Meet Avril
Cultured, Helpful, Friendly
I live in a historically-detailed Victorian family home, which has won top B&B awards, in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.
On a typical day...
I’m mostly at home/work from home.
When I host guests...
I’m helpful and hands on. I can show them where to go and help them get there.
Family Hobbies
Horse riding, Reading, Music, gigs, festivals, Watching movies, Interior design
Hosting guests since
2002
Response Rate
66%
Response Time
Within a day
About the Homestay
- Welcomes
- Males
- Females
- Couples
- Families
- Students
For guests who love traditional Victorian architecture and panoramic Scottish scenery, Carlton Seamill has much to offer
An impressive, stone-built, Scottish Victorian house, dated 1883, Carlton occupies an ideal location at Seamill, on the Ayrshire coast. It enjoys a commanding view, over Seamill shore and beach, to the world-famous Firth of Clyde and the beautiful, mountainous Isle of Arran.
The Rennie Family have cherished Carlton carefully, for over 70 years. With most of its original period features still intact, it is a fine example of a Scottish Victorian family home. Guests frequently remark on the house’s relaxing, “get-away-from-it-all” atmosphere and on the craftsmanship, style and graciousness of the Victorian era.
There are excellent places for eating out within easy reach
Bedrooms available for booking
About the Area
Carlton’s west-facing garden-gate provides easy access to Seamill’s extensive, sandy beach – only a stone’s-throw away. Our guests typically enjoy walking along the beach on a lovely evening, watching the wheeling flocks of seabirds and the gregarious colonies of seals.
If our guests are very fortunate, they may witness one of the fabulous, breathtaking sunsets for which the Firth of Clyde is renowned. At the least, lungfuls of healthy sea-air are guaranteed!
Some of Scotland’s finest restaurants are only a short drive from Carlton.
“Braidwoods”, near Dalry; “The Waterside”, near Seamill; “Cecchini's”, Ardrossan; “The Catch at Fins”, near Fairlie; “Scott's”, at the Yacht Haven, Largs; “Nardini's Cafeteria”, Largs. Their web-sites are easily found on the Internet.
The Seamill Hydro Hotel (bars and restaurant) is only a few minutes’ walk away – along Ardrossan Road or, better still, just along the beach.
Local Area Facilities
- Park
- Gym
- Golf
- Swimming
- Bowling
- Beach
- Cinema
- Library
- Museum
- Shopping Centre
- Horse Stables
- Water sports
- Health club
- Fishing
- Restaurant
- Bus Stop
- Train station
- Hospital
Meals
Hosts can offer a complimentary light breakfast at their discretion. All other meals, including a full breakfast, might incur an additional cost, if offered. Meals and any additional payment should be arranged directly with your host.
Included in the stay
- Complimentary Light Breakfast
- Use of Kitchen
House Rules
Strictly no smoking throughout the house. And only very moderate drinking is allowed.
Smoking Rules
Your host is a non-smoker.
Smoking is not allowed.
3 Reviews
July 2023
Comfortable stay, fantastic location and superb breakfast cooked by Avril. Interior quality showing its age now but was clean.
September 2017
Breakfast was lovely (and plenty). She was so kind as to give us some advice on what to do or go view in the neighbourhood and further on our way. Always up for a lovely conversation.
March 2016
The Carlton Seamill guest house has to be one of Scotland's hidden gems, and easily worth five stars! The house is beautifully elegant and spotlessly clean, the food is wonderful, and Avril Rennie—the owner and lifetime resident—is a most charming, erudite and helpful person.
It took me a little while to find a taxi from the station, so it was quite late in the evening by the time I rang the doorbell. Nevertheless, Avril was at the door in seconds to offer me a warm welcome to her home.
She showed me to my room and I could hardly believe my eyes: thick, high-quality carpets and curtains, a huge double bed, vintage furniture, a built-in washstand and tea and coffee facilities all laid on. It was lovely and warm and I felt at home immediately. Clambering into bed, the electric blanket was a very pleasant surprise not to be found in even the best multi-star hotels. I slept like a log.
The following morning I was catching the early ferry sailing to Arran, so I had arranged with Avril to have breakfast at 5:45am. This was a sumptuous affair: orange juice, cereal, toast and marmalade, followed by a plate of eggs, bacon, sausage, black pudding, haggis and tomato, all washed down with a delicious pot of tea. Avril had set me up for the day in true Scots style!
On returning to my room the sun was up, and drawing back the heavy drapes offered me the most spectacular views of the Firth of Clyde and Isle of Arran. This is a prospect to die for!
Having made sure that I was in a fine state to face another day's travel, Avril then helped me on my way by cheerily giving me a lift to the ferry terminal.
I cannot praise this guest house enough. I am a sixty-something transitioning transwoman, and April's warmth, friendliness and understanding made all the difference to my holiday. Absolutely full marks for a top-notch establishment.
Steffie Parr (Ms)
How do I book?
Contact the host to check their availability and ask them any questions you have about staying with them. Once the host confirms they’re available for your dates, you can complete your booking.
When do I pay?
Once a host confirms they're available, you can go ahead and pay the 15% booking fee (maximum of 250 $£€ for longer term bookings) using a choice of payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Maestro, Laser, JCB & PayPal (not available in certain countries). You then pay your host on arrival or as stated by your host on their profile and agreed by you on booking. Please be cautious if a host requests advance payment if its not included on their profile. Our hosts have been advised that if they wish to request advance payment they must make this explicit in their profile. We do not recommend the use of Money gram or Western Union.
When can I share my contact details?
Host and Guest email address, phone number and home address will be exchanged in a confirmation email sent to both immediately after a booking is completed. It's against our policy for Guests and Hosts to exchange direct contact details via our messaging system.