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Pondside

Pondside

4.2
out of 5
Ratings from 42 reviews
83% of guests
recommend
Cleanliness
4.5
Comfort
4.1
Condition
3.9
Location
4.5
Value
3.9
Customer
Service
4.5

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Step into Pondside and leave the world behind — set within the trees on the edge of Colonsay House Gardens and close to the water, Pondside is a tranquil retreat for guests seeking quiet, nature and relaxation. Pondside invites you to slow down, listen to the birds, and unwind into the calm of nature and island living.

Lovely cottage and location

Review submitted on Mon, 17 Aug 2026
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
We really enjoyed our stay at Pondside. The cottage was clean and pleasant and the kitchen was well stocked with everything that we needed. The beds and bedding were very comfortable and the garden lovely and enjoyable. We would definitely stay there again on another visit.

Mark from Strathpeffer stayed at Pondside for 7 nights in August 2026


Fantastic setting

Review submitted on Sun, 09 Aug 2026
3.7
out of 5
Guest doesn't recommend this property
Cleanliness
3.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
3.0
Location
5.0
Value
3.0
Customer
Service
4.0
Tranquil location with easy access to the whole island including the loveliest beaches. Cottage itself is cute with super comfortable beds. However, it is cold and poorly insulated with only the most basic facilities. Kitchen needed a deep clean, especially the cooker which was greasy and smelly. We found other guests’ litter down the side of the sofa. Charging electricity by the (over-priced) unit is unfriendly and we found that we had inadvertently left the hot water on throughout our stay because the switch is hidden behind the microwave. Maybe the cleaner’s workload is unrealistic or standards are low but this cottage was not cleaned to my expectations nor was it well insulated meaning that we were using more power than we needed to. Washing machine didn’t clean our clothes and the tumble dryer door wouldn’t shut meaning it wouldn’t wort. Great customer service throughout the booking process but the place needs significantly more investment to upgrade the experience. If the cottages are in high demand maybe there is little incentive to invest but whereas I could have been a customer for life, I think I will look around for other options next time.

Guest from Hawsham stayed at Pondside for 3 nights in August 2026


Excellent lovely cottage

Review submitted on Mon, 08 Jun 2026
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
Pond Cottage was lovely. It was really clean and spacious and had everything we needed. It is in the most tranquil location near to the grounds of Colonsay House. We loved everything about the property.

Vicky from Edinburgh stayed at Pondside for 3 nights in June 2026


Fantastic Spring Break

Review submitted on Thu, 21 May 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
Had a great stay in a comfortable cottage in beautiful surroundings and I would definitely book again next year.

Kieron from Hepworth stayed at Pondside for 7 nights in May 2026


A secluded cottage in an idyllic setting. A very peaceful place to unwind. Bertie loved the garden.

Review submitted on Wed, 10 Sep 2025
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
We loved the cottage and had a very enjoyable stay. The accommodation was entirely comfortable and suitable for our requirements.The weather was such that we did not need to use the heating although we enjoyed having the fire in the evenings. We intend to visit again in June time probably next year as this visit enabled us to recce the island on our first visit and we now have a range of things we would like to do on our next visit.
A few constructive comments firstly on pricing. Before we arrived we felt we were charged 5* prices for a Eurocamp arrangement.
Pay to have the beds made, pay for cleaning, pay for coal, pay for electric over £20, take your own toilet roles! This sort of price should be all inclusive of most of these things. However this did not spoil our enjoyment when we got there.
The white goods were all encompassing which was excellent but a slightly wider selections of oven dishes would be an improvement. Unfortunately the only oven dish cracked in the oven when we used it and we couldn’t replace it apologies for that we will replace it on our return visit.


Robin from Wolverhampton stayed at Pondside for 5 nights in September 2025


Lovely Stay

Review submitted on Sun, 01 Jun 2025
4.3
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
4.0
A cosy, sheltered 4 bedded cottage on the edge of the spectacular wooded gardens. Great walks from the cottage to Kiloran Bay and beyond and to Loch Fada. We particularly enjoyed having the garden

David from Forres stayed at Pondside for 7 nights in May 2025


Pondside

Review submitted on Tue, 15 Apr 2025
4.8
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
We had a lovely stay at Pondside. The location in the garden was beautiful. The gardens were very interesting and the location to Kiloran bay was great. We were able to cycle with the help of Jen's bikes!!!. It was a cosy place to return to after a hard day's swimmimg cycling walking and exploring the beautiful island of Colonsay. Everyone we met were exceptionally friendly. We had a great time.

Liz from CUPAR stayed at Pondside for 7 nights in April 2025


Un bel emplacement près d'un joli Loch et tres belle baie. La maison comfortable .

Review submitted on Thu, 27 Mar 2025
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
Nous avons beaucoup apprécié notre séjour à Ponside et l'île de Colonsay. Le seul problème : le coût de l'électricité. Coût prévu pour le chauffage offert 20 £. Mais on nous a facturé et prélevé 93£ supplémentaires, pour un séjour de 5 jours ! ( Avec une coupure de courant d'une heure 30 une des 5 soirees.) Alors peut-être avons nous mal compris l'utilisation des radiateurs mais tout de même c'est exorbitant dpour si peu de jours, alors soyez conwcients de cela.

Claire from Saint Antoine l'Abbaye stayed at Pondside for 5 nights in March 2025


Loved our stay

Review submitted on Sat, 15 Mar 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
We stayed at pondside on the 12th to the 14th of March 2025 would recommend ppmdside as a place to stay we loved the island of colonsay and will be back soon was a very good visit made better by the comfort of pondside cottage

Victoria from Widnes stayed at Pondside for 2 nights in March 2025


Pondside Stay

Review submitted on Wed, 02 Oct 2024
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
Pondside Cottage was very well equipped. It was very clean and comfortable. It’s location was beautiful and the position right next to Colonsay House woodland garden was lovely. Some signage next to the main road might help in finding the cottage initially.
We felt that it would have been better to include electricity charges in the overall tariff for the cottage and maybe an initial amount of fuel for the open fire (logs, coal). We were nervous of using too much electricity. This would probably not be the case earlier in the year.
Overall we had a brilliant holiday!

Guest from Gifford stayed at Pondside for 4 nights in September 2024


A Summer Week in Pondside

Review submitted on Mon, 05 Aug 2024
4.7
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
4.0
We really enjoyed our stay at Pondside. The house was clean, comfortable and spacious with a perfect location for us.

Kitchen: we do self-catering and found that there were enough cooking utensils for us, contrary to one review which we had read. The only issue we had was with the fridge which was set at ‘5’ and hence was too warm. As a result, we had to throw some veg and salad away after a day. We set it at ‘4’ and that seemed to do the trick. It would be also helpful to have a little information about what can be recycled because the policy varies according to region. I don’t want to give the impression, though, that the kitchen was problematic - the kitchen was small, but nice.

Living Room: small, cosy and comfortable, although I can see that the sofas will need to be replaced at some point. It may be worth stating explicitly that there is no TV in the house.

Dining Room: we didn’t use this room because we ate in the kitchen and relaxed in the living room. If you had a family then I am sure it would be used.

Bathroom: spacious

Utility Room: it was really useful to have a second toilet, a large sink and a ceiling clothes rack for drying things. In fact, I would say they are essential when you are close to beaches and rain is always a possibility!

Bedrooms were good and we didn’t have any problems with the lights.

Guidebook for house. I think it would be helpful to have a map showing the shortcut round Colonsay House and on to the road leading to Kiloran Beach. We worked it out but it would have been simpler to have been told. The opening hours for some of the shops on Colonsay were not quite right, but I appreciate that places can change opening hours at short notice.

Garden. It is a good sized garden, but we opted not to use it for our dog because the freshly mown grass contained dog mess bits. That is down to dog-owners not clearing up properly and I suspect you cannot do much about that. In the event, because we were right next to the woods, we used them instead and our dog loved the woodland area and public garden.

The location was wonderful, next to a public garden/wood and within walking distance of Kiloran beach and, after a hike, Balnagard beach. With another day, we would have tried the walk to Scalasaig.

The above may seem quite critical, but it is not meant to be. We really liked Pondside and would recommend it to others and the comments above are intended as constructive suggestions.




Paul from Durham stayed at Pondside for 7 nights in July 2024


House was tired and needed updating

Review submitted on Sun, 07 Jul 2024
4.0
out of 5
Guest doesn't recommend this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
3.0
Condition
3.0
Location
5.0
Value
3.0
Customer
Service
5.0
The house was very expensive for the offering it was dark and damp and the furniture is in need of an upgrade we were lucky that the weather was good as it wasn’t the house for staying in doors and relaxing with a good book

Thomas from Edinburgh stayed at Pondside for 14 nights in June 2024


First time on Colonsay

Review submitted on Fri, 07 Jun 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
My family much enjoyed our stay at Pondside. The cottage is comfortable, delightfully decorated and well appointed. The open fire is a definite attraction and the sheltered garden is a great asset. The situation is a very good one for exploring both the extensive Colonsay Estate and all the different parts of the island. It is three miles or so from the port and the shop.

Guest from Coventry stayed at Pondside for 8 nights in May 2024


It was OK.

Review submitted on Sun, 26 May 2024
4.2
out of 5
Guest doesn't recommend this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
3.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Biggest disappointment was the sunshine leaving the garden at 17.00hrs and needing to retreat into the house to dine.

The twin bedroom needs the two single beds re arranging. It was impossible to sit up in bed and read under the slanting roof.

Bed side lamps are also needed in the twin room.

The domestic fridge freezer bottom drawer is broken already and should be replaced by heavier duty commercial made equipment.

Apoligies for my poor review, but we would return to Colonsay tomorrow if we could.


Peter from Droitwich Spa stayed at Pondside for 7 nights in May 2024


Quiet and warm cottage

Review submitted on Mon, 15 Apr 2024
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
We had a few days at Pondside in mixed weather and appreciated its warmth. It’s in a secluded spot up a short track and reached by driving past a sign which says “No cars beyond this point “. The nearby wind turbine can be heard but it’s nevertheless a quiet place. The upstairs bedrooms are comfortable. The kitchen and living room are small but cosy and warm. We didn’t use the dining room being able to eat at the kitchen table and didn’t miss having no TV. It has a useful porch for wet things and a small garden good for sitting outside in better weather. You can walk around the estate woodlands straight from the front door.

Alan from Glasgow stayed at Pondside for 5 nights in April 2024


Dark and tired. Not elderly friendly.

Review submitted on Sun, 10 Sep 2023
2.7
out of 5
Guest doesn't recommend this property
Cleanliness
3.0
Comfort
2.0
Condition
2.0
Location
4.0
Value
2.0
Customer
Service
3.0
There was no hot water feed to the bathroom sink and bath beyond a trickle. There is very little storage space for food and clothes. The downstairs is tired and dowdy though clean as far as we could tell in the gloom. Everything worked. We were fortunate to have excellent weather so could be outside a lot. Would not have enjoyed being confined to the cottage.
The stairs are a real problem being steep and with shallow steps, getting round the bend at the top isn’t easy as handholds are precarious. For older people like us they are not really suitable, I would advise a warning in your description.

Guest from West Yorkshire stayed at Pondside for 7 nights in September 2023


Excellent holiday cottage and management

Review submitted on Tue, 29 Aug 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
This is a really cosy small cottage which we used for a family of 5 plus a dog on the border of the colonsay estate which has absolutelty beautiful forests and trails right on your doorstep and a short cycle to Kiloran bay,

Everyone we dealt with at Colonsay Holidays was excellent and the 2 problems we had were dealt with immediately, i would not hesitate to recommned them.

Adam from estepona stayed at Pondside for 7 nights in August 2023


A magical island revisited after 50 years.

Review submitted on Fri, 30 Jun 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
A very pleasant cottage nicely located a short walk through woodland to Colonsay House and gardens. The island is a great place for a restful holiday away from the pressures of everyday life. With fantastic beaches, wonderful views and gentle pace of life it is blissful. More amenities than 50 years ago, but all of them enhancing the experience of this magical place.

George from Olney stayed at Pondside for 8 nights in June 2023


Good for a short stay

Review submitted on Sun, 21 May 2023
4.3
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
3.0
Customer
Service
4.0
Quick visit to Colonsay using Pondside as a base. We took my campervan over although we stayed in the cottage but it meant we had transport. The grounds of Colonsay house were good for walking and the roads are quiet for cycling. We had a good 3 days before we moved onto Jura.

Jan from Lancaster stayed at Pondside for 3 nights in May 2023


Comfortable but potentially very expensive

Review submitted on Sun, 07 May 2023
3.8
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
4.0
Value
3.0
Customer
Service
4.0
Overall we enjoyed our stay in Colonsay and at the accommodations. Pondside and Turnigil.

One point is that it’s noted in the welcome letter that Holiday lets ( commercial businesses) aren’t covered by the government price cap. From what I can gather and after talking to others in the industry this is not the case.

Charging extra for gas and electric at the rates set was excessive in my opinion. Guests have no idea how much of either they will have to pay at the end of their stay. Turnigil had an imersion switch and even after half an hour the water was cold for a quick shower. So we didn’t use it at all.

Put electric showers in all your properties?


The rates charged for electric were 41p per KW where the rates set are currently 16p. Unless I’m missing something that’s excessive.

So as much as I find this disagreeable I do understand that visitors can use excessive power there should be a better and fairer system in place.

I stay in holidays lets and accommodations all over Europe ( for a living ) and this is the first time I’ve seen this. We ended up paying about £20 extra ( for two full days) not excessive, but we had no heating or hot water in one of the properties for the duration.

I guess it just might add some anxiety and a nasty suprises to other guests down the line .

I hope you find a better solution.



Glen from Leven stayed at Pondside for 3 nights in April 2023


Nice comfortable Cottage

Review submitted on Fri, 31 Mar 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
Pleasant comfortable cottage. We enjoyed our time there.
I was in twin bedded room but was disappointed that I did not have functioning bedside light. In middle of night I used my phone torch to get to light at door (I am scared of falls)
Washing machine did not work but as we had short stay it did not affect us too much. Amazing the amount of dirty clothes a baby can produce.

Helen from Ardrishaig stayed at Pondside for 4 nights in March 2023


Generally good visit at Pondside but negative experience for visual impairment

Review submitted on Sat, 24 Sep 2022
4.2
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
3.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
4.0
We are regular visitors to Colonsay and are very familiar with the many attractions of the island.
We have stayed in a number of properties during visits (as well as experience with self-catering cottages throughout the UK) and found Pondside to be of good quality and met our general requirements for comfort and facilities as scored above (tho` note the issue about *disability and *visual impairment, described below, which has been reported and is expected to be the subject of remedial action).
Staff involved in communications for arrangements were friendly and helpful.
Topics to note include the coal open fire which appeared inefficient in directing heat into the living room, perhaps we didn’t use properly, and the kitchen sink which appeared not to drain well would have benefitted with a basin for the washing up.

A larger problem was the presence of different levels in adjoining floors. The corridors and rooms at the back of the cottage are a step (ca 15cm) below the level of those leading from the front entrance. So moving to the bathroom, utility room and kitchen from eg the living room requires negotiating the step to the lower level.
This is a particular issue for those with impaired *eyesight and *mobility especially where no alert is given to the difference in level, as is the case.
Indeed, this was the case with the *visually-impaired member of our party on first entering the property, who did not know the level changed, did not see it and had a fall which fortunately appeared not to result in injury requiring attention, but could have been much worse.
Suggested remediation to reduce risk, (we have consulted expertise in *visual impairment) includes:
• Information advising in advance, the presence of the different floor levels, including a note on the inner porch door
• An obvious change in floor surface for example at the upper level floor
• Grab rails on the (upper) walls close to join of the floors (These giving an alert and also assisting movement between floors)
(A grab rail above the bath would also be a useful addition to comfort of mobility-challenged visitors).

We would not book Pondside again because of the floor level problem, but for future visits, would look elsewhere on the island for more suitable accommodation for our particular needs.




Guest from Aberdeen stayed at Pondside for 6 nights in September 2022


Great place but what am I comparing the cottage with? On a small island so not as upmarket as mainla

Review submitted on Mon, 15 Aug 2022
3.3
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
3.0
Condition
3.0
Location
4.0
Value
3.0
Customer
Service
3.0
Customer service might have been fine we didn't have any all Internet.
Not a helpful review to you and an annoying waste of time for me

Sue from Preston stayed at Pondside for 7 nights in August 2022


Pondside - the positives

Review submitted on Thu, 07 Jul 2022
3.8
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
3.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
4.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
4.0
The property is located on the margins of the estate woodland area and ideally placed for moderate walking around the estate and to access the Kiloran Bay greater area on foot.
The bedding was excellent; the kitchen basic. (It depends how much self catering you intend to do.)
We found the island’s environment to be stunning by any standards.

Alan from Castle Douglas stayed at Pondside for 7 nights in June 2022


Needs an upgrade

Review submitted on Sun, 12 Jun 2022
3.3
out of 5
Guest doesn't recommend this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
3.0
Condition
2.0
Location
3.0
Value
3.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Definitely needs an upgrade downstairs. The bedrooms are fine. Nice sunny garden. We loved the island.

Katherine from Carlisle stayed at Pondside for 7 nights in May 2022


Beautiful cottage in wonderful location.

Review submitted on Sun, 15 May 2022
4.5
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
3.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Beautiful cottage in wonderful location, all dealings with employees were excellent. Staff were all friendly and helpful before and during stay, any questions were dealt with quickly and helpfully and issues quickly resolved.
Only issue was the cottage was cold as a result of being very damp and does need work to resolve that problem but recognise not any easy one to fix in old cottage

Linda from Jedburgh stayed at Pondside for 2 nights in May 2022


Mixed bag visit to Colonsay

Review submitted on Fri, 15 Apr 2022
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
Second time visiting pondside, family really like the cottage and location, only irk was paid for coal and fire lighters but didn’t get the lighters. We were a bit disappointed with how many things were closed with no info on websites eg colonsay house, waiting room, bookshop, these are all little favourites with the kids that help make memories.we had planned to spend the afternoon of our leaving day at colonsay house and gardens , get some lunch and enjoy our last hours on the island only to find it shut as work getting done to decking and everyone didn’t really seem to care. We had to find somewhere else to eat and fill the time which was not a great end to our stay. Nothing on any of the websites to let us know

Craig from Boness stayed at Pondside for 3 nights in April 2022


Typical estate cottage

Review submitted on Thu, 23 Sep 2021
3.8
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
3.0
Condition
3.0
Location
5.0
Value
3.0
Customer
Service
4.0
Like most of the estate cottages this one would definitely benefit if the kitchen and bathroom were updated

Jacqui from Turriff stayed at Pondside for 7 nights in September 2021


Practical base to explore Colonsay from

Review submitted on Sun, 12 Sep 2021
3.5
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
3.0
Condition
3.0
Location
3.0
Value
3.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Pondside is a spacious classic cottage situated in the fringes of Colonsay House’s woodland garden. It’s towards the top of the island and Kiloran Bay is in easy reach on foot. It’s practical with no frills but a useful utility room with washer and drier and a WC in addition to the main bathroom. Kitchen has plenty of crockery and cutlery. Bedrooms are warm, bright and comfortable but hanging space is limited if you were a larger group for a long stay.

Jennifer from London stayed at Pondside for 3 nights in September 2021


Very peaceful location

Review submitted on Sun, 15 Aug 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
Pondside is located in a very quiet wooded area, 5 minutes drive to the lovely beach at Killoran Bay. Also near Colonsay House where the gardens are open to the public 2 afternoons a week. Approx 8 minutes drive to the ferry terminal and general store.
The house a old fashioned but well equipped. The property was very clean on arrival. A good location on a beautiful and friendly island.

Ian from Penicuik stayed at Pondside for 7 nights in August 2021


Pondside

Review submitted on Thu, 15 Jul 2021
3.8
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
3.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
4.0
We had a lovely week in Colonsay especially due to the good weather. The accommodation was basic but value for money. Next time we will try and book a property with more of a view/outlook and a breeze from the coastline to try avoid the swarming flies and midges that tend to be worse inland.

Guest from Glasgow stayed at Pondside for 7 nights in July 2021


Large house, comfortable but too expensive.

Review submitted on Sun, 11 Jul 2021
2.5
out of 5
Guest doesn't recommend this property
Cleanliness
3.0
Comfort
3.0
Condition
3.0
Location
3.0
Value
1.0
Customer
Service
2.0
Comfortable enough and large. Outdated but don’t mind that. Paying for electricity considering price per night I think is too much though as you have no control over that. Would have stayed longer if not so expensive. Colonsay is lovely island and could make more of tourists visiting and putting money into economy if more accommodation choices. Seems too dominated by one company which is shame. Stayed on Islay for week for same price as three nights in Colonsay when would have been happy to do opposite.

Jeanette from Edinburgh stayed at Pondside for 3 nights in June 2021


A lovely spot

Review submitted on Thu, 01 Jul 2021
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
The cottage and the island more than lived up to our expectations - we'll be back! The enclosed garden was great both for our dog and for us to sit out in the sun. The adjacent woodland is delightful. The staff were very helpful when we had a minor problem.

Chris from Warminster stayed at Pondside for 4 nights in June 2021


Pondside Cottage Colonsay

Review submitted on Sat, 22 May 2021
4.8
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Pondside is a perfect spot next to the woodland gardens belonging to Colonsay House- you can wander through them at any time. The wild garlic smells lovely

Clare from Colchester stayed at Pondside for 7 nights in May 2021


Pondside Cottage

Review submitted on Thu, 20 May 2021
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
Lovely cottage at the edge of the delightful Colonsay House woodland gardens. So peaceful, with small sunny enclosed garden - great for those meals outside. Would definitely return! Only two downsides - the fire was a bit difficult to get going and the shower was a bit weedy - but plenty of hot water.

Guest from Glasgow stayed at Pondside for 5 nights in May 2021


Great location, cottage has everything you need for enjoyable break.

Review submitted on Thu, 22 Oct 2020
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
The electricity is not included in the price, I would rather pay more on the rental than await to see how much I will be charged after the stay.

Location of cottage is perfect for a relaxing holiday and I would go back

Guest from Clackmannanshire stayed at Pondside for 5 nights in October 2020


Just perfect!!

Review submitted on Sat, 17 Oct 2020
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
We really enjoyed our stay – it was perfect!! thank you so much!!
The cottage was so cosy and very clean, despite the weather being occasionally wild, the cottage was sheltered and always offered a warm welcome back.

The location of the cottage was perfect - right next to stunning woodland walks which lead to us finding more paths which took us on a proper adventure through some stunning scenery. The cottage is just a short cycle to Kiloran Bay - the most amazing beach where we went on adventures most days. The whole island is perfect for exploring - on foot or by bike. There are so many wonders to discover

The Colonsay Hotel was also lovely - the staff were so friendly and welcoming and we couldn’t have asked for a warmer welcome. The food was delicious and the decor of the hotel was totally to my taste! We loved it!

We also really appreciated the cleaning staff getting in touch on our last day when they found my daughter's purse and toys!

We’ve kinda of fallen in love with Colonsay and will definitely be back again very, very soon and will most certainly book Pondside cottage again.

Victoria from Forfar stayed at Pondside for 5 nights in October 2020


Pondside cottage

Review submitted on Sat, 17 Oct 2020
4.5
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Pondside cottage was perfect for our family's needs. Although slightly dated it had a really homely feel, with all the facilities needed for a family of four. It was in the perfect location with lovely woodland walks right outside the door, the beautiful colonsay house gardens just a few minutes away (don't overlook the delicious cakes) and a perfect beach and coastline just a short stroll further

Tony from Moray stayed at Pondside for 5 nights in October 2020


Good but could so easily be better

Review submitted on Thu, 01 Oct 2020
3.3
out of 5
Guest doesn't recommend this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
3.0
Condition
3.0
Location
3.0
Value
3.0
Customer
Service
4.0
We had a lovely 2 days on Colonsay and were delighted with the voicemail en route saying we could get entry to the cottage on arrival at 2.30pm instead of 6pm... that was good news!
However, the cottage was baltic on arrival - and both the log basket and coal scuttle were empty. It felt the opposite of welcoming!
When I was told that those items were additions that one had to pay for, I fully accepted it was my mistake and the necessary was delivered the next day.
But, as someone who has experience of letting property, I felt it would have been a much better welcome (with a greater sense of hospitality) to have provided at least enough fire making materials for even just the first night - it was not only a cold grey day but the shop was closed. Due to our own circumstances which were unexpected and unavoidable, we had zero time prior to getting in the ferry to shop. Wrongly, I also expected there to be a pint of milk in the fridge...these little touches make all the difference to a guests experience. I’d rather have paid another £10 on the rental and felt a sense of care and welcoming. I’m aware you have several properties to look after but it really wouldn’t incur much more work would it?
This is not a complaint - it’s constructive criticism - I really think this kind of thing can colour a client’s experience and it might be a gesture to consider for future.
I certainly want to come back again, probably next time we’d try for a cottage with a view of the sea so be assured, it has not put me off the island!



Fiona from Comrie stayed at Pondside for 2 nights in September 2020


Dream Family Holiday

Review submitted on Sat, 12 Sep 2020
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
Revisited Colonsay after 20 years bringing our young family to experience island life. What a fabulous time we had. Pondside Cottage is in a beautiful location next to the woods. The cottage itself was clean nicely decorated but keeping loads of original features ie doors, fireplace and spacious enough for the four of us with nice garden for kids to play outside. It was far beyond what we expected and are looking to book for next year. Service was also great , we had a small issue with water pressure but Fiona at the Holiday Office had it fixed whilst we were out on a walk... outstanding effort. Can’t recommend the cottage enough whether you have kids , dogs or just want a quite getaway. We will definitely return for more island memories

Craig from Bo’ness stayed at Pondside for 4 nights in September 2020


Pondside Aug/Sept 2020

Review submitted on Tue, 08 Sep 2020
3.2
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
2.0
Comfort
3.0
Condition
2.0
Location
4.0
Value
3.0
Customer
Service
5.0
The cottage could benefit from a full refurbishment in the not too distant future, especially the toilet, bathroom & kitchen. The location for coastal walks and beaches was perfect.

Guest from Edinburgh stayed at Pondside for 7 nights in August 2020


Lovely week

Review submitted on Mon, 31 Aug 2020
3.8
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
3.0
Location
4.0
Value
3.0
Customer
Service
5.0
We were impressed with the facilities and the cottage was lovely and clean. The garden was perfect for the kids and we had a great stay. We felt in wet weather the cottage could feel damp, but realise the location is tricky as half the building is in shade all the time. We would stay here again but are thinking of booking a cottage with more views next year.

Zoe from Keswick stayed at Pondside for 7 nights in August 2020