Guests say
Guests have consistently praised Woodside House for its spaciousness, comfort, and unique charm. The property's responsiveness to guests' needs and its ability to accommodate large groups and pets are highly regarded. Its location offers both seclusion and easy access to local amenities, with the added benefit of extensive private grounds.
Reviews consistently mention the property being clean and well-maintained, with one incident of a burst pipe being swiftly and effectively resolved, leaving the place spotless afterwards.
The property is appreciated for its quiet, secluded spot with easy access to surrounding areas, local amenities, and lovely beaches, making it an ideal location for guests.
Guests find the house comfortable, with special mentions of the comfortable beds and spacious rooms that accommodate large groups and allow for family gatherings.
The property is well-equipped, especially the kitchen/dining area, though some guests noted the kitchen size as a bit small and suggested improvements in kitchen lighting. The bathrooms are modernised and the showers are particularly praised.
While guests have expressed gratitude for the welcoming touches, such as a bottle of wine, there is not enough consistent information across reviews to score this category. It should be noted that such gestures are appreciated but not guaranteed.
About this property
Woodside House is a unique, listed house forming the main part of this Victorian mansion with huge historical heritage surrounded by countryside and woodlands on the outskirts of Arbroath, Angus. Built and proudly maintained by one of the town’s most progressive provost, Colin Grant who developed parks and seafront, established the hospital and library, the house represents noble living on the footsteps of Scottish aristocracy. With five bedrooms, three bathrooms and several fabulous features throughout, this property gives a family or group of friends a grandeur holiday in a historic setting. This majestic stone house sits picture-perfect as you follow the drive up to the property by a vast array of mature rhododendrons, established woodland and a large open paddock leading to ample off-road parking just outside the splendid house. Take two stone steps up to a sheltered porch area and take in the beautiful, rural surroundings, before stepping inside and making yourself at home. Throughout Woodside House, you will find tall, ornate ceilings, large windows bringing in plenty of light and elegant furniture. A spacious kitchen/diner immediately greets you with vintage furnishings such as Flemish dark oak cabinets, cupboards, and dining seating for all 10 guests, whilst the kitchen hosts a gas range cooker and microwave to rustle up hot dinners, as well as a dishwasher for quick and easy clean-ups; a magnificent open fire completes the setting as you tuck into your meal. You will feel like the Lords and Ladies of Woodside House in the charming sitting room with a pretty chandelier, engraved ceiling and hanging portraits; curl up on the plush sofas and armchairs, gaze out of the floor-to-ceiling windows onto the grounds, or close the large shutters for an evening film. A pet-friendly home, the sitting room's electric fire is the perfect spot for a well-behaved dog to settle down next to. The neighbouring stately hall serves for a quiet sit down by the imposing cast iron stove and grand fireplace for smaller group conversations or an afternoon tea. It is also a place to get together for a family board game or a great escape for younger guests for childrens’ activities with a pool table, selection of toys and a piano; admire the splendid stain glass doors, engraved entrance and take in the calming atmosphere created by the gorgeous, listed wallpaper. The ground floor is completed by a contemporary shower room with a steam shower to relax tired muscles after coastal walks and to rinse off the day. When it's time to rest weary heads, climb the original grand staircase, and greet the symbols of the house within the large, beautiful stain glass windows, the scholar and artist representing progressive living and love of art and beauty. Up your way to a peaceful landing with more seating areas to relax on. Turn back once more and take in the overflow of bright light and marvel at the old craftsmanship and the magnificent unity of the staircase and stain glass galore. Woodside House offers guests large, spacious bedrooms with storage space and unique décor, feature fireplaces and views out across the wonderful grounds; choose between three doubles or two twins for your stay. Another shower room lies on the first floor with a steam shower to energise your day, whilst another bathroom hosts a contemporary, freestanding bath to sink into the bubbles at the end of the day. Pull on your boots and coats and go wandering through the fabulous grounds at Woodside House, with plenty of quiet corners for picnics, playing games and soaking up the sunshine; a seating area at the front of the property is perfect for rural views whilst you toast to your holiday retreat or dine alfresco. Alternatively picnic on the large lawn surrounded by the magnificent rhododendron bushes (you may spot the house deer hiding) or enjoy an evening bonfire and storytelling by the outdoor firepit. If you can tear yourself away from this unique, idyllic property, you are resting on the outskirts of Arbroath, an ancient port town with plenty of pubs, restaurants, and cafés to dine in, especially to taste the delicious local cuisine, Arbroath Smokie. Pack your buckets and spades for the long sandy beach, follow the paths up the red sandstone cliffs for inlets, caves and arches to explore, or visit the magnificent Arbroath Abbey. The area is a paradise for hikers, cyclists, and wildlife-lovers with Glencova and Glenshee within reach for a day in the mountains, walk the gorges just outside Edzell and look out for almon leaping. Or journey north along the coast to St Cyrus wildlife beach with volcanic cliffs, wildflowers and spectacular views. Montrose is another attractive coastal town with a picturesque old centre, a bustling farmers market held on the first Saturday of every month, a golf course and Montrose Museum hosting local art and history. Travel further north to Dunnottar Castle, a must-visit for historians, with its ruins resting on a dramatic clifftop setting, after which you can head to Stonehaven for fish and chips along the pretty harbour and visit the former courthouse and jail, Stonehaven Tolbooth Museum. For quaint bookshops and charming café culture, head to the fantastic city of Dundee for an abundance of cultural and local heritage sites, including the popular Discovery Exhibition, McManus Art Gallery & Museum and V&A Dundee. To experience a holiday in a Scottish stately home setting, Woodside House is the perfect choice to house your loved ones along the stunning Scottish coast.
Arbroath is a historic town famous for its vast stretch of sandy beach, as well as the iconic local cuisine, Arbroath Smokie. Around the harbour, there are several classic smokehouses and fine dining restaurants. There are plenty of attractions and activities in and around this charming seaside town, including coastal walking and cycling, golf courses, and Carnoustie, which is only 8 miles along the coast. Arbroath is a wonderful base for your holiday along the east coast of Scotland.
Accommodation
Five Bedrooms: 3 x double, 2 x twin.
Bathroom with freestanding bath, basin and WC.
Shower room with steam shower, basin and WC.
Ground-floor shower room with steam shower, basin and WC.
Kitchen/diner with open fire.
Sitting room with electric fire.
Games room
[type] central heating with open fire and electric fire.
Gas range cooker, microwave, fridge and dishwasher.
TV, WiFi, children pool table, piano, toys.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Highchair and travel cot available on request.
Off-road parking.
Front garden with furniture.
Surrounding grounds, field and woodland.
Pet-friendly on ground floor.
Sorry, no smoking.
Shop 0.7 miles, pub 0.8 miles
Reviews (11)
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Rhiannon
Itâs a wonderful place to stay. Itâs cosy and very comfortable, huge for a party of 10 guests (7 adults , 2 children, a baby, plus 2 dogs). It is super clean, very well equipped, particularly the kitchen/dining space, the front room and bedrooms are really big and comfortable and the bathrooms with showers and baths all work well. Large garden to walk around and amazing staircase and hallways - couldnât recommend this place more. The host is really helpful and responsive and so lovely to communicate with. Itâs part of a big mansion but incredibly private, completely separate and quiet. We spent a really wonderful week here and would highly recommend Woodside House for both a very brilliant stay and for a well located place to visit the surrounding areas, so much to do!
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Dinah
We are so curious about it's history.Still some work needed on the kitchen, but bathrooms and bedrooms wonderful.
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Allan
Prior to arriving I received messages, welcoming me and my family and a lovely bottle of wine was provided. Thank you. It was made clear that someone would be available at all times should I need this but there was no intrusion. Ten adults (ranging from 21 to 88 years) and two well behaved dogs were accommodated very well. The house was very comfortable and warm and the size of the rooms allowed us all to relax easily and move about (even with a zimmer frame). The house has its quirks. Not all the lights work, window shutters might not close due to radiators, there may not be enough wine glasses for everyone (but a trip to the supermarket sorted that one) and crockery is located in different places in the kitchen, dining room and hallway. It all added to the experience though. The main living space is a lovely bright room and the dining kitchen has a welcoming open fire (matches, firelighters & logs, etc are not provided). The lighting in the kitchen could, however, be better especially when cooking in the evening. The entrance hallway is gigantic. It was really helpful to have a downstairs toilet (that also has a very impressive state of the art shower). The house has a striking stairway leading up to a lovely hallway off which are all the bedrooms. The bedrooms are bright and comfortable as are the two bath/shower rooms upstairs each with a wc. The private grounds are great. I wanted a venue that could accommodate my family for a happy occasion and Woodside House enabled this. Happy memories were made in this house and for this I am extremely grateful. Thank you.