Sandhill House

Brilliant! Duke of Portland Dower house that retains period features. Large rooms with everything you need. Breakfast amazing. Footpath at back goes to Troon. 30 minute walk. We recommend Piersland house hotel which is near the golf club.

Sandhill House was built in the late 1800’s by the Duke of Portland as a home for his mother, the Dower Dutchess of Portland. The sizeable property in its own grounds near Troon, on Scotland’s west coast, became a magnet for other wealthy people who also built in the leafy area. However, the property, which overlooks Royal Troon Golf Course, one of The Open Championship venues, fell on tough times and was repossessed before being lovingly restored by Elaine Warr. It is now used for bed and breakfast accommodation. However, this is no ordinary B&B. It has been a finalist in the South West in the Scottish Hospitality Awards and rates 9.8 on some sites. Absolutely no surprise there having stayed for two nights recently. Yes, some of the old fittings remain, particularly in the bathroom. We had, brass taps, exposed piping and a bath with a marble surround which could make it difficult for some to enter, but we were more than happy to see that as a minor matter. Instead, we enjoyed fluffy towels, two dressing gowns hanging in our adjacent cosy and comfortable bedroom, and the great bed. We slept well. Luxurious furnishings and deep carpets throughout this tastefully-decorated, wood-panelled residence, give a feeling of real class. You can chill here. The spacious lounge area is ideal for a quiet read of watching the large, flat-screen TV, or even listening to the available CD’s Yes, the brick and red sandstone property is adjacent to Prestwick Airport, but the occasional aircraft flying overhead did not bother us. Basically, we loved Sandhill House. Breakfast options include free range eggs from the hens on the property and all food is cooked to order. We even savoured tomatoes grown in the greenhouse in the spacious and well-kept garden. Fruit and cereal options plus fruit juice and croissants were also offered along with piping hot coffee and tea. We’ve stayed in many B&B establishments down the years, and this one is up there. This is B&B in style and well worth a visit. It has on-site parking. Wi-fi proved slow, but it did the job, and it is free. The property is non-smoking throughout and one blurb described this as being “exceptional”. It was.

From the moment you approach Sandhill House from the drive you can see the love that is put into this beautiful house. The grounds are lovely and very well cared for. We were given a warm welcome by Elaine and felt instantly at home. We had a family room which was very clean, spacious and the beds were luxurious and very comfortable. They have thought of everything you may need and have put this into the room. Loved the water bottles, glasses and crockery. Plenty of tea, coffee etc. We were celebrating a 60th birthday and Elaine had very kindly decorated the room with the banner and balloons we supplied. This was a lovely touch. The view from this room is stunning. We were looking forward to breakfast and Sandhill didn’t disappoint. The dining room is very welcoming with the aroma of warm croissants and very relaxing background music. The produce is excellent and there is something for everyone on the menu. Thank you for a very memorable stay and we are looking forward to returning.