Birchlea Caravan

When I came home from my stay I went back onto Booking.com to check if I had misread the details of the property. I hadn't. The issue was, the description was NOT as advertised. What DID I like? The view was magnificent! I didn't meet the host in person, I called her when I arrived and she called me back with the WIFIF code. Her young son (I think it was) popped around the evening I arrived with half a dozen fresh eggs from the farm hens, which I thought was lovely. There was tea, coffee, sugar even oil and some meat spices supplied. This was really handy and a kind thought.

The caravans (there are 2 on the property) are on a livery yard. That isn't an issue, except if you are highly allergic to horses which I am. It is advertised as follows: "Birchlea Caravan, a property with a garden, is set in Stonehaven" as I mentioned, the views are spectacular, when your are sitting on the decking. The photos on the booking.com site, I think must have been taken when they first started renting the property because they are not a true reflection of what you see when you arrive. Unfortunately the caravan is very old and has not been regularly maintained. The potential is massive, but some of the windows don't close, EVERYTHING is really grubby and in need of a deep, deep clean! Please note, I was not being pedantic, I wasn't looking behind the toilet cistern looking for dust, when I went to close the window my hand was covered in grime. The coffee mugs were stained, the extractor fan above the hob was disgusting. I know its on a livery yard, and dust happens, but this dust had been there a long time! Nothing felt fresh or clean. I was told the shower in the caravan was not powerful at all and suggested I shower in the wash house. This, once again was not detailed in the booking.com description. Like I said, the potential is huge for this property. If they spent some time doing a deep clean and a wee bit of money to bring up the standard of the facilities, they could rent it out for more than they do. I am sure some people would be more than happy with the standard of the caravan but like I said, it was NOT as advertised and certainly not worth the money I paid. I saw in the ratings that they scored 7.6 on average on cleanliness, facilities etc but felt this was not a true reflection on what it was really like.

A lovely cozy caravan, horses are all around you and nice quiet area. Staff was lovely and if you need anything fixed they will fix it very quickly. I recommend here for a nice wee stay.

caravan was rather old with wear and tear. bit noisy with barking dogs and too close to buildings.

Staff were very friendly and helpful. Location was beautiful, with lovely views. Lots to explore.

We were not told the name of the site -- Halymires Farm. Otherwise, the place was well signposted.

situated at a working stables staff were very friendly an the view from the caravan was great

directions to find it.