Coastal cottages and self catering in South West Scotland

Whim Cottage, Girvan, Ayrshire, South West Scotland

Sleeps 8
Weekly prices from £301

Self catering accommodation in Girvan sleeps 8.

Features include: Fishing nearby • Near the Beach • Close to the Sea Open Fire or Wood Burner Stove Pub near by • Golf near by Garden • sleeps 8

Accommodation overview: These four holiday cottages on a 200 acre working farm overlooking the Firth of Clyde enjoy panoramic views over the sea to the Antrim Mountains, Ailsa Craig and the Mull of Kintyre. This is a beautiful part of the coastline, just 1 mile from the ancient fishing village of Ballantrae where you may see lobster, crab and salmon being landed from local boats. Girvan, a popular seaside town is 15 mins. drive. The farm includes 1.5 miles of beach, perfect for swimming and beach-combing, accessed by a short footpath from the main road below the cottages. Nearby Knockdolian Hill is an ideal challenge for a brisk walk or climb and offers the opportunity to spot birds of prey. The area also offers fishing, golf at several excellent courses, sailing and horse-racing at Ayr. Shops and pub 1/2 mile plus excellent local restuarants serving seafood and home-reared beef. A spacious bungalow in its own garden 150m from the beach and quite spectacular views over the sea to Ailsa Craig. 1 double and 2 twin bedrooms, spacious sitting/dining room with open fire, sun lounge with double sofa bed, kitchen , bathroom with walk-in shower. Cooking electricity, oil fired central heating.Each bungalow has a fridge, washing machine, microwave and television.Bed linen provided. Cot and high chair available by arrangement.

Old Brewery Brae Store, Gatehouse of Fleet, Dumfries and Galloway, South West Scotland

Sleeps 4
Weekly prices from £240 to £ 370

Self catering accommodation in Gatehouse of Fleet sleeps 4.

Features include: • Non Smoking • Fishing near by • Romantic Break • Beach close by • Easy Walking • Pub near by • Pets allowed • Parking Available •

Accommodation overview: Nestled in an idyllic private woodland setting, Auchenhill Lodge offers a lovely relaxing retreat close to Kippford, often described as Scotland's 'Riviera'. Locals refer to this area as 'The Golden Triangle' - Colvend, Rockcliffe and Kippford - and frequent visitors understand why. The climate is temperate as Galloway is touched by the Gulf Stream with many golden, sandy, and often empty beaches to explore. For excellent views of the Rough Firth estuary, the Jubilee Path is highly recommended. This was named to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee and is the main path between Kippford and the equally charming village of Rockcliffe. There are wonderful views out to sea, and the path passes Mark of Mote, 1 100-foot high granite outcrop, with a Dark Age settlement on top. Rockcliffe and Sandyhills (with a beautiful sandy beach as its name implies!) are small Victorian bathing resorts close by. Kippford was once a smuggler's haunt with a wealth of stories and legends to discover and is now a pretty sailing resort with quaint fisherman's cottages. There is a low tide walk from the beach to Rough Island. Scotland's only round tower house, Orchardton Tower, is a must to visit with its spiral staircase hidden within double walls leading to a parapet. This area is steeped in history and has an outstanding natural beauty. But that's not all; the renowned 7Stanes for world class mountain biking is on the doorstep; the championship golf course at Southerness is just along the coast line and there are waters that cater for every type of fishing providing river fishing for salmon, sea trout and trout and still waters include pike, carp roach and bream. For romance and history Threave Castle at Castle Douglas is a great visit and very memorable; the only way to access the castle is to ring the bell for the custodian to row you across the moat! The town of Castle Douglas is known as the food town in this land of milk and honey -  so leave the diet at home! Also highly recommended is a visit to the picturesque harbour town of Kirkcudbright renowned for its artistic connection due to the special quality of light in the area. It is said that Kirkcudbright was a contender as a setting for the acclaimed Balamory TV programme due to its historic high street lined  with pretty, colourful houses. Galloway really is a land of plenty and although very accessible and wildly beautiful it is relatively undiscovered and very unspoilt. But come and discover it for yourself!

Craigie, Ayr, Ayrshire, South West Scotland

Sleeps 14
Weekly prices from £2004

Self catering accommodation in Ayr sleeps 14.

Features include: Pool Near the Beach • Close to the Sea Open Fire or Wood Burner Stove Pub near by • Pets allowed Luxury accommodation • Golf near by • Games Room • Garden • sleeps 14

Accommodation overview: Enjoying spectacular views to the Firth of Clyde and Ailsa Craig, this wonderful Grade 'B' Listed Georgian Mansion house offers a unique and very special holiday home. The house exudes elegant charm and sophistication with much attention to detail, which is reflected in the stunning presentation of each room. There is a lovely indoor swimming pool and a tennis court set within a stunning garden with 2 ponds ( care required with young children) surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside with cattle grazing in the fields. This is an idyllic holiday home, which would be perfect for a special celebration, family gathering or a large group of friends at any time of the year.The little village of Craigie lies south of Kilmarnock, approximately 8 miles from the seaside town of Troon. Fishing and sailing are popular in the local area and golf can be enjoyed at Troon, Prestwick and Turnberry as well as numerous other local courses. The beaches of the Ayrshire coast offer miles of golden sands and Culzean Castle and Country Park are ideal for a family day out. Robert Burns's country can be fully explored from here or take a day trip by ferry to the Isle of Arran, often described as Scotland in Miniature.There is a lovely village pub/hotel within a short walk and the nearest shops are 3 miles.Ground floor - Bright, elegant drawing room, spacious famiy/television room, dining room, games room with pool table and table tennis, well-designed and equipped kitchen, utility room, entrance hall with cloakroom/w.c. All public rooms have open fires. First Floor - Master bedroom with kingsize bed and en-suite shower-room, 2 twin bedrooms, bathroom with shower over bath. Second Floor - 3 twin bedrooms, 1 double bedroom with kingsize bed, 2 bathrooms each with shower over bath (one shower is hand held). Cooking by Aga, oil-fired central heating plus open fires. American style Fridge/freezer, dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer, microwave, Freeview television, DVD, CD player, WI FI access. Bed linen and towels provided.

Laggansally Lodge, Stranraer, Dumfries and Galloway, South West Scotland

Sleeps 6
Weekly prices from £500

Self catering accommodation in Stranraer sleeps 6.

Features include: • Multi Bathrooms • Non Smoking • Fishing near by • Beach close by • Easy Walking • Parking Available • Golf near by • Has a Garden •

Accommodation overview: Braemar is a delightful cottage over a century of age and in the very heart of New Galloway which is nestled in the valley of The Glenkens and surrounded by beautiful countryside. The village lies close to the Galloway Forest Park; the largest forest park in Britain covering some 300 square miles of forested hills, wild moorland and numerous lochs. The Galloway Hills are very accessible from the cottage and although not as lofty as the mountains further north they are every bit as challenging but surprisingly devoid of people. New Galloway was once Scotland's smallest Royal Burgh and is a delightful village with pretty white washed houses. To the west of the village the Galloway Forest Park is vast and beautiful and provides many opportunities for cycling and walking. It is home to falcons and buzzards, feral goats and red deer. The Red Kite Trail is on the doorstep and there is a feeding station at Laurieston. The Southern Upland Way one of Scotland's long distance footpaths crosses the park. Highly recommended is a drive along the Queen's Way a 19 mile stretch of scenic road. There is a visitor's centre by Clatteringshaws Loch and take a short stroll to Bruce's Stone. Further down the road guests may be able to witness wild goats and red deer close at hand. Take a detour onto the Raider's Road and spend time at the glorious Otter Pools for a spot of paddling and don't forget to discover the Labyrinth. Pike fishing is renowned in Galloway, especially on Loch Ken, which is the venue for many annual course fishing competitions. The village is home to New Galloway Golf Club, a gem amongst rural courses in Scotland and noted for its superb natural greens and views of the Galloway Hills and Loch Ken. Members feel it is arguably the best nine hole golf course in Scotland! The newly opened CatStrand is on the doorstep and promotes a varied music, arts and exhibition programme and offers a cinema, local information and a cafe. No visit to New Galloway is complete without a visit to Kitty's to enjoy a high tea in a traditional tea room; it's like walking onto a Miss Marple television set! Loch Ken has a sailing centre on its east side and there are a host of watery activities including water skiing. Property has electric heaters.

Old Mill Cottage, Kippford, Dumfries and Galloway, South West Scotland

Sleeps 4
Weekly prices from £325 to £ 650

Self catering accommodation in Kippford sleeps 4.

Features include: • Non Smoking • Fishing near by • Beach close by • Easy Walking • Pub near by • Parking Available • Golf near by • Has a Garden •

Accommodation overview: Set amidst 36 acres of organic pasture land this pair of cottages each offer a cosy retreat for couples. Once a stable for working farm horses, Bothy cottage enjoys a beautiful rural location on a small farm yet only 7 miles from the county town of Dumfries, the main centre of the region. There is so much to see on the farm with 3 acres of woodland and an abundance of wild birds as well as free range hens, geese, rheas and pedigree Galloway cattle and sheep in abundance and the owners are developing a wetland area. A skein of barnacle geese regularly fly over the farm to the nearby estuary. For history lovers there are battle sites, stone circles, abbeys, imposing castles and round towers to explore. The area is a haven for artists inspired by the landscape and attracted by the quality of light. For great mountain biking, the acclaimed 7 Stanes at Mabie forest is virtually on the doorstep and for the less adventurous there are attractive forest walks. The stunning Colvend Coast is less than 30 minutes drive; the artists town of Kirkcudbright is to the west; an abundance of fishing opportunities and a superb choice of golf courses including a championship links course at Southerness and of course, some superb hill and coastal walks. The award winning Loch Arthur farm shop is only a mile from the cottage and has an excellent range of organic cheeses and fruit, vegetables, meat, eggs and freshly baked breads.

Laundry Cottage, Castle Douglas, Dumfries and Galloway, South West Scotland

Sleeps 4
Weekly prices from £242 to £ 631

Self catering accommodation in Castle Douglas sleeps 4.

Features include: Short Breaks Detached • Fishing nearby • Near the Beach • Close to the Sea Open Fire or Wood Burner Stove Pets allowed sleeps 4

Accommodation overview: Set in the rural heartland of Dumfries and Galloway on a stunningly beautiful 650 acre estate these delightful cottages have been tastefully converted from various farm buildings to provide comfortable accommodation in a wonderful location. As well as enjoying splendid views of hills and countryside visitors to the cottages enjoy access to a grass tennis court croquet and fishing on the River Tarff. Farm tours are also available and cycles can be hired on site. The area has plenty to offer with a variety of holiday activities to enjoy including horse riding and many good fishing spots nearby and several golf courses locally. Within 5 miles are the lovely safe sandy beaches of the Solway coast and at Loch Ken (10 miles) there is a superb water sports centre offering sailing windsurfing canoeing and water skiing. Nearest shop and pub is 3 miles away.

This characterful detached cottage enjoys its own garden and patio. Open plan sitting/dining room with open fire and kitchen area. First floor gallery: Double bedroom. Bunk bedded room. Shower room/W.C.

Phone enquiries: 0844 847 1143

Ardwell, Stranraer, Wigtownshire, South West Scotland

Sleeps 2
Weekly prices from £347

Self catering accommodation in Stranraer sleeps 2.

Features include: Detached • Wheelchair access • Near the Beach • Close to the Sea • Pets allowed Garden • sleeps 2

Accommodation overview: Perfectly situated, just a 15 min stroll from the secluded sandy beaches of Ardwell Bay, this detached cottage nestles in rural splendour on a private estate and is the ideal retreat for a peaceful holiday. Recently upgraded, this single storey cottage has been extended and the interior is comfortable and cosy with a welcoming, homely atmosphere. There is a beautiful well established garden with garden furniture and a garage for guests use. All on the level with 3 steps at the door, this may suit guests with limited mobility.This is one of the most unspoilt areas, giving a true feeling of 'stepping back in time.' The unique micro climate and exceptionally good weather mean there are an abundance of gardens to visit as well as beautiful coastal walks, ancient ruins and RSPB reserves. The village of Sandhead is 3 miles away with a shop, pub and popular bistro. The bustling port of Stranraer has excellent facilities including a cinema, indoor swimming pool, pubs and restaurants. Day trips to Ireland can be enjoyed, the ferry crossing takes 1.5 hours.1 double bedroom, lounge with dining area, open fire and sofa bed, kitchen/dining room with beautiful unspoilt views, bathroom (shower over bath). Cooking by electricity, oil-fired central heating. Fridge/freezer, washing machine, microwave, television, video. Bed linen and towels provided.

The Lodge, Stranraer, Wigtownshire, South West Scotland

Sleeps 4
Weekly prices from £260 to £ 405

Self catering accommodation in Stranraer sleeps 4.

Features include: • Multi Bathrooms • Non Smoking • Beach close by • Easy Walking • Pub near by • Parking Available • Golf near by • Has a Garden •

Accommodation overview: Wee Newton is a delightfully light and modern cosy wee cottage tucked away in a stunning and peaceful corner of Scotland. This former barn has now been sympathetically restored and renovated to 21st century standards yet still retains a cosy and relaxing ambience with a lovely serene atmosphere. Idyllically placed just off a very quiet backwater yet only a mile from the locals' favourite beach at the Doon, it is the perfect property for those seeking a 'get away from it all' holiday. Dumfries and Galloway has so much to offer visitors, from the UK's largest forest park to challenging hill walks, world class mountain biking, over 200 miles of stunning coastline, castles, strongholds and some excellent locally produced food. The pretty little harbour town of Kirkcudbright has a strong arts and crafts link and it is easy to see why with its brightly painted houses, fishing boats bobbing about in the harbour and the excellent lighting conditions. Kirkcudbright and the surrounding areas have an excellent programme of events throughout the year including festivals of snowdrops, wildlife, walking, arts and film, Country and Western and the acclaimed Wickerman festival. Other events include Scottish Nights, the annual tattoo and Spring Fling, an annual art and craft open studio event. The nearby village of Twynholm has a good choice of local facilities and for Formula One lovers, the David Coulthard museum is a must. The Solway Firth is fringed by many beautiful beaches including the White Port, Horse Isles Bay and Cardoness. It is often possible to walk for miles throughout this area with only the wide array of bird life for company. As one would expect in a coastal region, the sea food is superb and there is a good choice of restaurants to sample the fine cuisine. The food town of Castle Douglas is the place to sample and buy a wide range of local produce from the town's own brewery to a choice of butchers and chocolatiers. Fortunately, there are plenty of good walks on the doorstep to walk off those extra calories! Property has oil central heating.