Solway Coast Self Catering Solway Coast - Best 100 Self Catering in Scotland

Gelston Lodge Cottages - Self Catering Solway Coast close to Auchencairn

Gelston lodge Cottages Come and take a break in one of our holiday cottages in Dumfries and Galloway, set in this dynamic region of South West Scotland. A place where relaxation is a way of life, your cottage will be a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of every day life. Gelston Lodge Cottages are situated in a National Scenic Area where the forests of the Solway cloak coastal plains with secluded bays & rolling hills that stretch out from the bustling food town of Castle Douglas.

Prices From

£170

£445

short breaks available all year

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Vernon's personal review of the accommodation, location and items of interest

Gelston Lodge
4 accommodations (EACH sleeps 2 to 4, total of 14)

As you approach Gelston Lodge along a very pretty valley you can smell the sea in the air, the Lodge Cottages are set all on their own next to screel hill which is the local high point with views over the Solway Coast.

I felt like I was approaching "brig'a'doon" as I crossed over the little bridge over a stream that starts the drive up to the cottages, surrounded by ducks, hens and horses. The buildings are absolutely beautiful, in excellent condition. I learned from the Owners Charlotte and Donald that the buildings were ruinous outhouses to the main farm and just a few of years ago they bought them and made this remarkable conversion.

Two of the cottages (Doach and Screel) sleep four. They are next to each other, with lovely sitting/kitchen downstairs (and a downstairs loo) and a double and twin bedroom with bathroom upstairs. They both have wood burning stoves for those cosy winter nights and beautiful furniture that is the work of Charlotte, brought up in a family of antique restorers Charlotte has made a wonderful job of renovating very interesting pieces that make an contemporary stylish contrast between this classic furniture and the new building.

The Long Barn again sleeps 4 but it is all on one level and the sitting room is adjacent but next to the kitchen with double and twin bedrooms and bathroom. Once again Donalds building and Charlottes interior design work perfectly to reveal the beauty of the building. Very comfortable and very affordable.

Lastly Balcary Bothy is the smallest of the outbuildings, accessed from the courtyard it sleeps 2 and is ingenious in its design, I think it's fair to say it is small, but perfectly formed. The living room has a corner fire a double settee and is open plan to the kitchen. Adjacent is a double bedroom with a bathroom en-suite.

A short walk takes you to the foot of Screel hill, renowned for its viewpoints across the spectacular Solway Coast. A few minutes drive north takes to the region's food town of Castle Douglas, with its bustling main street filled with filled cafes, restaurants, bars, delis, bakers and four speciality butchers. There is a small secluded beach close by (red haven) very popular with locals , you will need to get directions from Charlotte but very enjoyable.

Facts and Figures

4 Cottages: 2 groundfloor and 2 groundfloor with upstairs accommodation

1 cottage (Balcary) sleep 2 - Rooms Kitchen/living area 1 double bedroom en suite Bathroom

3 cottages sleep 4 - Rooms kitchen/dining/living area 1 double bedroom, bathroom and 1 twin bedroom.

All costs like linen, heating, lighting, towels, cots, high chairs are supplied and are are included in the price.

Changeover days are :- Mondays and Fridays which means you can have weekend break, midweek break or whole week breaks starting from the Friday or the Monday.

Location - blue marks the exact location of this property (use the buttons on the left to zoom in and out)

Points of interest

The Bothy fireplace

Close to Scotlands National "Food Town" of Castle Douglas
Close to Red Kite Trail
Central to 5 of the seven 7 stanes mountain bike trails
Beaches close by and cream'o'galloway adventure park
Close to the Galloway Forest Park with lots of interesting walks
Close to Wigtown Scotlands "Book Town"
Close to Kirkcudbright famous for its community of artists
Adjacent to Threave Castle and Gardens
Selection of 30 golf courses including competition courses
Over 30 gardens and nursaries
Close to water sports centre at Loch Ken

So what is there to see and do close by ?

	Lock Ken is just 5 miles away from Gelston Lodge, there is a waterskiing school that operates during the summer months, There is also a multi activity centre offering windsurfing, sailing, 4x4 track, climbing wall, laserquest in the forest, archery, canooing and kayaking.
	Threave Gardens is the closest garden which is one of Scotlands most interesting as it is a training college for our future gardeners as well as a showground of interesting flora. There are over 30 other gardens and nurseries in this area including Glenwhan and Port Logan.
	Screel is on our doorstep and offers the most incredible views across the solway coast. Doach wood is also close by as are many walks along the coast just 1 mile away.
	We are close to the coast an Balcary Bay (3 miles) offers some of the best coastal fishing in the area. There is also fishing at loch Carlingwark in Castle Douglas and river fishing in the Urr (4 miles)
	There are many historic monuments in Dumfries and Galloway, Orchardton Tower is the closest (1 mile) and is one of only a few round castles in the UK. Drumlanrig Castle, MacLellans Castle, Lochmaben, Dundrennan and Caerlaverock are all close by.
	Kirkcudbright is known as Scotlands Art Town and is just 7 miles from Gelston Lodge. Known for the quality of light, the gardens. This small fishing town was a favourite retreat for the "Glasgow Boys" including Hornel, Peploe and many other of Scotlands finest painters. This region plays host to the "Spring Fling" when over 100 artists open their studios to the public.
	Red Haven beach is just 1 mile away (pronounced "raid heen" ) which is such a nice very private beach that holds the sun in the summer months. Greta for a beach bar-b-q. There are many others that include Sandyhills and the dhoon with its own shipwreck.
	We are close to Castle Douglas which is Scotland's "Food Town" known as such as there are over 50 local businesses that produce quality often organic and wholesome food products. There are some great cafes and a fantastic deli.
	The 7 Stanes are Scotland's great mountain bike routes. Gelston Lodge is close to 5 of them so offers the perfect loocation if you want to do some of the most exciting biking in Europe. The byeways are also ideal for easy family cycling so do bring your bikes with you.
	There are 30 golf courses in this region, many of them are on the coast and offer spectacular and challenging golfing experiences.