Eagle Lodge, Gatehouse next to A73, Self catering cottage, Pets welcome

Warm and cozy sleeping with the shutters and curtains drawn. Respect the house, switch on the pump if you light the fire, and yes I loved the wood smoke smells, it is mostly round the fire, if the fire is only embers you can switch off the pump, it's circulating the hot water from the fire, I was able to see local interests and the wonderful fresh air, excellent countryside. The ruin of Carmicheal House makes me wonder at its one time beauty, and it's just a short walk to from the cottage, highly recommend the farm shop, truly lovely experience.

The property was filthy. We reported the issues whilst we were there, and were advised to put it onto a feedback form when we left. We did this and have had no acknowledgement whatsoever. Nothing was done to rectify the issues during our stay either. The first night I arrived, I went to climb into bed and found that there was mud and grass on the sheet when i lifted the duvet. We ended up buying our own bedding the next day. Everything stank, especially when the heating came on, there was a very strong smell of dog urine in the lounge. The glasses and plates were chipped and mismatched. When we raised the footrest on the sofa, there was rubbish and dirt underneath. - We found a half empty pack of cigarettes, old tissues among other things. We tried to use the fire, but ended up filling the house with smoke. We ended up having to clean the whole thing out ourselves in order to use it- it was so dangerous because the flue was completely blocked, for someone who isnt aware of the consequences, this could have caused carbon dioxide poisoning, which can be fatal. The alarms for this and the smoke alarms were not working. I honestly am one of those people who would not normally complain or leave a bad review. I gave the owners over a week to respond to my concerns following our departure, but have been completely ignored. We also raised our issues during our stay which came to nothing. If I had more money, I would've found somewhere else to stay.

We checked in a little late but this was not a problem as we called ahead. We found Eagle Lodge with ease. The lodge was clean and everything we could need. However, we did have to purchase air freshener as the lodge had a strong musty smell but it soon disappeared once we had been there for a couple of day'. The kitchen is very compact but more than useable. All rooms are a good size. The furniture is a mish mash. And I think some of it could actually belong in a museum but it was all practical. The sofa was very comfy. More lighting is needed in the living room but we solved that by bringing in the bedside lights from the second bedroom. Great sized garden but the grass had not been mowed. The lodge is really well positioned for Lanark and Biggar and about 40 minutes from Peebles. We really enjoyed our stay, it was comfy and quirky. The lodge could be stunning with a little makeover and repaint as it's looking a little tired. Despite minor cosmetics, we will return. The lady in the shop where we picked the key up from was lovely and helpful. Top tip, buy the venison burgers, they were incredible. Thanks for a lovely stay.

Lovely oldie worldly cottage. Spacious, deceiving from outside. Very comfortable bed, slept like a baby.