorded Christian church is Scotland. Built by St Ninian around 397, the site of the Candida Casa, or White/Shining House, is now home to the parish church. The area of Whithorn is rich in history and is also home to a medieval priory and an archaeological site. The distinctive shape of Whithorn, with its spacious central area and narrow entrance-ways of elegant Georgian houses, displays its medieval heritage. The Machars and Rhins of Galloway are also home to spectacular gardens, a result of the Gulf Stream and mild climate. Logan Botanic Gardens, the Aldouran Wetland and the spectacular gardens of Castle Kennedy are all a must see. To the north of the Machars are the Galloway Hills, offering walking to all levels as well as world class mountain biking. Golf, fishing and wildlife spotting are well catered for and the sandy beaches of Monrieth, Garlieston, and along the whole of Luce Bay will delight any visitor.

This property offers the following short breaks:

  • Winter
  • Off-season
  • Last minute
  • Christmas