Running a peaceful countryside Airbnb sounds idyllic — until a guest leaves a surprising review that no host could ever predict. That’s exactly what happened to a farmstay owner in Castle Douglas, Dumfries and Galloway, who watched her flawless rating drop after a guest complained about… sheep bleating at night.
Yes — sheep.
A Perfect Score Lost Over the Sound of Nature
The host, Holly, had proudly maintained a five-star rating for her rural lodge, which sits right in the middle of a lambing field with around 100 sheep. The stay is openly marketed as offering “a taste of farm life”, attracting guests looking for a quiet retreat surrounded by nature.
But one visitor didn’t quite expect nature to be so natural.
According to the review, the guest claimed the sheep were “too noisy”, adding that even earplugs “didn’t quite block out the bleating.” The rating dropped to three stars — a huge blow for a new farmstay business relying heavily on strong early reviews.
“What Did They Expect?” — Host Left Perplexed
Holly, who runs the lodge with her husband, said she was stunned when she read the feedback.
“It’s ridiculous — you can’t stop animals from being animals,” she explained. “People come here because they want to experience the countryside. It’s remote, peaceful, and that’s our selling point.”
For her, the most confusing part was that the guest had booked a property literally surrounded by sheep, yet still complained about the sounds that come naturally with farm life.
The Review Also Criticised the Interior
In addition to the sheep complaint, the guest also described the clean and modern lodge interior as “a bit lacking in character.” They mentioned low water pressure in the shower, wished there was an outdoor barbecue area, and commented that the nearby area had “not much to do.”
Despite these comments, the review still described the overall stay as “pleasant, peaceful, and well-equipped.”
But the damage was done — the three-star score dragged down Holly’s overall rating.
Why Reviews Matter So Much for New Hosts
The host shared that she and her husband had “poured their heart and soul” into the farmstay as part of their agricultural diversification efforts. As new hosts, they read every review carefully — and understand how even a single low rating can affect:
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Search ranking
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Trustworthiness to potential guests
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Booking volume
“It's a very unfair complaint,” Holly said. “You can’t please everyone, and maybe country life just isn’t for everyone.”
Social Media Rallying Behind the Host
After sharing her story on TikTok, Holly received overwhelming support — with many users amused that someone would book a farmstay and then complain about farm animals.
Some of the comments included:
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“It’s clearly stated in the listing — not fair at all.”
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“As an Airbnb owner, this is extra hilarious.”
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“I would book it for the sheep noises!”
Her video quickly went viral, gathering hundreds of thousands of views.
Airbnb’s Response
Holly submitted a request to Airbnb to have the review removed, arguing that the complaint was unreasonable since the presence of sheep was part of the advertised experience.
Airbnb reviewed the case and ruled that the review reflected the guest’s genuine experience and did not violate any review guidelines. Therefore, it will remain on the listing — although Holly is free to respond publicly to explain her side.
Final Thoughts
This unusual story highlights a bigger issue for rural and niche Airbnb hosts: guest expectations are not always aligned with the experience offered.
When travellers expect city standards in countryside retreats, misunderstandings are inevitable — and hosts often take the hit.
For many future guests, though, the sound of sheep may not be a disturbance at all… but a charming reminder of what makes a farmstay truly authentic.
