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Kennels

Kennels

4.2
out of 5
Ratings from 32 reviews
88% of guests
recommend
Cleanliness
4.4
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
4.5
Value
3.8
Customer
Service
4.6

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A cosy hideaway tucked among the trees beside a gentle stream, just a short walk from the Colonsay Estate gardens. Nestled among the woodland, Kennels is a welcoming, characterful and calming cottage retreat.

Island hols

Review submitted on Thu, 09 Jul 2026
4.8
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
The Kennels is pretty and well placed, the kitchen well equipped and the beds confortable. A couple of things disappointed, considering the rental cost there eere only two loo rolls for two for a week...nothing in the kitchen such as salt, pepper etc. There was a surcharge of about 8p per unit on the electricity and oil, which is already not included in the rental cost...
Otherwise, the instructions to find the cottage are very clear exceot for the last turn...there is a large sign saying 'no cars beyond this point', which must confuse many holidaymakers, as it does not mention ,except for cottages'.

John from York stayed at Kennels for 7 nights in July 2026


another delightful stay

Review submitted on Sat, 16 May 2026
4.7
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
The Kennels is an excellent neat holiday cottage in a most lovely island. As we said a year ago, This cottage met all our requirements for a peaceful holiday in a delightful location - hence we stayed again. We would warmly recommend staying in this cottage at this time of year and enjoying all the Colonsay can offer.

Bruce from Wincanton stayed at Kennels for 14 nights in April 2026


Stay at Kennels

Review submitted on Thu, 02 Oct 2025
3.7
out of 5
Guest doesn't recommend this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
3.0
Location
4.0
Value
3.0
Customer
Service
4.0
Whilst the house was in a lovely area and had everything you needed for your stay, the damp smell in the main bedroom was very unpleasant and at times overpowering.

Elaine from Lancaster stayed at Kennels for 7 nights in September 2025


A Week in Kennels (bet that's not been used before!)

Review submitted on Thu, 03 Jul 2025
3.5
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
3.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
3.0
Location
4.0
Value
3.0
Customer
Service
4.0
The property is fine for a week if you don't want or need luxury, with all the basics catered for. The bed was comfortable, nice amount of storage in the main bedroom, but nothing in the twin room. We were there as a couple. If there were 4 of you then I think space may be a tad limited, if it was 2 couples it'd be tight. If it's a family then travel light! The bedrooms are at the far end of the cottage from the bathroom, so if a night time visit is needed then it's a walk through the property. The bathroom is probably the room most in need of updating, though it was clean and functional. The electric shower worked fine. An issue if you're less mobile is that the shower is over the bath, and it's a step in and out of the bath. The kitchen was fine and has been updated (based on the photos of the property on the site). The fridge/freezer was OK but probably next in line for updating. The doors to the patio area were useful, though given the property's location near a stream be aware on a still evening those lovely midges can be out in force, so sitting out can be unpleasant! There is a wood burner in the lounge that we didn't need to use but I guess would heat the room very quickly. We didn't see a fireguard anywhere so maybe something that could be provided if a family is using the property? We only needed to put the water heater on a couple of times during the week as the water stayed warm enough for washing up etc, and with using the shower and dishwasher we didn't need much hot water, useful when thinking about the electric cost. There is now an entrance porch/lobby that has been added, not shown in the photos. It's very useful for coats, boots etc, with a handy bench to sit on! Helps enormously with storage. The washing machine worked fine, and there's also a tumble drier (we didn't need to use it). The main issue we found with the property was a damp/musty smell, and it was noticeable that the few things we needed to dry did not dry inside very easily. We needed to wash clothes when we got home that hadn't been worn but had become musty whilst we were there. There was nothing obvious we could see, possibly just in need of better heating, and the double glazing has seen better days. Having said that, it's clearly work in progress and upgrades seem to be gradually getting completed.
Overall we'd recommend the property but in the context of all the above. The location was fine. Given it's such a small island then being out and about in the day it doesn't take long to get anywhere. If you want to eat out of an evening then you're having to drive (or cycle).

Richard from Nethy Bridge stayed at Kennels for 7 nights in June 2025


Normal efficient Colonsay Estate booking and trip and very adequate cottage .

Review submitted on Fri, 20 Jun 2025
4.7
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Nice cottage, a bit hemmed in and some very minor awkward features but very pleasant and the extension is a huge improvement for storage, boot changing, and keeping clutter out of the main building. Planning and booking is the key issue with the Estate cottages with efficient availability listing from a year down to a day and immediate booking.

Bruce from Perth stayed at Kennels for 7 nights in May 2025


Fabulous cottage, good location

Review submitted on Wed, 28 May 2025
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
There were 4 adults in our group and there was plenty of space and equipment for all of us. We partly chose this cottage because it is in the centre of the island and so gave easy access by bike to all area's. Some of the other cottages are up long tracks or quite remote.
We had lovely weather so enjoyed sitting outside on the patio in the afternoons listening to the birds.
Colonsay is lovely and we really enjoyed our week there.

Alison from Edinburgh stayed at Kennels for 7 nights in May 2025


lovely woodland setting

Review submitted on Thu, 22 May 2025
4.3
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
3.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
4.0
The cottage had everything that was needed for my stay, the new porch was a useful addition providing extra space. The outside area was a concrete patio with a low wall, easily jumped by my dog, rabbits everywhere. The bed matress was too hard and lumpy for me, the sofas were very comfortable. For the price paid I felt the cottage was good value. The walks in the woods were wonderful, bluebells and rhododendrons. Lovely beach at Kiloran bay a short drive away.

Rosemary from Alnwick stayed at Kennels for 7 nights in May 2025


Unlucky with the weather, maybe, but some room for improvement as an over all 'island experience'

Review submitted on Sat, 07 Sep 2024
3.3
out of 5
Guest doesn't recommend this property
Cleanliness
3.0
Comfort
3.0
Condition
4.0
Location
4.0
Value
2.0
Customer
Service
4.0
We had good customer care before arrival, with a ferry change by the ferry company meaning we had to amend our arrival date. The cottage didn't seem super welcoming on arrival, with a very utilitarian sign on the door, but had been heated up for our arrival, which was definitely appreciated. We paid extra for electricity, as per the agreement (£20 for a week as a guesstimate, the meter being on the blink, and this in pretty unseasonal wet weather, despite it being August). We were pretty abstemious with our energy usage, being conscious of this, and found the fire hard to light (two friends, we both have wood/coal fires which heat our own homes) but enjoyed it eventually.
I had visited Colonsay before about 15 years ago, and stayed at the hotel - which then was welcoming, in true island fashion, with locals and visitors squashed together enjoying themselves in the bar, and it all felt like an experience of true community as well as a treat.
As I say, we were unlucky with the weather on this second occasion (2024) - nothing anyone can do about that - but sadly won't be coming back, in any case: the accommodation and the general offering felt to promise more than it delivered and it was not overall the welcoming island experience we'd bargained for. We were made very welcome by one particular staff member, and a few locals, and had some decent food in the hotel, but were dealt with in a very off-hand way by two other hotel staff - despite almost no other customers: sorry, guys, but this is called 'the hospitality industry' and you really were 'off'! By contrast the staff at the Colonsay House Garden cafe are absolute superstars. But, at over a thousand pounds for the week for the cottage, plus electricity, plus coal for the fire (we brought our own to save the £30 fee) we were expecting a little bit more charm and cosiness than we got: we are both very outdoors people, used to wild camping and such - and not habitual complainers (nor habitual reviewers)! But on this occasion we hoped for more comfort for our money and felt we made a poor choice.

Guest from Nairn stayed at Kennels for 7 nights in August 2024


Disapppointing

Review submitted on Wed, 10 Jul 2024
2.7
out of 5
Guest doesn't recommend this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
2.0
Condition
2.0
Location
2.0
Value
2.0
Customer
Service
4.0
The cottage is in a damp location and faces away from the sun, surrounded by tall heavy trees. Little sunshine gets into it and it was cold even in July. We had to put on the electric heaters morning and some nights. On wet days this was worse. The interior needs refurbished asap, particularly the bathroom which was unpleasant. The bathroom is ar the front door and the bedrooms at the back necessitating a hike in the night! There were minor maintenance issues like the shower string breaking. It is expensive so I was expecting a much higher quality place. The booking staff were good and the cottage as clean as the rundown condition allowed. I love Colonsay but was actually relieved to leave the cottage after a week The bigger bedroom smelled of damp..We stayed elsewhere on way home and realised just how poor it had been. The kitchen is reasonably well equipped but there was no washing up bowl or bath mat. The furniture is all old and the sofas were uncomfortable.

Elizabeth from Peebles stayed at Kennels for 6 nights in July 2024


A welcome retreat

Review submitted on Wed, 08 May 2024
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
This cottage met all our requirements for a peaceful holiday in a delightful location - hence we stayed again. We would warm recommend staying in this cottage at this time of year and enjoying all the Colonsay can offer.

Bruce from Wincanton stayed at Kennels for 14 nights in April 2024


Good basic cottage in a sunny sheltered spot

Review submitted on Sat, 30 Sep 2023
3.5
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
3.0
Condition
3.0
Location
4.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
3.0
Good cottage for the 2 of us with the 2 dogs. The weather was very wet and we thought we would use the fire so I asked for coal as an afterthought which was efficiently provided on our arrival. We are not fans of night storage heaters. Not sure whether the log burner is geared up to using smokeless coal. The bunker is damp and the kindling was a bit slow burning too - we were glad we brought our own additional. Its very important to dry clothes and to heat a bit of water.We tried not to use the immersion as the shower is electric. The bath is quite high to get in and out of.
The kitchen had everything we needed. The dryer over the fire was good. The bed was very comfy and the duvet warm.
The connecting door is good - the dogs could not go into the bedrooms.We brought large seat covers to protect the settees.
The bathroom was a bit cold, but we didnt switch the towel rail or the wall heater on.
The people on Colonsay are very friendly and the island is very beautiful. We were a bit surprised that the ferry was cancelled to arrive a day late and Storm Agnes nearly had us leaving later than planned too. We are not sure what the policy would have been if we had had to stay an additional night, especially as we missed the first night.I did ask about a credit for the night missed but Tanya's reply did not comment on this.


Sue from Fryup stayed at Kennels for 7 nights in September 2023


Comfortable accommodation on a special island

Review submitted on Thu, 24 Aug 2023
4.8
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Kennels is an attractive cottage on the Colonsey House estate. It is comfortable and well equipped. The terrace is lovely for breakfast and evening drinks. There are beautiful walks from the door- through the estate woods and to lovely sandy beach.

Clare from London stayed at Kennels for 7 nights in August 2023


Holiday

Review submitted on Sat, 17 Jun 2023
4.8
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Comfortable cottage . It was clean and well equipped. We had a good time and found Colonsay delightful.

Roy from Bedale stayed at Kennels for 7 nights in June 2023


An excellent base for exploring the island

Review submitted on Mon, 15 May 2023
4.8
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
We hope you enjoy your stay here as much as we did. We hope to return to this comfortable and welcoming property. Our requests when staying, we’re very quickly and nicely dealt with. Just what you want for a holiday.

Bruce from Wincanton stayed at Kennels for 8 nights in April 2023


Week stay at Kennels

Review submitted on Fri, 14 Apr 2023
4.2
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
4.0
Pros: Comfortable, accessible and good base for stay on Colonsay. All rooms on one level beneficial for persons with mobility and/or sight impairment. Facilities in cottage generally adequate and the solid fuel stove with back boiler provides economical space heating and hot water. Noting it is much better than open fires in other cottages.
Cons: While good advice was provided by proprietor about cost of electricity in current times, there was no information on how calculated since the meter was non-functional. On subsequent enquiry, this was attributed to lack of repair by SSE as supplier.
The "Terms and Conditions" did state the normal practice of reading the meter before and after the stay to calculate usage still applied, but clearly did not. The customer service team are usually very good in reviewing problems and undertook to investigate improving communication with client visitors. We accepted the estimate provided, which appeared to be typical for the conditions of stay, but would have appreciated even a wee note on the meter, recognising the problem and intended solution.
Overview: We`ll be looking to return to the island later in the year, to maintain a longstanding family connection.


Guest from Aberdeen stayed at Kennels for 7 nights in March 2023


Last minute stay

Review submitted on Thu, 13 Apr 2023
4.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
3.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
3.0
Customer
Service
4.0
4 nights in Kennels in April for an unexpected last-minute getaway to join 3 other families on the island. Decor was nice, comfy beds and cosy duvets. Draught came in through a hole in patio door frame and bathroom was freezing especially the tiled floor. We probably should have put the heating on more or lit the stove but were put off by the additional payment for fuel/electricity and figured we would mostly be out anyway.

Jill from Morpeth stayed at Kennels for 7 nights in April 2023


A perfect base for exploring Colonsay & returning to comfort.

Review submitted on Fri, 24 Mar 2023
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Kennels is a lovely cottage in a sheltered wooded area, with a pretty stream in the sunny garden. It’s got everything needed for a very comfortable, relaxing stay. Customer support when needed was swift & very helpful. Highly recommended.

Claire from Sunderland stayed at Kennels for 8 nights in March 2023


A good cottage on a lovely island. Pleased to be able to have my dog there.

Review submitted on Thu, 29 Sep 2022
4.5
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Very happy with my time there. The location is good with fascinating ancient woodland close by to walk in and the beach at Kiloran Bay only a short walk away.

Guest from Aberdeenshire stayed at Kennels for 7 nights in September 2022


A return visit to a favourite cottage

Review submitted on Thu, 08 Sep 2022
4.2
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
3.0
Customer
Service
4.0
I have stayed in a number of the Colonsay Estate properties over the years, but Kennels has been my first choice for more than a decade. Its secluded but accessible location suits me as someone who doesn't bring a vehicle to the island, and its outlook makes the most of the daylight despite the woodland setting. The recent makeover has transformed the interior, and the solid fuel stove keeps the cottage snug whatever the weather outside. Colonsay is rightly described as the jewel of the Hebrides - I would add that Kennels is a jewel among the properties available to small visiting parties - and my dog agrees.

The only downside is seeing the apparently relentless deterioration of the nearby woodland gardens - once one of Colonsay's main attractions.

Guest from Glasgow stayed at Kennels for 13 nights in August 2022


Quiet suntrap

Review submitted on Thu, 25 Aug 2022
4.7
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
4.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Stayed here many times before, though not for a few years & trees have grown a bit cutting off views West down Loch Fada. Warm & comfortable with superb Morsø stove

Guest from Oakham stayed at Kennels for 7 nights in August 2022


Enjoyable island bolt hole.

Review submitted on Thu, 18 Aug 2022
4.2
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
4.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
My wife and I enjoyed our stay at Kennels. It provided a very good base to explore the island and is well equipped. We agree with other reviews that note that aspects of the place could benefit from a refresh or refurb, but Kennels has a character of its own and provided a very enjoyable island bolt hole. We loved Colonsay and would go back. Everybody we met, islanders and visitors, were extremely friendly and helpful. A memorable week for us - many thanks!

Simon from Worcester stayed at Kennels for 7 nights in August 2022


Great spot for a peaceful break

Review submitted on Thu, 04 Aug 2022
4.3
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
3.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
We enjoyed our break at the Kennels, the location is very peaceful and secluded.It was lovely to sit out in the garden on a sunny evening with a Colonsay G&T. The cottage is compact and cosy for 4 adults. It would benefit from a bathroom upgrade but the electric shower worked well, the kitchen was well equipped and the beds were comfortable.We were very lucky with the weather which made our holiday

Kay from stayed at Kennels for 7 nights in July 2022


A comfortable cottage in a fabulous location.bulous locatio

Review submitted on Thu, 16 Jun 2022
4.3
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
The location of Kennels for me was wonderful as I loved walking on the beautiful garden trails and adored the walk to Killoran bay through the gardens and machair. The cottage was very comfortable with attractive decor and the kitchen facilities quite basic but provided everything one would need. An upgrade of the bathroom would probably enhance the overall experience.

Guest from Carlisle stayed at Kennels for 7 nights in June 2022


Good location

Review submitted on Thu, 19 May 2022
4.2
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
3.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Kennels is in a very peaceful location with good walks from the front door. It is comfortable but the bathroom could do with some upgrading.

Tim from Hook Norton stayed at Kennels for 7 nights in May 2022


Good location

Review submitted on Thu, 12 May 2022
4.5
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
3.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Our third stay at Kennels which is placed well for the north of the island. Comfortable space but towels are too small and poor quality.

Tim from Hook Norton stayed at Kennels for 7 nights in April 2022


Kennels in July

Review submitted on Sun, 08 Aug 2021
3.7
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
3.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
3.0
Location
4.0
Value
3.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Colonsay is beautiful Inner Hebridean Island, excellent for walking and bird watching. We enjoyed both from our base at Kennels. The cottage could do with some freshening up, and the new bedroom carpet produced a smell which initially suggested dog and put my partner off. However we soon got over that and had a great time; and good luck with the weather. Detailed minor problems requiring maintenance have been reported to the Colonsay Estate Office.

Jason from Rye stayed at Kennels for 14 nights in July 2021


Gone to the Dogs!

Review submitted on Wed, 30 Jun 2021
4.3
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
4.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
This was my first stay in Kennels of any kind, and I was impressed. The cottage was pleasant, comfortable and well equipped, though the bathroom was rather basic and chilly. We particularly appreciated the quality of the beds and bedding, especially as the weather was unseasonably cold. The cottage was very private, but rather enclosed by the tall reeds across the burn. Our dog appreciated the blanket provided which gave an extra layer of warmth and comfort, especially as the floor was uncarpeted apart from the rug.- very practical for humans having an outdoorsy holiday, but he feels holidays are rather over-rated when one has good thick carpets at home!

Sheena from Carlisle stayed at Kennels for 7 nights in May 2021


Relaxing break

Review submitted on Thu, 24 Jun 2021
4.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
4.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
4.0
A very enjoyable break in secluded settings. Total privacy except for the midges. A well appointed cottage, centrally based for exploring the island.

Alistair from Carlisle stayed at Kennels for 7 nights in June 2021


Compact yet comfortable

Review submitted on Tue, 22 Jun 2021
3.8
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
3.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
3.0
Location
5.0
Value
3.0
Customer
Service
5.0
The Kennels is a small two bedroom cottage conversion of an old estate building. We found the accommodation to be comfortable and our small dog enjoyed the enclosed patio area (he likes to lie in open doorways). A big dog might easily jump the walls.
The cottage was quiet and well positioned for woodland walks or for the more adventurous Kiloran Bay beach (definitely worth a visit and about a mile distant).
Fixtures and fittings are adequate though I would recommend ordering a bag of coal to keep the cottage cosy in the evenings, otherwise it’s electric panel heaters which can chew through the electricity. The office staff were available 24/7 (power cut) and always polite and responsive. Only criticisms are those mentioned in previous reviews, the bathroom is functional but would benefit from updating and the double bedroom has a musty smell though this lessened when the cottage was heated and windows opened to ventilate. Tips….if you want to watch TV in the evening take a iPad or similar, it works well with the free WiFi. Eating out, the Pantry near the ferry landing is good but basic (it’s a cafe rather than a restaurant) or visit our favourite The Colonsay Hotel which offers a good range of food and wines at reasonable prices and feels a lot more special.

Martin from Wadebridge stayed at Kennels for 7 nights in June 2021


Cottage could do with an update

Review submitted on Thu, 24 Sep 2020
4.5
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Really love this cottage particularly the location. The bathroom is very dated and cold and certainly in need of an upgrade.

Jacqui from Turriff stayed at Kennels for 7 nights in September 2020


A wet week in September

Review submitted on Thu, 10 Sep 2020
4.2
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
3.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
4.0
Spent a happy week on the island and enjoyed a good base at The Kennels. Strengths of the cottage included the stove, full sized bath with plenty of hot water and the comfortable bed and seating. We missed having any views to enjoy but the setting on the edge of the woods did provide wet but enjoyable woodland walks for our dog. Being close to the beautiful beach at Kiloran was another advantage. We had a wet week but still enjoyed the island and managed to have several good walks. We also enjoyed meals at the Pantry and Colonsay Hotel.

Mike from Penrith stayed at Kennels for 7 nights in September 2020


Disappointing

Review submitted on Mon, 18 May 2015
2.3
out of 5
Guest doesn't recommend this property
Cleanliness
3.0
Comfort
2.0
Condition
3.0
Location
2.0
Value
1.0
Customer
Service
3.0
Wish we had known that the bathroom was as far as possible from bedrooms, we would have chosen a different cottage.. main bedroom smells of damp. kitchen tongs were broken. Furniture obviously cast offs .Heating poor. No instructions for using cooker and washing machine. Avery depressing experience

Guest from Durham stayed at Kennels for 7 nights in May 2015