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Culdoach Cottage

Parton, Dumfries and Galloway

This former gardener’s cottage sits in splendid rural isolation amid the Galloway Hills.

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Overview

This former gardener’s cottage sits in splendid rural isolation amid the Galloway Hills.

An underrated part of Scotland, the local area will thrill families, foodies, hikers, cyclists and art lovers alike

As beautifully renovated as this old gardener’s cottage certainly is, it’s the setting you’ll marvel at first. Tucked away down an estate track, Culdoach enjoys total seclusion, greenery aplenty and startling views over rolling countryside to Screel and Bengairn beyond.

Factor in the majestic woodland behind and, unsurprisingly, rural peace abounds. On balmy days you can linger in the garden, listen to birdsong (and distant moos or baas) and enjoy perfect privacy.

Culdoach is part of the private, 5,000-acre Barwhillanty Estate. Family-owned and run since 1884, biodiversity and sustainable farming practices are a key focus for the current custodians. The estate has a dedicated yoga (and aerial yoga!) space as well as picturesque walking, running and biking trails (maps are provided) and the option (on request) to go trout-fishing. Wildlife tours can also be booked as well as home grown vegetable baskets and more. There’s also fantastic riding nearby and the option to bring your own horse.

Downstairs, the cottage features an open-plan kitchen, dining and seating area heated, when necessary, by a large, crackling wood burner (with logs provided).

One bedroom is downstairs and ensuite with a walk-in shower. The other two beckon up a narrow staircase and share the main bathroom and its roll-top soaking tub, heated towel rails and own shower. Two chamber can be set up either with twin beds or one solitary king-size unit, depending what suits you best. The remaining chamber is always a king-sized bed.

The design is bright and cheerful, aided by vibrant paintings, wooden floorboards and pops of colour.

Active groups will find heaps to do in this corner of unsung Dumfries and Galloway, from golf courses and 7stanes mountain bike routes to sailing, windsurfing and kayaking on Loch Ken. If all that sounds far too tiring, you’re about half an hour’s drive from the spectacular Solway Firth coast and pretty sandy beaches at Rockcliffe, Sandyhills or Dhoon.

Closer still are Castle Douglas, an acclaimed ‘food town’ rich in local producers, and the art hub of Kirkcudbright, where longstanding colonies (including Edward Atkinson Hornel) have lived and worked in the vivid riverside site. Galleries, led by the exceptional Kirkcudbright Galleries, and festivals proliferate while Hornel’s handsome old home and gardens, beautiful Broughton House, is open to visitors.

Property details

GROUND FLOOR

Entrance into hallway.

Open-plan kitchen, dining and sitting room.

Kitchen contains electric oven and hob, integrated fridge/freezer, microwave, dishwasher and toaster.

Dining area with wooden dining table and seating for up to six guests.

Sitting room containing two-seater sofa, two armchairs, log burner, Freeview TV, coffee table and side tables.

Bedroom one containing zip and link super king size bed which can be configured as twins upon request, with bedside tables and wall lamps, built-in wardrobe with hanging space, and free-standing wardrobe. Styled with tongue and groove panelling.

En-suite shower room containing walk-in shower with rainforest shower head and separate shower attachment, heated towel rail, WC, basin, and large wall mirror.

Utility room/boot room with washing machine, tumble dryer, shoe storage, and coat hooks.

FIRST FLOOR

Bedroom two containing zip and link super king size bed which can be configured as twins upon request, with bedside tables and wall lamps, chest of drawers and Velux window. Styled with tongue and groove panelling.

Bedroom three containing zip and link super king size bed which can be configured as twins upon request, with wall lamps, chair, and built-in wardrobe.

Family bathroom with free-standing roll-top bath with separate hand-held shower attachment, walk-in shower with rainforest shower head and separate shower attachment, heated towel rail, WC, basin, and wall mirror.

OUTSIDE

Fully enclosed lawned and gravel garden surrounded by woodland to the rear. Covered patio area with outdoor dining table and seating for six guests, offering panoramic views of the estate.

PARKING

Private gravel parking on the driveway to the rear of the property with space for 3 cars.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING

For safety reasons, we do not permit electric vehicle or hybrid car charging at this property. If you’re travelling by EV, discover your nearest electric vehicle charging point here.

BABIES & CHILDREN

Babies and children are welcome and a travel cot and high chair are available on request.

DOGS

Two dogs are welcome free of charge. Dogs must be kept downstairs, out of the bedrooms and off the furniture.

GUEST AMENITIES

Quality bed linen and fluffy towels are provided, alongside Cole & Lewis toiletries. 

WI-FI & MOBILE COVERAGE

Wi-Fi is available. Mobile coverage is good on most networks at the property, while coverage is variable across the estate. 

HEATING

Oil central heating throughout in addition to the log burner in the sitting room with an initial supply of logs provided in the property and an additional supply in the outbuilding.

GUEST PRIVACY

The cottage sits on its own within a working estate.

ACCESS

Please note that Culdoach is accessed approximately 570 yards along an untarmacked farm track.

ACTIVITIES AT BARWHILLANTY ESTATE

There are a range of activities available at Barwhillanty Estate during your stay at Culdoach Cottage. 

The following are pending external availability of the activity provider: 

Aerial Yoga Instruction / ClassAerial yoga is an exhilarating practice, promising to deliver on strength training, flexibility improvement, and a fun way to feel good. The aerial hammock is a delightful prop that allows you to stretch deeply and access movement in flight. Book an aerial yoga class, hosted by Maria Yerburgh (@thelifestyledentist) in the beautiful yoga space, located right by the Barwhillanty Estate Office.

Group / Private Yoga ClassesYin yang flow sequences offer comprehensive movement, benefitting both body and mind. Yin poses focus on our joints and connective tissues (the “yin” tissues). Maria Yerburgh (@thelifestyledentist) will lead the class in the wonderful yoga space or the walled garden (weather permitting in the summer months) by the Barwhillanty Estate Office. This is a floor-based flow, focusing on your connective tissues and joints in yin poses alongside dynamic movements that work on building fitness, strength and flexibility.

Trout Fishing Full and Half DaysCast your line for good sized rainbow and brown trout. Half day and full day permits are available for 2 lochs on the estate.

Wildlife ToursImmerse in the natural environment and surround yourself in the beautiful wildlife native to Barwhillanty. Join David, Barwhillanty Estate’s gamekeeper, on a guided tour to see deer, circling birds of prey and explore the wider estate. There is also the opportunity to sit in a high seat at dawn or dusk to experience the stillness and wonder the local landscape has to hold.

Home Grown Vegetable HamperBarwhillanty Estate understands the importance of locally grown produce. There’s nothing better than the satisfaction of eating something that has been lovingly grown in the nutritious soil of South West Scotland. Purchase and enjoy a tasty vegetable box which reflects the changing seasons with the freshest harvest.

Please note that booking Culdoach Cottage does not guarantee access to the activities listed above. If your booking for Culdoach Cottage is dependent on the availability of an activity, please contact the Crabtree & Crabtree bookings team at info@crabtreeandcrabtree.com or on 01573 226711 before placing your cottage booking. We can provisionally hold your dates and check availability for you. 

SHORT-TERM LETS LICENSING

Scottish short-term lets licence number: DG00573F

The current EPC rating for this property is band D, a copy of the certificate can be found here.

Location

The village of Crossmichael is a short drive away (2.8 miles) and offers a small convenience store and post office while meals can be enjoyed at The Thistle Inn.

Further shops, cafes and large Tesco and Co-op Supermarkets can be found in Castle Douglas (6.5 miles). For evening meals try Mr Pook’s Kitchen serving a range of tasty and innovative dishes all created using the best locally sourced ingredients. Alternatively, head to Nikos Mediterranean restaurant for Greek-inspired lunches and evening meals. Pick up freshly baked sweet and savoury treats in The Earth’s Crust Bakery or head to Ballard Butchers for quality meat supplies.

A more extensive range of shops and restaurants can be found further afield in Dumfries (23 miles). Fine dining can be enjoyed at The Globe Inn which was a favourite haunt of Robert Burns. Why not book a tour before your meal to find out more about Scotland's beloved poet? If it's just a good coffee you are looking for, head to Kings Coffee & Books which offers some of the best coffee in Dumfries.

Avid readers should be sure to visit Wigtown (34.7 miles) which is Scotland’s National Book Town and has an extensive number of independent bookshops for you to visit including The Bookshop, Scotland’s largest second-hand bookshop, which has roughly 100,000 books to choose from.

Activities

The large country estate of Barwhillanty has plenty to offer for guests. There are a number of walking and cycling routes through the estate where you can take in the beauty of the surrounding countryside and spot an array of wildlife. For those interested in sporting pursuits the estate offers a number of shooting experiences throughout the year as well as Trout fishing on the nearby lochs. If you are looking to relax and unwind during your stay the estate also offers a range of yoga and wellbeing classes.

Further walks can be enjoyed at the nearby RSPB Ken-Dee Marshes Reserve, or head to the Red Kite Centre at Laurieston where you can spot these beautiful birds up close while they feed. Alternatively, head to Threave Garden which has a number of pretty walks around the grounds showcasing a range of different gardening styles in each ‘garden room’.

Further wildlife sightings can be enjoyed in Galloway Forest Park where you will find the Red Deer Range and the Wild Goat Park, popular with families, allowing children to spot these animals up close.

For the more adventurous, Galloway Activity Centre is just a short drive away where you can partake in archery, sailing, mountain biking and stand up paddle boarding. Mountain biking can also be enjoyed at 7Stanes: Dalebeattie near Castle Douglas which is renowned for its technical trails and granite features with routes for all skill levels.

Scottish history buffs will not want to miss a visit to Ellisland Farm, the romantic house Robert Burns built for his wife Jean Armour. Now a museum, Ellisland Farm provides tours where you can learn how Burns spent his time at the house and step inside the rooms where he wrote some of his most famous works. Follow in his footsteps down to the picturesque River Nith past the field that inspired his poem The Wounded Hare

C&C experiences

C&C experiences

We invite you to enjoy the most coveted and exclusive local experiences available in the North of England and the South of Scotland on your next Crabtree & Crabtree adventure.

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Children and families

Children and families

Here at Crabtree & Crabtree, we like to think we’ve pulled together some rather nifty ideas to keep tots to teens happy and entertained during your stay.

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Fishing

Fishing

Welcome to the realm of the king of fish, the mighty River Tweed. Every year thousands of Atlantic Salmon make their way up river, an annual odyssey that is one of nature's miracles.

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Historic houses and castles

Historic houses and castles

With more stately homes, castles and historic sites here than you can shake a proverbial stick at, visitors are quite simply spoilt for choice.

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Wildlife

Wildlife

Our region is home to outstanding scenery which boasts emerald forests, pristine lochs and rivers, heathery hillsides, sweeping moorlands as well as a picture perfect coastline.

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Walking

Walking

From the lush green uplands to shimmering sea, the area boasts a hugely diverse and enticing landscape that is perfect for exploring on foot. From gentle rambles to long-distance hikes, there are a vast array of trails and waymarked routes for newbie walkers or experienced alike.

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Museums, galleries and culture

Museums, galleries and culture

Our museums tell the story of Borders people and provide a unique insight into our region’s heritage and culture, such as the turbulent past of the Border Reivers or the tragic tale of exiled Mary Queen of Scots.

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Adventure Sports

Adventure Sports

If you love a challenge or just crave a little excitement away from the day-to-day bustle of working life, we have lots to offer - whether it be watery pursuits, muddy blasts or thrill seeking, adrenaline-charged adventures.

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Cycling & mountain biking

Cycling & mountain biking

Whether you ride fast or slow, on-road or off-road, there is something uniquely special about enjoying some outdoor time on two wheels. Here in the region we have something for everyone from high-energy mountain biking blasts to gentle forest paths the whole family can enjoy.

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Shooting

Shooting

For sheer variety alone Northumberland and the Scottish Borders are irresistible to any gun.

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Ancestral history research

Ancestral history research

Crabtree & Crabtree know that tracing the history of your family can be a wonderful journey of discovery. Here are our top tips for starting your family tree.

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Services

Cooks and chefs

Cooks and chefs

Make your stay hassle-free with your own personal cook

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Dog sitting

Dog sitting

Our experienced dog sitters will look after your furry friends whilst you are out exploring.

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Additional housekeeping

Additional housekeeping

Award yourself a real break and let us provide a pair (or more) of helping hands.

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Beauty and spa treatments

Beauty and spa treatments

Everyone needs some pampering, whatever the occasion.

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Wine delivery

Wine delivery

Crabtree & Crabtree have teamed up with Corney & Barrow one of the longest established independent Wine Merchants in the UK to offer a bespoke service.

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Fresh flowers

Fresh flowers

Fresh cut flowers delivered to your holiday home.

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Holiday photography

Holiday photography

Family holidays, reunions and honeymoons kindle priceless moments that deserve preserving.

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Reviews

Availability

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Location Rural - 6.5 miles from Castle Douglas
DOGS
  • Two dogs are welcome.
Arrival / Departure
  • Typical arrival day: Saturday during high season with flexible arrival out of high season.
  • Arrival time: 4pm
  • Departure time: 10am
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Outdoor furniture on the patio at Culdoach Cottage
THE LITTLE THINGS WE LOVE…
"This little haven of beauty and tranquillity is set amongst a glorious garden, full of flowers. We love the cosy, comfort feel and sunny outdoor seating with spectacular views and wonderful walks from the doorstep."
Maria and Oscar, owners of Culdoach Cottage
email us or give us a call on 01573 226711 for details.

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