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The Rookery, Glenholme, Kirkcudbright

This holiday property is no longer available for rentals and this entry is due to expire

The Rookery is a self catering holiday cottage attached to Glenholme Country House and located just a mile from the centre of the small but busy scallop-fishing port of Kirkcudbright, and set amid some of the most beautiful country in Scotland.

Kirkcudbright (pronounced Ker-coo-bree) is at the heart of the Stewartry, as Kirkcudbrightshire was once known. It sits on the estuary of the River Dee on the south coast of Dumfries and Galloway in South West Scotland. Its south-facing location, looking across the Solway Firth towards the Isle of Man, means that the climate is particularly mild - something reflected in the remarkable number of gardens and nurseries in the area. The countryside around is gentle and rolling, with wooded valleys and rich farmland. However, twenty minutes' drive can see you up in the hills in the middle of more spectacular scenery.

Kirkcudbright itself is about twenty minutes' walk from the Rookery along the banks of the River Dee. It is a small town with a population of less than 4,000 but it is the centre for a remarkable number of attractions and activities. It is also a thriving community with an excellent old-fashioned butcher's and wonderful fish shop (which is also a fish and chip shop in the evening), two bakeries, pubs, coffee shops, an interesting antique shop, galleries, and other small, independent shops.

The nearest beach, The Dhoon, is some ten minutes' drive from Glenholme Country House and the Rookery, and there are many others along the coast. Brighouse Bay, Ross Bay, Carrick, Sandhill and Cardoness are among the best known, but there are many other coves and bays to be discovered, and with a bit of luck you can have a whole beach to yourself.

For those with an interest in history, there is a fine selection of ruined castles and abbeys, and a remarkable Iron Age construction at Cairn Holy. Many people come to visit local gardens - Broughton House, Threave, Cally Gardens, Dunskey and Port Logan are just some of the best-known. Whether you are serious walker or just fancy a gentle stroll, there are lots of interesting walks in the local area, along the coast, through woods, or over moorland. One of the easiest and most pleasant - a wander along the banks of the River Dee up to reed beds at Cumstoun Bridge, where there are kingfishers and sometimes otters - starts just outside the gates of Glenholme Country House.

Kirkcudbright is known as 'The Artist's Town' of Scotland and was associated with the Glasgow Boys and the Scottish Colourists. Every year there is Spring Fling, an open studios event which covers the whole of the region; and there is also Kirkcudbright's own Arts and Crafts Trail in which all the local people with an interest in the arts open up their houses and gardens to visitors. Kirkcudbright also has a programme of Summer Festivities with Scottish Nights in the Harbour Square, parades, markets, music and exhibitions, all of which ends with the annual Kirkcudbright Tattoo.

Accommodation:

The Rookery is the old servant's quarters of the main house and its separate entrance is at the back of the house. There is a bright and airy twin-bedded room on the ground floor, with its own bathroom with shower.

The rest of the accommodation is upstairs. The double room has windows looking in two directions, out over the carriage turn and towards the stable block. A vintage Durham quilt and other vintage textiles give the room warmth and character. It has its own bathroom with a bath, shower over the bath and a double sink unit. Both bedrooms have toiletries from Scottish Fine Soaps and soft, fluffy towels and the bedding is pure cotton, and the beds have pure wool throws or Durham quilts.

The combined living room and dining room has two large, comfortable sofas, an antique pine dining table with six dining chairs and an open fire. There is a television and DVD player, a small library of books and DVDs and a selection of games, as well as lots of information about the local area.

The kitchen is very well equipped. It has a gas hob with an electric oven, a fridge, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine and tumble-drier. It looks out over the orchard and the pond towards a rookery (hence the name!)

Rookery guests are welcome to make full use of Glenholme's two acres of gardens - wandering around or sitting in the sun.

Directions:

The most important thing is to find the A75. If you are coming from England, you will probably turn off the A74(M) at Gretna Green at Junction 22. If you are coming from Scotland, you may join it at Dumfries.

Follow the A75 westwards in the direction of Stranraer until you pass Castle Douglas. 5 miles beyond Castle Douglas, turn left on to the A711, signposted towards Kirkcudbright. Pass through the village of Tongland and the main road turns left across the Tongland Bridge over the River Dee.

After a few hundred yards on your left you will see the Arden House Hotel. Immediately after the Arden House, you will see a long beech hedge and a sign welcoming you to Glenholme Country House and the Rookery.

What's included:

Heating and logs for the fire are included

Bed linen and towels are included (but not beach towels)

Sorry, no pets - the house is advertised as suitable for people with allergies

Dinners in the main house in the evenings are available

Cost and availability:

Changeover day is usually Saturday. Check in 1500, Check out 1000

Short breaks are offered in the winter. These are usually 4 days