Dunskey Estate Reviews Summary

Category: Group accommodation

Address: Portpatrick, Stranraer, DG9 8TJ, United Kingdom

Rating: 4.9
based on 212 reviews.

Staff and Service

Pros:

  • "Ali, Anne, and the entire staff were welcoming, kind, more than accommodating, and so so incredibly friendly."
  • "The staff at Dunskey was so wonderful, attentive, and personable."
  • "Everyone on the Dunskey team was exceptional and provided 5 star+++ service."
  • "The staff were absolutely incredible. I have never felt so welcome and seen in my entire life."
  • "The staff could not have been kinder, more accommodating, or better with communication, and they helped to make the stay so lovely."
  • "The staff work tirelessly to make you feel welcome and comfortable."
  • "The staff made sure we were happy at all times."

Cons:

  • "Unfortunately the owner was disorganised and didn’t understand how the deposit system worked."

Accommodation and Amenities

Pros:

  • "The rooms are elegant yet cosy and welcoming, the bedrooms fabulous."
  • "The rooms were comfortable and included little amenity kits in case you forgot anything."
  • "Rose Blair Lodge is very private and has been decorated to a high standard."
  • "The cottages and rooms on the estate are beautifully renovated and very comfortable."
  • "Fern cottage was a beautiful spacious house, perfectly positioned on the estate with high quality bedding and bathroom fixtures."
  • "The house itself is like stepping into a time warp with all the beautiful period decorations, except it has all the modern amenities you expect in a 5 star hotel."
  • "Our room in the castle was so cozy and well appointed."

Cons:

  • "We did encounter an issue where the wifi signal was very weak and difficult to use in our rooms."

Food and Cuisine

Pros:

  • "The food was excellent, the land is gorgeous, and it was so enjoyable from start to finish."
  • "Head Chef, David Alexander, produced outstanding cuisine throughout our stay without exception."
  • "The food was amazing too, 5 star without a doubt."
  • "The chef was fabulous. The breakfasts the snacks and the dinners at the wedding that took place was beyond delicious."
  • "Chef David is an absolute genius."
  • "The food is the best food I have ever had in my life."
  • "All the food looked like art and tasted like heaven."

Cons:

  • "Despite the many food allergies our group had, your chef provided us all with a gastronomic feast at every breakfast, lunch, dinner or late night snack."

Activities and Entertainment

Pros:

  • "Never in our mind could we have imagined a 3-day adventure packed with so many varied, fun, and unique activities that the Dunskey team had in store for us!"
  • "We had a bird demonstration and a Ceilidh band and fireworks!"
  • "Our group chose laser tag in the woods, kayaking in the lake and falconry and archery as a few of the provided activities."
  • "The estate is absolutely amazing: a five to ten minute walk to the two lochs; a 30min walk to the beaches and coastline where we did spot porpoises and grey seals."
  • "Archery, I highly recommend this super fun activity for the whole family."
  • "From coastal walks to beach picnics, fishing, sailing, archery, dressing up and the amazingly fun celidh - what an incredible week that kept every age group (from 2 - 84 years) happy and entertained!"
  • "We enjoyed the highland games, polar plunge, hiking and yoga among other activities."

Cons:

  • "I wish I could have explored more but did not have enough time."

Location and Scenery

Pros:

  • "The grounds are incredible, with incredible scenery and breathtaking views."
  • "This stunning rural Scottish estate is nestled among trees, wildflowers, creeks, waterfalls, meadows, gardens, lochs and seaside cliffs."
  • "The estate is breath-taking with serene lochs, stunning coves and coastline, woodland walks filled with bluebells, wild garlic and rhododendrons."
  • "Beautiful views, peaceful seclusion, fantastic trails to explore as well as the shrubbery maze, walled botanical garden and beautiful lochs!"
  • "The grounds and house are spectacular with breathtaking views."
  • "The grounds are beautiful, the rooms are clean and gorgeous."
  • "The grounds are stunning, the events were incredible, and I loved just wandering the house and looking at the decor."

Cons:

  • "Beyond a couple pubs and shops, there's not much there, but it's the scenery, atmosphere and general chill out effect it has."

Overall Experience

Pros:

  • "It was one of the most memorable weekends I've ever had, and an absolutely beautiful area."
  • "Dunskey Estate is one of the most magical experiences I’ve ever had."
  • "The food, the beds, the bedding and hospitality exceeded all expectations."
  • "Rarely managed to disconnect like I did in Dunskey. I will be back, and more than once!"
  • "We can’t wait to return and highly recommend a stay here, either in the main Estate or in the Fern Cottage, both are incredible experiences and very enjoyable!"
  • "Dunskey Estate is a place I thought only existed in my wildest dreams."
  • "Staying at Dunskey Estate is a once-in-a-lifetime experience."

Cons:

  • "My only criticism is that they had the inability to slow time, so our experience went by so quickly:)"

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