Friars Carse Country House Hotel
Carse Mains Farm, Dumfries · Hotel
View on Google MapsPhoto: Tabatha
Country house hotel near Dumfries with 21 rooms, an open-fire lobby, gardens and free parking, close to Drumlanrig Castle.
Photos
Photos via Google
About Friars Carse Country House Hotel
Rooms at Friars Carse Country House Hotel come with the comfort of a traditional country house rather than flashy extras - expect a proper bed, free WiFi and the sort of quiet that comes with a rural Dumfries and Galloway setting. There are 21 rooms in total, and while the welcome and the setting are consistently well kept, some accommodation here shows its age, so it suits guests after character over polish.
Downstairs, the cosy lobby with its open fire is a genuine gathering point, and the restaurant has built a reputation for good quality food, with a freshly cooked breakfast and homemade scones singled out by regulars. Staff are attentive, and the hotel is well set up for longer stays or meetings, with a lift, luggage storage, 24 hour reception and dedicated meeting rooms. Pets are welcome, and the garden gives guests space to sit outside.
Free on-site parking makes it easy to explore the surrounding area, with Drumlanrig Castle within reach for a day out. Dumfries itself is close by for shops, restaurants and further sightseeing, making Friars Carse a straightforward base for touring this part of Scotland.
Reception hours
- Monday
- Open 24 hours
- Tuesday
- Open 24 hours
- Wednesday
- Open 24 hours
- Thursday
- Open 24 hours
- Friday
- Open 24 hours
- Saturday
- Open 24 hours
- Sunday
- Open 24 hours
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What guests say
We chose this hotel because it seemed like a great base for exploring the surrounding area, and the location was great. The staff were welcoming and friendly. They took the time to explain the dining options available if we wanted to bring our dog along, which we really appreciated. Unfortunately, the accommodation itself fell well below our expectations. The cottage wasn't what we anticipated based on the photos (outright advertised a different cottage), and it wasn't as clean as it should have been on arrival. The fridge wasn't working when we checked in, although we were able to fix it. The dishes, oven tray, and oven were all dirty, and there was a constant dripping noise from the toilet throughout the night, making it difficult to sleep. There was a bad smell lingering in the cottage we had to unload a bottle of our own air freshener into. Things like the toilet roll holder in bathroom were hanging off the wall as I think was mentioned in a review here two months ago and not been fixed yet evidently. We were also disappointed by the advertised walks around the estate, as the paths were unmaintained and completely overgrown with bushes and unusable. In addition, we weren't aware that the cottage was adjoined to another property and closely surrounded by noisy farm animals. This caused a sleepless night due to the noise. Had this been made clear beforehand, we would likely have chosen somewhere quieter, as we specifically booked the cottage expecting a more private, peaceful space where our dog wouldn't be distressed or disturb other guests. Overall, while the friendly staff and convenient location were definite positives, the lack of cleanliness, maintenance issues, and misleading expectations about the accommodation meant our stay was very disappointing. Just leaving this so others don’t make same assumptions.
a month ago · via Google
Didn't stay here, took my parents and nephew for a vintage afternoon tea, the lady who served us went above and beyond for us as my dad is coeliac and my nephew is a picky eater. The scones are the best I've ever tasted, don't know what they had in them but honestly were divine as was everything we were served. Bonne china cups and saucers, beautiful room overlooking the grounds, sun shining. And the price was unbearable, don't miss out on this hidden gem of a place, highly recommend to anyone for the food and location. I'm sure the rooms will be spectacular as the interior was on the ground floor , amazing 😍
4 months ago · via Google
Such a shame beautiful location and the weather is glorious. Hotel is very tired and run down. The windows are disgusting, even if they cant afford for upgrades, surely they could clean the windows. Staff are lovely, very welcoming and friendly especially to our dog. We thought twice about eating at the hotel but decided to give it a try. Big mistake, they didnt have wagu steak, offered ribeye, then the didnt have that only sirloin. When I asked if I could have peppercorn sauce they said no. Instead I ordered cheese and biscuits as I thought that woyld be a safe option, how wrong was I, worst cheese and biscuits I have ever had in my life. Tiny bits of shrivelled up cheese, barely any grapes and they were very tired. Told the waitress when she asked how it was. Nothing. Very poor
a month ago · via Google
Enjoyable stay in a beautiful location. Our room was nice although, along with the hotel itself, was a little dated. Can only imagine that back in its heyday the hotel was absolutely dreamy. Now though I suspect it would take some serious investment to return to former glories. Regardless, it was still lovely to sit by the open fire with a glass of wine before and after dinner. Food was okay, not fine dining but then prices reflect that which is fine. All the staff were genuinely super lovely. And if you love walks by a glorious Scottish river this is a must. All in all, for the price we paid, this was perfect (snooker table was cool too)
7 months ago · via Google
Guests mention this hotel offers good quality food, including delicious freshly cooked breakfast and scones, and a cozy lobby with an open fire. They also highlight the genuinely lovely staff and exceptional value.
Some reviews mention the accommodations can be poorly maintained.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Auldgirth, Dumfries, DG2 0SA Get directions
- Property type
- Hotel
- Location
- Carse Mains Farm, Dumfries
- Good for children
- No
- Destination
- Dumfries