Gardener's Cottage

This was potentially a lovely cottage.

There were a number of aspects that need to be reported back only 3 major-ish. 1. Sadly the main bed was v poor. It was on measurement as described a King size 59" but it didn't feel like it as the 'build' was so poor. Any movement by one side 'bounced' the other. It really was a v poor surface to sleep on & it actually caused my wife to go up to the spare bedroom one night. This was sad as it really spoilt the rest of the stay since the cottage was in so many ways lovely. Additionally the duvet was too small for the bed. 2. We were completely unable to open the windows. The owners weren't around but there was a lady to came to check on the garden but she couldn't open them either! 3. Arrival. It took us over half an hour to find the property after arriving in Urquhart. We had a postcode but that only got us to the centre of thew village. It was described as Gardener's Cottage but there was nothing on the road of that name. Eventually we went up the drive of the Glebe House & found it beyond that. It turned out the only sign on the road was Steading Cottage which of course meant nothing to us. So a poor start! Proper directions would have been helpful. Smaller thoughts/issues There were lots of earwigs on the kitchen floor The taps in the sink came off The frying pans[all 3] were buckled & so did not sit properly on the hobs The hot water in the sink would suddenly stop. Turn it off & it comes back! There was no surround to the basin[a very common issue!] There was nowhere to dry clothing[this is Scotland!] but also no hot pipes for drying towels in the bathroom-so they were still damp next morning Nowhere for soap or gel in the shower The position of the loo roll holder was awkward in use! Despite all the above the cottage was potentially very nice & we enjoyed our stay!

Lovely clean and warm cottage with everything you need.

There is a magnificent walled garden which opens to the public for Scotland’s Gardens Scheme. Hens roam free so our dogs had to be on lead but there are so many beaches to go to and Hopeman was our favourite

We enjoyed our holiday the house was well equipped and very comfortable.

The garden was a lovely bonus and we enjoyed our visits from the chickens who were always on the lookout for food. Owner was welcoming and came to visit when we arrived.

We had a really lovely holiday at Gardener’s Cottage.

This is a beautiful place to stay for a relaxing break. The owners were very friendly and welcoming too…..as were the chickens

We really enjoyed our stay.

The setting was very peaceful and secluded.

Couldn’t fault it, really comfortable everything we needed.

Needed to ring owner to say we were going to be late due to being diverted because of an accident, and was asked if we needed any provisions to help us out, which was really nice. Would definitely recommend.

This is the second time we have stayed here.

It is a great cottage which wants for nothing, well appointed and very cosy. It is well placed to explore the area and there are some great walks very close by. We would thoroughly recommend it.

Seating in lounge needs replacing as soon as possible.

Nice place to stay, would of been nice had the owners introduced themselves to us on arrival.

We travelled for 11 hours and milk for a drink would of been nice, may this could be considered for future guests. I would highly recommend the garden at the back of the cottage fenced off to keep their dogs away from guests staying there. Daily their dogs paced up and down round the cottage so I was on edge letting my dog out. In the terms and conditions when booking it states guests dogs must not be allowed to roam around and kept under control yet their dogs are allowed to go back and forth. Although there is a fenced field for dogs it's not always possible to use i.e night time / early morning when it is dark, I feel it would benefit from a private garden so guests can relax and allow their dogs out .The driveway is quite small so if you have a larger car be prepared to do a two point turn on the road to get into it

Fabulous place to stay.

Owners very accommodating after a disastrous start to our holiday. Would definitely recommend and would consider coming back again in the future.

A beautiful cottage in a wonderful location.

Friendly and helpful hosts and a magnificent walled garden to enjoy during our stay. Chickens, pheasant, owls and lambs as our closest neighbours. A rural idyll! The cottage is well equipped and the only thing to detract from this was worn out settees and armchair that offered little support or comfort

What a great little cottage!

We had a delightful stay here which was a perfect base to explore Moray. The setting and gardens are beautiful.

This is a wonderful, cosy cottage in a great position for touring the area.

It is very quiet and peaceful so relaxing. The walled garden is amazing and will be a riot of colour in late spring into summer. We will definitely be returning.

Very comfortable cottage in good location.

Beautiful walled garden to explore on weekdays. The owners very helpfully arranged return of my jewellery case which I had left behind. Would recommend this cottage for a peaceful stay in lovely surroundings.

A hidden gem - beautifully restored, well equipped, super comfortable and peaceful and well placed for so many local highlights, from castles and gardens to beaches and ice cream.

The absolute highlight was being able to enjoy the beautiful walled garden, full of late summer flowers and fruit trees - something really special.

We enjoyed our stay.

Great quiet location. Cottage was very relaxing. Perfect base for exploring Moray.

Wonderful, peaceful location.

Gardener's Cottage does however feel tired and a little neglected. Not luxurious, but practical and functional. Appliances were all clean and good quality. The cottage is well-equipped too. Furniture was old and uncomfortable and there were a few maintenance issues which have been shared with the owners. Beds were comfortable but when stripped, the mattresses were not very clean. The grounds around the property were lovely, walled garden a delight....but it did all feel a little rundown especially around the steading.....benches were rusty and in need of a lick of paint, flowers in pots had died off and needed replacing, leaves needed removing from in the carport.....just little things that would have made a better first impression. That said, our holiday was relaxing and refreshing but if I'm on holiday, I do prefer a little more refinement than Gardener's Cottage offers. Also, for us, no toilet facilities on the first floor was awkward and this should be mentioned in the description.

Loved it.

Great cottage in a perfect location. Plenty to do in the surrounding area. Great to be able to access to the walled garden. Hosts very welcoming throughout our stay. Cottage well equipped and very comfortable all round. Highly recommend! Would love to return.......

Excellent property.

I stayed end June/July. Took 3 small children with us and they had an excellent time. Garden is wonderful for kids. Secluded,safe and quiet. House is very child friendly. House is very clean and has all living amenities. Owners were available if necessary and very friendly. They allowed us to view their award winning garden and the kids loved running around the paths. Excellent location. 20 min drive to Lossiemouth beach which was great for the kids. 1 hour from Aviemore. Scottish dolphin centre was very educational. Elgin swimming pool was excellent. Nairn beach was a good trip out. I would thoroughly recommend this property and couldn't fault it in any way. 5 stars. We will definitely be back. Thanks.

What a fabulous holiday.

We enjoyed the peace and quiet in both the cottage and superb grounds. The Walled Garden is beautiful and a haven of peace. Great for losing yourself in a good book and enjoying nature. The cottage was very well equipped, comfortable and so peaceful. Just the occasional sheep in the field behind! Lots to see and do in the local area. We are golfers and it’s a golfer’s dream with so many excellent courses nearby. The new one at Maverston more or less next door is excellent, Lossiemouth great but more challenging and Cullen great fun! Excellent choice of places to eat out, but highly recommend The Seven Stills on the Whisky Trail at Dufftown. The reviews on Trip Advisor are spot on. Must book in advance as it’s small and intimate with French cooking by a French chef! A holiday here is highly recommended, and your hosts Melanie and Christian, will offer you a warm welcome and Go the extra mile to offer you a very special holiday. Enjoy.