Cottages near Newton Stewart, Galloway

Accommodation:

Tackroom Cottage, you'll not be surprised to hear, was once the Tack Room for the Cairnsmore Estate stable block. It is easy to imagine the horses being led through here when you see the oversized door that leads to the garden.

On entering the cottage from the courtyard, a wide hallway welcomes you. The bright bathroom has a bath with overhead shower and offers plenty of storage for your personal items. The kitchen is well appointed with dishwasher, washing machine, cooker, integral fridge and freezer and microwave. It overlooks the garden that is separated from the cottage by a track.

Opposite, one step up leads to the spacious lounge-diner. This is a double-aspect room with sash and case windows. Two comfortable sofas and pictures from local artists add to the homely feel of the room. A 50-inch television invites you to relax in the evening after a day on the hills or exploring the surrounding area. Freesat and a small library of DVDs are provided. The oak dining table is situated overlooking the garden.

A separate dressing room with an antique wardrobe and chest of drawers guides you into the bedroom with a comfortable double-sized Edwardian bed. Egyptian cotton bed linen and towels are provided. Both rooms are wood-panelled. The bedroom also houses the original (non-working) range.

From the hallway a steep flight of stairs gives access to a snug - a lovely cosy area with a day-bed and small collection of books where you can while away a few hours in peace and quiet.

Outside the unusual garden houses 2 granite-columned hay barns, a rare example of these paired structures. A gas-fuelled BBQ is housed underneath one, offering outside dining whatever the weather! There are also two small lawned areas, one especially offering a private walled-garden atmosphere to sit and enjoy the sunny days and in the evening a place to watch the bats living in the eaves of the hay barns come out to play.

Directions:

Travelling from the east or south, by-pass Dumfries driving along the A75 towards Stranraer. The estate is 5 miles before Newton Stewart, approx. 1h from Dumfries.

From the north-west, A714 via Girvan or the A712 through New Galloway to Newton Stewart.

What's included:

Heating is included plus the first £10 of electricity

Egyptian cotton bed lined and bath towels are provided

Cost and availability:

Sat changeover: 10:00 check-out and 16:00 check-in.

Short breaks when available, minimum stays 3 nights.

Two well behaved dogs welcome.

Holiday activities and things to see around Galloway

Recommendationsof hings to do when staying in Newton Stewart

1. Climb Cairnsmore, the most southerly Graham in Scotland, from the back door....or as one of our guests described it...the hill in the back garden!...and view 'the 5 Kingdoms' from the summit.

2. Visit Loch Trool - site of Robert the Bruce's 1st victory over Edward's army, offering picture postcard views, a lovely circular walk or a starting point for Merrick, the highest hill in Southern Scotland, and a Corbett for the hill-baggers amongst you

3. 'Walk or cycle along Bargaly Glen to the Duke's Pool....if you're lucky you'll have the sole use of this natural Pool with built-in 'jacuzzi', a great place for a picnic and swim.

4. Join in the well-renowned Wigtown Book Festival, now in its 18th year and home to the largest literary festival in Scotland outside of Edinburgh - including audiences and debates with writers, artists, politicians and personalities - a great atmosphere by day and night (22 Sept - 1 Oct)

5. Drive to the Raiders Road...a lovely scenic route along the Queens Way, and then cycle or walk to the Otters Pool enjoying lovely views, atmospheric surroundings and the otter sculptures