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Shelduck Cottage

Southwick, near Sandyhills, Southern Scotland
Sleeps 4
Bedrooms 2
Bathrooms 1
Change Fri
Dogs welcome 2
3 star
Highchair available
Towels included
Fishing on site / nearby
Internet access
Open fire / wood burner
Enclosed garden / patio
Downstairs bedroom
Downstairs bathroom
Cot available
9 more

At a glance

  • A charming traditional stone cottage within the peaceful surroundings of RSPB Mersehead Nature Reserve
  • Family-friendly outdoor space with a large, shared garden, playground and enclosed areas
  • Cosy interiors with a wood burner, offering a true home-from-home feel in every season
Property code: OC-D546062

Sleeping four, this stone-built cottage awaits for small families, couples or friends seeking a coastal escape with plenty of outdoor space. Set on the northern shore of the Solway Estuary, it’s perfect for nature lovers, with birdwatching, wildlife trails and lovely walks right on the doorstep. The nearby RSPB Mersehead reserve offers beach walks, sand dunes and opportunities to spot barnacle geese and other wildlife. Families can enjoy rock pooling at Rockcliffe (6.5 miles), crabbing at Kippford (7.5 miles) or visiting attractions such as Mabie Farm Park (13 miles). For those keen to explore further, Dumfries and Galloway is rich in history, with castles, abbeys and scenic cycling routes all within easy reach.

This semi-detached cottage offers comfortable, single-level living and welcoming interiors. The lounge/dining room is the inviting hub of the home, featuring plush seating, a dining table and a wood burner – ideal for unwinding after a day exploring the coast. The kitchen is well-equipped with everything needed for a self-catering stay, including modern appliances and ample workspace. There are two bedrooms: a double bedroom with a classic, homely feel, and a twin room that's great for children or friends sharing. The family bathroom includes a bath with a shower over, offering flexibility for both quick morning rinses and relaxed evening soaks.

Outside, the enclosed garden provides a safe space for both children and dogs, with outdoor seating for morning coffee or evening drinks. Guests also have access to a larger shared farmhouse garden with play equipment, including swings and a slide. Off-road parking is available on-site.

  • 2 bedrooms – 1 double bedroom, 1 twin
  • 1 bathroom with bath, shower over and WC
  • Electric cooker and hob, microwave, washing machine, fridge/freezer
  • TV with DVD player
  • Highchair and cot available on request
  • Enclosed garden with furniture
  • Private off-road parking
  • Shop and pub within 5 miles
  • Maximum 2 well behaved dogs with own bedding, not to be left on their own or allowed on furniture or beds
  • STL Licence: - DG01200F
  • EPC: D
  • Arrival: 16:00 onwards
  • Departure: before 09:30
  • 2 dogs allowed. Additional charges may apply

Phillip Gladwin

This property is personally managed by Phillip.

Reviews

From guests that have stayed at the property.

Based on 21 guest ratings

Overall cleanliness
Overall cleanliness 5 starsOverall cleanliness 5 starsOverall cleanliness 5 starsOverall cleanliness 5 starsOverall cleanliness 5 stars5
Overall equipment
Overall equipment 4 starsOverall equipment 4 starsOverall equipment 4 starsOverall equipment 4 starsOverall equipment 4 stars4
Overall comfort
Overall comfort 4 starsOverall comfort 4 starsOverall comfort 4 starsOverall comfort 4 starsOverall comfort 4 stars4
Overall location
Overall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 stars5

Reviewed by Colin 19th September 2026

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

we have stayed a few times at shelduck but sofas are past their best ..but it is quiet and peaceful good for a break and watching wildlife

Reviewed by Feefo Review 11th July 2026

Staying at Shelduck cottage was lovely. It was very peaceful and it was a joy to be able to see so many birds each day . The cottage is very comfortable and clean . All you need plus the reserve staff are very friendly and helpful. Our only reservation was in regard to the flooding of the entry road . On the day we arrived there was a lot of watRead moreer on there and we werent sure how deep it was. It was passable and it went down quickly so it didnt interfere with our holiday plans but this may have been different if the weather had been wet. The local area was beautiful- lots to see and do . Hide

Reviewed by Feefo Review 19th June 2026

nice cottage very clean loads of wildlife but could do with a new couch ....we are there again in september

Reviewed by Feefo Review 11th June 2026

I've stayed at shelduck on several occasions and it's always been brilliant. We love it there.

Reviewed by Feefo Review 4th May 2026

Have stayed at Shelduck cottage on a number of times and it is always the same, a lovely warm and welcoming and oh so comfortable cottage, and very well equipped . with the easy access to the RSPB Mersehead on your doorstep ,Brilliant! peace and quiet in a beautifull location just perfect.

Reviewed by Feefo Review 17th April 2026

Holiday house is excellent, very comfortable and clean. Mersehead is a super area for any bird watchers but local area is also very interesting

Reviewed by Feefo Review 14th March 2026

The Mereshead Reserve is a peaceful and beautiful walk, no matter the weather. We have been staying in Shelduck for 14 years and still love both the cottage and reserve. The sound of birdsong is a greeting every time you step outside the cottage and if you are blessed with a clear night sky then the stars will blow your mind. If I could live there.Read more..I would. Dumphries and Galloway is so beautiful, Rockcliffe and Kippford are beautiful places to walk and visit. Dalbeattie and Kirkcudbright are also lovely. Cannot wait to return. Hide

Reviewed by Feefo Review 6th November 2025

Have stayed at Shellduck cottage on a number of previous occasions and it never dissapoints, lovely cottage, brilliant location, so peaceful in a world of its own, with the added bonus of wonderful bird watching at the RSPB reserve.

Reviewed by Feefo Review 19th October 2025

Have stayed in Shelduck a number of times. Cottage is in an excellent location & was warm & cosy when we arrived in Storm Amy. Prefer the old Saturday -Saturday changeover days, rather than Friday - Friday. Traffic is busier on a Friday & also anyone working full-time needs to take an extra days holiday.

Reviewed by Feefo Review 17th October 2025

We have been coming to lovely Shelduck cottage for over 13 years. The cottage is so lovely and relaxing and the reserve is a wonder of wildlife that is just on your doorstep. The cottage is well equipped and the log burner we love. The cottage this year was exceptionally fresh and clean this visit and the heating system seems to have been improveRead mored as the mornings and evenings were so warm and cosy. We arrived in the middle of a storm but by night time the skies had cleared to reveal a sky of shinning stars, we even saw shooting stars during the week. The reserve staff are all really helpful and always happy to talk to us about the reserve and the wildlife. All in all a joy. We cannot wait for our next visit. The only thing we found this visit was the reliability of the Wi-Fi connection on the TV. We had looked forward to cosy nights watching some programmes we had made a list to watch but the TV settings and Wi-Fi would not allow us to access some apps including iPlayer and Paramount. Also the DVD seemed not to be connected to the TV as we could not get this to work either. Although we found other programmes to watch or we listened to music and read, so not so much an issue for us however, this may be an issue for other visitors. Hide

Reviewed by Feefo Review 23rd August 2025

The cottage suited us well. The staff at RSPB Mersehead were very helpful when a storm knocked out the television.

Reviewed by Feefo Review 19th July 2025

The pre holiday information and availability of staff to talk to was excellent. The cottage was homely and had absolutely everything we needed. The peace and quiet was blissful. The wildlife and walks on the beaches in the area did not disappoint. We had a wonderful time and have already booked again for later in the year.

Reviewed by Feefo Review 21st June 2025

area is great for a relaxing holiday i would give it 4.5 stars (we have booked again for september this year) it could do with a new couch but otherthan that loved it

Reviewed by Feefo Review 9th June 2025

The cottage is in ideal spot for Nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers. Lovely reserve to walk around plus bonus of beach. Garden is secure and our two wee dogs enjoyed running around. Watched a barn owl fly past most evenings so great bonus. House is comfortable but has a few issues that don't make much difference over a week but in reality doRead more need sorting out. Hot water does come eventually if you leave tap running but takes eternity. Lack of tumble dryer is inconvenient as we had our share of rain and yes, it has a washer dryer but these invariably are useless. The shower had broken rail holder (top and bottom) and the headset is poor and the holder is also broken and the water flow is very poor which I suspect is because of the head as it is a Mira Sport shower that are normally a good shower. I noticed in a review that a previous guest had left (in the folder) that they said the windows need cleaning as visibility was poor but I tried that and the problem is within the double glazing so in reality the windows need replacing and finally the door latch is stiff and difficult to operate Hide

Reviewed by Feefo Review 28th May 2025

It was fabulous. I've stayed there previously so I know the cottage.

Reviewed by Feefo Review 27th April 2025

Beautiful location, cosy, warm cottage.

Reviewed by Feefo Review 31st March 2025

Had a great time at Shelduck, Its in a fantastic location for peace and quiet and great walks from the front door

Reviewed by Feefo Review 9th November 2024

Property needs a deep clean grubby furniture and carpets dirty oven wallpaper coming of walls bathroom fan and towel rail out of order windows and frames dirty.No first aid kit or torch on site when there was an unexpected power cut

Reviewed by Feefo Review 30th October 2024

Despite being very freshly painted outside, inside is a different matter. The cottage is damp, wallpaper coming off wall and ceiling in double bedroom, carpets threadbare, the 3-seater settee broken, the place was dirty and I had to start cleaning the kitchen before I could use it. The windows dont look to have been cleaned for months inside or ouRead moret & the amount of flies going about gives the game away. I left the cottage 2 days after I arrived with bites all up the back of my legs, the last straw. I advised Discover Scotland I was going to get stronger antihistamines and wouldnt be returning but wanted to complain about the state of the place and was asked to send a detailed email & photos of my bitten legs to which I did weeks ago and they have been giving me one excuse after another since, the site managed was off last week & they needed to talk to them before they could progress my complaint, well we are now Wednesday the following week and again Ive heard from no-one. I wouldnt recommend shelduck cottage OR Discover Scotland, they were happy to take my money but have done nothing to help get me any of it back, 575 wasted on a filthy place that they say they check regularly? That furniture hasnt been cleaned in years & theres no padding left in the table seat cushions & they havent been painted in years either, absolutely disgusting, I left without taking photos of the property as by the time Id been bitten Id had enough & just wanted to get more antihistamines & go home. Entry was 4pm Sat and I left just after 9 on the Monday not having one walk as the Sunday rained heavily, the cottage was the only place I could have got the bites and Discover Scotland have avoided me since, terrible customer service, and now I also note all the recent reviews dont have names, just trusted customer. I wouldnt recommend them to anyone Hide

Reviewed by Feefo Review 29th October 2024

Visited 21st - 28th September 2024. We loved our stay in Shelduck Cottage, having previously stayed in the cottage next door we knew what to expect but it was lovely to see the refurbishments to the property ie new bathroom and decoration throughout. The weather was kind so we could enjoy lots of time outdoors and great walks along the beach from bRead moreoth the reserve and local areas. Dumfries, Castle Douglas, Gatehouse of Fleet all within an easy drive. We visited Threave Castle and Gardens, the Camera Obscura and Dumfries Museum, visited the Ruthwell Cross an 8th centruy Anglo-Saxon cross, sat in the sunshine at Carsethorn and ate our picnic, bought beautiful fresh fish from Fleet Fish the mobile fish van. The kitchen was very well equipped a problem with the light was quickly sorted. We were warm, there was space for boots and coats. All in all a very comfortable stay. Hide

Reviewed by Feefo Review 28th September 2024

really enjoyed it have already booked for next year

19 more
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Location

Map
Note: As the postcode is used to identify the general area of the property, it may not always reflect its precise location, therefore please only use this map as a guide.
Original Cottages is a trading name of The Travel Chapter Limited | The Travel Chapter Limited is registered in England and Wales. | Registered office Travel Chapter House, Gammaton Road, Bideford, EX39 4DF. Company No. 02431506 | VAT reg: 143053210.