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The Old Toll Cottage

(Ref. 980244)

Muirkirk, Ayrshire and Dumfries & Galloway Show on map

4.7

Sykes rating

  • 4 Guests

  • 2 Bedrooms

  • 2 Bathrooms

  • Pets Yes

Features

  • Off road parking
  • Ground floor accommodation
  • Ground floor bedroom
  • Garden / Patio
  • Highchair available
  • Pub/shop < 1 mile
  • Washing machine
  • Sky TV
  • Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing
Cleanliness
Comfort
Facilities and Maintenance

47 Customer Reviews

  • "Beautiful, comfortable Cottage with everything as described."

    .only thing letting it down is being on main A70 road. Garden was Gravel but well fenced and secure for dogs.

    Reviewed by Christina13.3Sep 2023

  • "Really relaxing cottage especially knowing the dog was safe in the fully enclosed garden."

    Plenty of walks in the village, the locals were very friendly and happy to offer walking routes. The only downside was the very efficient smoke alarm system which was keen to advertise my hopeless attempts at cooking!

    Reviewed by Nadine13.3Sep 2023

  • "Everything was as described we had a wonderful stay at the cottage."

    I would recommend waterproof mattress protectors my young son had an accident on our last day and had to strip the bed and the mattress looked very dirty with marks all over . Overall we had a wonderful stay everything worked not great for light sleepers as the road can be a bit busy .

    Reviewed by Dadirai11.7Aug 2023

  • "Stayed at The Old Toll Cottage while visiting family in the surrounding area."

    We found the accommodation to be a perfect, cosy and ideal place with everything we needed. Lindsay is a lovely, friendly and helpful host too.

    Reviewed by Michelle13.3Jul 2023

  • "Recently stayed at The Old Toll Cottage."

    Had a wonderful stay here. Extremely comfortable cottage and spotless! The lounge was so relaxing and we had the added bonus of the summer house. Yes, it’s on a reasonably busy main road. But this didn’t affect us at all. The beds were very comfortable (although we do prefer a king size over a double). Showers were powerful. The manager of the cottage messaged us before we left, making us feel very welcome. And she suggested some great places to visit. If we return to this area, we’ll definitely stay at this cottage again.

    Reviewed by Lynne13.3Jul 2023

  • "We had a fantastic holiday, the cottage was wonderful, plenty to see and do, would definitely book again."

    Reviewed by Darren13.3Jul 2023

  • "Had a wonderful time in your lovely home."

    Would come again. The only thing was the noise from the road, but I understand that is out of your control.

    Reviewed by John13.3Jul 2023

  • "Everything was great, lots of room in the cottage, clean and tidy."

    My wife being disabled found the large gravel stone in the yard hard to walk on. Other than that we enjoyed out stay.

    Reviewed by Leslie12.5Jun 2023

  • "We had a very enjoyable holiday, the cottage has everything you would need including private parking."

    . We had a lovely visit to surrounding areas. We went to the very clean beaches every day and had delicious meals out and everyone we spoke to was very friendly. What we noticed was no litter anywhere. As shown it is near the road but did not bother us as not that busy.

    Reviewed by Doreen13.3Jun 2023

  • "We had a lovely week the cottage and facilities are excellent, everything is provided for you ie tea coffee milk ect and a welcome box of chocolates was a lovely thought."

    . Thank you! However we did struggle with the noise from the road.. lots of large vehicles that pass at speed which did put a bit of a dampener on our stay!

    Reviewed by Thomas13.3Jun 2023

  • "We loved our stay at The old Toll cottage and wished we’d had longer there."

    I would love to go back again to go deeper into the history of the village and walk the dog up the hill behind to sit on the top seat and digest the wonderful panoramic view. Lovely. Lesley

    Reviewed by Lesley10.8May 2023

  • "This cottage is wonderful every thing you will need for a brilliant holiday just perfect cottage is really cosy"

    Reviewed by Edward13.3Apr 2023

  • "Positives, had most items for a enjoyable experience."

    Could do with a sharp knife to cut and chop. Noise level from road horrendous. Teenagers thumping at the front door at least twice a night, leaving foot prints on the door. Could do with curtains instead of blinds as the street light is very bright and is coming in both windows.

    Reviewed by Anthony10.8Feb 2023

  • "Cottage is immaculate and clean,great communication from the owner."

    A lovely welcome selection box yum yum thankyou, the facilities and warmth of the cottage are fab,its a lovely cosy warm cottage loved the huge spa bath

    Reviewed by Susan13.3Dec 2022

  • "We had a fabulous stay at The Old Toll Cottage."

    The cottage was really clean, the beds were comfy, and the showers were powerful .There is a Chip Shop/Chinese takeaway in the village and the food there was excellent. We had a really comfortable stay and would thoroughly recommend this cottage.

    Reviewed by Mary13.3Nov 2022

  • "The cottage was fantastic and had everything we needed and was also pet friendly."

    There were some local shops close by for basic groceries. There were a few drawbacks: less than 2 toilet rolls at the property, enough washing up liquid for only 2 washes. The blinds in the bedroom did not block out the light from the street lamp across the road and made it hard to sleep with the amount of light coming into the rooms. The cottage is situated on the A70 which is a major arterial road and had heavy haulage rumbling through right through the night and lastly, it was 50 mins to get to any type of shopping centre or the coast. All in all, absolutely nothing wrong at all with the property, however it was not the relaxing break we thought we would get due to the lack of good sleep.

    Reviewed by Garry13.3Nov 2022

  • "Fabulous cottage, very dog friendly, lovely enclosed area for my dog, beautiful ..."

    Fabulous cottage, very dog friendly, lovely enclosed area for my dog, beautiful inside and out, couldn’t have asked for any better, everything you will need for a great stay, very clean and comfortable

    Reviewed by Margaret13.3Oct 2022

  • "Great little cottage."

    Very clean throughout nice fence for privacy, easy to warm when weather gets chilly. Would definitely return

    Reviewed by Craig13.3Sep 2022

  • "Lovely cottage, couldn’t fault it, everything you need to make your holiday enjoyable."

    Secure garden for our dog excellent. Cottage clean. Area great for walking/

    Reviewed by Debra11.7Sep 2022

  • "I had nice relaxing holiday join spend time in the new summer house nice clean and very comfortable to sit in and chill"

    Reviewed by Wilma13.3Aug 2022

  • "Very impressed with the cottage Very nice neighbours."

    Sky TV a real bonus.We have had numerous cottage holidays, but the two showers in toll cottage were the best yet.

    Reviewed by Michael13.3Aug 2022

  • "The cottage building itself is excellent with the bonus of Sky TV in both the main house and the Summerhouse."

    Beds and sofas were very good and kitchen equipment excellent. The outside area is completely secure for dogs although it would be nice if there was some greenery. Having a reactive dog, please be aware that the next door property which shares the driveway has a large German Shepherd which is sometimes off lead and will approach on arrival. We would like to suggest that the owner provides a "Welcome manual" for the cottage with details of the Wi-fi code, TV instructions, recycling arrangements and local amenities etc. The village chip shop is no longer open. It is fair to say that the proximity of the property to the main road (about 4 foot) and beside a petrol station means that there is considerable road noise, particularly in the bedrooms which are at the front of the cottage. It is not a very busy road but it is just so close to the building. Overall a lovely property in an unusual location.

    Thank you for your lovely comment on the Cottage and that you enjoyed SKY GLASS TV in both the Cottage and Summerhouse. Thanks also for your appreciation of the comfortable beds and sofa, and that you found the Kitchen equipment excellent. The neighbours with the large German Shepherd that you mention is a puppy of around 11 months old. She barks and is inquisitive like all puppies tend to be, and she means no harm whatsoever. The neighbours have been building a conservatory, and the fence that keeps the puppy secure in her own garden has been removed to give builders the access that they need. The neighbours are lovely people and have assured me that the fence will now be reinstated any day now, this is because good progress has been made with the conservatory construction. This means that the large puppy wont run at you on arrival. Perhaps next time you visit, and if you see the doggie, you should give the puppy a doggie chew/treat for her to enjoy? I agree there is no formal welcome manual as such, as we prefer to keep things simple and straightforward. For example, the Wifi code is kept within a poly pocket and sits either on the living room coffee table or under the TV stand (Plus the wifi code is shown on the back of the wifi router). TV instructions for the new SKY GLASS package (SKY TV in both the Cottage and new Summerhouse) again are kept in a poly pocket in the living room, together with details on how to easily contact SKY if you have any issues. Guests have found SKY glass easy to work and easy to navigate the many channels including Sports, Movies, Children's channels and Netflix). Recycling arrangements are kept in a poly pocket on the right hand side of the Breakfast Bar within the kitchen, along with the Recycling calendar. Local amenities (Eg a book showing excellent local walks) is kept on the bookshelf in the Living room, together with information leaflets on nearby attractions. The popular Fish and Chip Shop you mention was closed and is soon due to reopen. The nearby 'Petrol Station' garage you mention does have some light road noise as vehicles go in regularly to benefit from attractive fuel prices and a very well stocked shop that was recently nominated for the Scottish Grocers Award. The garage shop, a completely separate business from the Old Toll Cottage, is open from 5am until 9.45pm. Guests have found that having this facility just along the road, certainly makes up for any light road noise that you mention. Perhaps you should pop in and enjoy the shop next time you visit? Property Owner

    Reviewed by Anthony10.8Jul 2022

  • "Cottage was lovely and clean, did not use the garden house because of noise from next door doing building work, diggers trucks skips workman all day, And the next door had a large black dog that ran at us and my two small dogs just made it in time to close gate on it, Woman had no control over it Barking at gate at us, We only used front door after that, And cottage is on a main road noise from lorries and cars day and night, Be warned."

    Thank you for mentioning the Cottage was lovely and clean. The Conservatory being built by the owners at the other side of the lane is nearing completion. The alsation puppy you mention tends never to come over the lane to the cottage car park. I can only imagine with the building work being done, that the puppy was able to come out. The puppy is large, but very friendly and playful. The reason the cottage sits just next to the A70 road is because the cottage was the 'Toll' house for the village. This historic cottage, now beautifully restored, is one of the last few remaining Toll Houses left in Scotland. Horses and carts at one time had to stop at the Cottage to pay their toll before entering the village. Naturally there is some road noise, as mentioned in the property description. However part of the attraction of the cottage is because it is the 'Toll House' sitting just next to the road. Many guests return time and again, and from feedback received tend to get a really good nights sleep in the comfortable beds. Please note that I'm a light sleeper, and always sleep well when at the cottage. In addition, the windows are quality double glazed - Perhaps you were sleeping with a window open? Property Owner

    Reviewed by Peter Mc10.8Jun 2022

  • "This cottage is just as described clean comfortable and well equipped, perfect place if you have a dog as there are plenty places to walk your dog."

    I loved it, I’m just sorry I had to leave earlier because of ill health but I would certainly go back again, the summer house is amazing the owner has thought of everything highly recommend this cottage to my family and friends.

    Reviewed by Linda13.3May 2022

  • "This little cottage is a gem, we had a great stay."

    This was our 4th time, the added bonus of summer house and drying shed is amazing. The cottage is well equipped for everyone’s needs, comfortable, modern and absolutely spotless. Located central for all Ayrshire and Lanarkshire, great base for traveling to visit family. Would highly recommend this cottage. One of the best we have stayed in, hence our return visits, feels like home ❤️

    Reviewed by Margaret13.3Apr 2022

  • "What a delightful place to stay, our dogs soon felt at home and with the enclosed garden it was great to let them roam freely."

    The cottage is very clean and well looked after and the jacuzzi bath is wonderful. Yes, there is road noise which did wake us up early every morning but we would certainly book again.

    Reviewed by Angie13.3Apr 2022

  • "This cosy loveable cottage is Fantastic value for money!"

    Me and my dog had the best holiday of his life; lots of wonderful walks to picturesque places, with amazing Historic places to visit on the doorstep. The plus was it was great to open the patio or kitchen door and let my dog out the back, knowing that the area is fully fenced and secure. The new Summerhouse was a lovely surprise, somewhere different to relax and have an outdoor cigarette. Also the new drying shed is ideal to store and dry my walking boots and clothes, on the rainy days. The Spa bath in the cottage is amazing, and was so welcome after a long day's walking, sightseeing or shopping. The beds are really comfy, I slept so good and was well rested for the next day's adventures. Loved the satellite TV, sky channels and Netflix. Also, within walking distance, the well stocked shop just along from the cottage is so handy and open until 10pm, prices really good, with a good fresh food selection, and a decent wine selection!! I will now definitely be booking this clean charming cottage for my summer holiday week.

    Reviewed by Alison13.3Mar 2022

  • "This was our second visit."

    Ideal for those with dogs. There are walks (not all obvious at first) in all directions. We had our own (OS) map, but it may be an idea to put one in the house. Also needs up to date info on the bin collection. Neighbours are friendly, as are most people in the village/town, when out and about. Unfortunately, the local chip shop burnt down since our last visit, but there are other options. The butcher does lovely, full, (rather than steamed pastry) steak pies. Small Asda in Cumnock and a Tesco in Auckenlech (plus an Aldi being built). Seaside walks at Ayr, about half hour away. Glenbuck is just ten minutes away and again, plenty of walking, after you have checked out the village history and of course the Bill Shankly memorial. The Cherrypickers will interest people who support any club.

    Reviewed by Steven5.4Oct 2021

  • "Lovely and clean cottage, wine, tea, milk and cakes where left by the owners."

    Had a lovely week but the bedroom does need curtains on as a bit light.

    Reviewed by Susan6.7Oct 2021

  • "This was a lovely, spotless cottage, which we really enjoyed staying in, Lovely modern interior, and very good welcome pack."

    Reviewed by Pat6.7Sep 2021

  • "Lovely cottage, everything you need is here."

    Only drawbacks are the noisy road and the streetlight shining through the windows at night, had blinds on the windows but they didn’t stop all the light getting in, blackout curtains would be better. Excellent that there was sky tv and wi-fi so it was a home from home and having the petrol station next door was very handy for food.

    Reviewed by Vanessa6.7Sep 2021

  • "The holiday was great!"

    The cottage was lovely and cozy and very clean, our host made it very welcoming as she provided us with milk, bread, cake, a bottle of wine and even treats for the dog! Lots to do in surrounding areas so if you have a car that will enhance your trip as we managed to visit all of the neighbouring counties and villages! Ayr is brilliant if you want to visit a seaside town, and there are plenty of nice walks, lochs and parks around and takeaways/supermarkets were just a short drive away! Would definitely stay again!

    Reviewed by Megan1.7Aug 2021

  • "The owner left us home made carrot cake, which was excellent, and very kind."

    Being from mining families we enjoyed finding out about the mining heritage in the Muirkirk area. We also visited Glenbuck, the birthplace of Bill Shankley. We found it a good place to tour the area visiting Falkirk and Girvan as well as the Ayrshire coast.

    Reviewed by Andrew5.4Aug 2021

  • "We are a couple with three small dogs and allwayslook for good local walks."

    It took us a day or two find some. Alittle more local information would be usefull. We found the cottage very comfortable and well placed for visiting the area. Would not hesitate to book again.

    Reviewed by Jeffrey5.4Jul 2021

  • "Yet again lovely break at the cottage will be back"

    Reviewed by William6.7Jun 2021

  • "I had the Old Toll Cottage on my radar for quite a while."

    But was always put off by the A70 going past the door and a petrol station next door. However, we took a chance and found that the petrol station was quiet and the road did not disturb us at all. The garden was nicely fenced off, which meant we could leave the french windows open for the dogs to wander as they wished. (Weather permitting) Beds nice and comfy. Only obvious downside was the bath towels, which were clearly designed for Ronnie Corbett, rather than Arnie Schwarzenegger. Hardly the end of the world though. :) The lady who met us on arrival, (Heather my poor memory tells me) makes an excellent gingerbread and should set up a business. She came back later to make sure all was well and then left us to it. Muirkirk has some good walks, especially from the Kames carting area, car park. Glenbuck just a couple of miles away is fascinating. Even more so if, you are a football fan. Good walks from there as well. Douglas (birth place of the Cameronians) looks bland on going through on the A70, but park up and walk around the back streets and it is a totally different perspective. Would certainly return to the area and of course, the Toll House. Thank you.

    Reviewed by Steven6.7May 2021

  • "The little extras on arrival were very much appreciated, milk for a coffee, eggs for breakfast, and a lovely bottle of Rose and box of chocs."

    What more could you ask for. Thank you x

    Reviewed by William16.0Sep 2020

  • "Lovely cosy cottage safe and secure area for our dogs everything you need is ..."

    Lovely cosy cottage safe and secure area for our dogs everything you need is supplied even left essentials like tea coffee and fresh bottle milk also lovely welcome gift and even dog treats sky movies and sport included will be back soon thanks again for lovely week

    Reviewed by William15.0Sep 2020

  • "Amazing modern cottage, we loved our stay."

    Although the weather was terrible. Staying in such a beautiful, comfortable cottage made our stay more pleasurable. Communication with Owner was exceptional and we were made feel so welcome. The jacuzzi bath is well welcomed treat at the end of a cold, wet day. We are booked again for April 2020 and can’t wait

    Reviewed by Margaret16.0Feb 2020

  • "THE COTTAGE WAS LOVELY TO STAY IN, OUR ONLY ISSUE WAS THE TRAFFIC THROUGH THE NIGHT THAT DID NOT OBSERVE THE SPEED LIMIT OF 30 MILES PER HOUR."

    WOULD RECOMMEND TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS

    Reviewed by Rebecca12.0Oct 2019

  • "Could do with producing a welcome pack to give all relevant information about the property."

    e.g. when to put waste bins out for collection. This would be the icing on the cake The road that the cottage sits on can be quite busy and noisy at night. This was of no worry to us as we are used to this, but could spoil the break for some people

    Reviewed by Paul16.0Aug 2019

  • "Excellent cottage 10/10"

    Reviewed by John16.0Jul 2019

  • "A great base to get out and about, with plenty of walks to choose."

    Will be booking again.

    Reviewed by William13.0Jun 2019

  • "Great property modern and in great position too explore ayrshire and other ..."

    Great property modern and in great position too explore ayrshire and other areas very nice owners very helpful and will be booking again in summer for our third stay highly recommend this cottage

    Reviewed by Michael16.0Dec 2018

  • "We had problems which were of our making."

    Yet the owner,was so good.lovely cosy cottage.no complaints from us..hope to.go back in

    Reviewed by Elizabeth14.0Dec 2018

  • "Excellent holiday cottage."

    Safe garden for children. Will return

    Reviewed by Christine16.0Nov 2018

  • "Light sleepers wont enjoy as road noise can be loud at times ."

    Although we found it ok and it wasnt a problem already thinking of a return visit as it is positioned for lots of good days out

    Thank you so much for your feedback, it’s very important to me that you have a great holiday experience at The Old Toll Cottage and guest feedback helps me to continually improve the property standards. Pleasing to hear you're thinking of a return visit" We are light sleepers, and we've found that the very comfy beds ensure a good nights sleep. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Michael14.0Sep 2018

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Summary

  • Pet friendly, no additional charge for dogs
  • All ground floor (2 internal steps down leading from living accommodation to bathroom and bedrooms)
  • Two bedrooms: 2 x double (one with en-suite shower, basin and WC)
  • Bathroom with spa bath
  • Shower over bath, basin and WC
  • Kitchen with breakfast bar
  • Sitting room with patio doors to rear garden
  • External summerhouse with Sky TV
  • Electric heating
  • Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washer/dryer, Property has an iron, ironing board, clothes horse and hair dryer
  • 2 x TV with Sky sports and movies, WiFi, selection of books and games
  • Fuel and power inc. in rent
  • Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
  • Travel cot and highchair on request
  • Ample off road parking and dedicated private car park at the rear
  • Enclosed rear garden with gravelled area, furniture, decking, summerhouse and a drying shed
  • Sorry, no smoking
  • Shop and pub 2 mins walk
  • Note: There will be some road noise at this property.

The property

Cumnock 9 miles.

A pet-friendly traditional, detached stone cottage in the village of Muirkirk, surrounded by the open hills of East Ayrshire.

Lovingly refurbished, this beautiful cottage was the original toll house for the village and now provides comfortable accommodation for couples, families, or pet owners keen to explore this varied part of Scotland.

The accommodation rests all on the ground floor, apart from a couple of internal steps in the hallway.

You enter at the rear door and straight into a fitted and well-equipped kitchen with a breakfast bar and a couple of stools where you can have a coffee or a quick breakfast on your way out.

The sitting room has a corner sofa and a TV with Sky Sports and Movies, so you can be entertained, even if the weather isn’t ideal.

Down a couple of internal stairs and along the hall is the family bathroom and the two double bedrooms, one of which has an en-suite shower room.

The dining room is the ideal place to enjoy a meal together and review the day’s adventures.

After your day, choose to indulge with a relaxing soak in the Jacuzzi spa bath that awaits you within the modern bathroom.

Simply fill the bath and then choose the type of spa you want.

You can also activate the bath's coloured lights to induce relaxation if required.

As the evening draws to a close, drift off to sleep within one of the two well-presented bedrooms, comprising of a double bedroom with en-suite and another modern double bedroom.

Surrounding this Ayrshire cottage is an enclosed fenced garden, ensuring your privacy and good security for dogs, along with an outdoor patio with furniture, where you can sit and plan the day ahead, or enjoy your meal outdoors; there’s also a drying shed, to store and air out your wet clothing and equipment, and a summerhouse with Sky TV, plenty of seating and a bar to relax from.

The village of Muirkirk has some shops, pubs, and a chip shop.

The garage shop is within 50 yards and has all food essentials and is open until 10pm.

Try the 9-hole golf course, known often as 'Ayrshire's hidden gem' or watch some motorsport at Kames Racetrack.

Why not visit Shankly's lost village at nearby Glenbuck that is fast becoming a popular visitor attraction.

This is where Liverpool's legendary football manager Bill Shankly once played for the famous Glenbuck Cherrypickers.

There is lots of walking and cycling nearby, including the popular Cairn Table walk that has a 'unique natural mountain spring' on the summit or sample all or part of the River Ayr Way walk that begins locally and follows the River Ayr through beautiful countryside to the coastal town of Ayr.

Explore Scotland’s National Poet and seek out the many Robert Burns attractions in the area, or why not explore the interesting work of local poet John Lapraik, a friend of Burns.

Visit the grounds of spectacular Dumfries House for a splendid day out or take a trip to the bustling seaside town of Ayr and enjoy a day at the coast.

A lovely Ayrshire cottage offering attractions whatever the weather.

EPC Rating: Band D

View on map

About the location

MUIRKIRK

Kilmarnock 22 miles; Ayr 25 miles; Glasgow 37.5 miles

This friendly village rests in the beautiful southwest corner of Scotland, within scenic East Ayrshire. Muirkirk benefits from a selection of local amenities, including a choice of places to enjoy a calming drink or two, as well as a convenience store and a Post Office. Within driving distance is the stunning coastline, the Firth of Clyde, the shores of which play host to the stunning former Royal Burgh of Ayr, offering plenty in terms of attractions. Also close to here is the well-stocked town of Kilmarnock. Further afield is the striking port city of Glasgow, a place well worth the journey as it abounds in fine architecture, unique attractions and superb places to eat and drink.