Stay in style at Sandhill House in Troon

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 or 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.

DETAILS: Sandhill House, Southwood Road, Troon KA9 1UP: tel: 01292 311801 or contact elaine@sandhillhouse.com  

VIEW FROM: our bedroom overlooking Royal Troon Golf Course on a frosty day in early December. Picture by Nigel Duncan

COMFY BEDS: The bedroom in Sandhill House. Picture Nigel Duncan

COMFORT: The spacious lounge area in Sandhill House. Picture Nigel Duncan