Marilyn Childs Duncan and Agnes Bulloch showcase their B&B on national television.
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In a delightful showcase of Scottish hospitality, Bogenraith House, run by the dynamic mother-daughter duo of Marilyn Childs Duncan and her 84-year-old mother Agnes Bulloch, was featured in the latest episode of Channel 4’s popular show Four in a Bed.
This episode, which aired recently, highlighted the charm and challenges of running a bed and breakfast in the picturesque Durris area of Aberdeenshire.
Spotlight on Bogenraith House
Bogenraith House, known for its cozy accommodations and warm atmosphere, was the second of four B&Bs visited during this week’s episodes.
The show began with a visit to Blackfriars in Inverness, setting the stage for a competitive week among the establishments. Rooms at Bogenraith House typically cost up to £180 per night, which includes a pre-ordered breakfast. Guests on the show pay what they deem a fair price for their stay, with the final amounts revealed at the end of the week.
Guest Experiences and Feedback
The first guests to experience Bogenraith House were Sharmin Hossain and Sarah Lownie from the Lovat Hotel in Perth. They were accommodated in the Mary Queen of Scots room, priced at £180 per night. Sarah expressed her delight, stating, “Nothing but the best here. Beautiful.” Following them was Pam Taylor, owner of Cairngorm Glamping, who stayed in the MacDonald room for £130 per night. Pam was equally impressed, exclaiming, “Wow. Absolutely love it. Lots of sparkle, it’s like my perfect room.”
Challenges and Critiques
However, not all feedback was positive. The final guests, Dean Slater and his daughter Chelsea Abbott from Blackfriars, noted several cleanliness issues, including dust and a dirty sink plug. Dean expressed concern about the bed’s stability, fearing it might collapse. Despite these critiques, Pam praised her room’s bathroom, calling it her “perfect bathroom” and raving about the Highland cow soap’s heavenly scent.
To entertain their guests, Marilyn and Agnes organized a visit to the Gordon Highlanders Museum in Aberdeen, which received positive reviews from the guests. The evening concluded with a visit to Scott Skinner’s Restaurant and Bar, where Marilyn showcased her singing talent, serenading the guests.
Breakfast and Final Scores
The following morning, guests enjoyed a hearty breakfast with options like the traditional Scottish breakfast, smoked salmon, and homemade pancakes. Sarah complimented the “absolutely lovely” scrambled eggs, while Pam described the pancakes as the best she had ever tasted. Despite the positive breakfast experience, Marilyn was disappointed with a cleanliness score of two out of ten from the Inverness guests, expressing her frustration.
Ultimately, two out of three teams indicated they would consider staying at Bogenraith House again, highlighting the establishment’s potential despite the critiques. The episode concluded with a promise of more exciting visits as Four in a Bed continues its journey through Scotland, with the next stop being Cairngorm Glamping.
