Surrounded by vast countryside, coastal hotspots and popular attractions, this comfortable two-bedroom cottage near Kirkcudbright is the perfect base for families in search of outdoor adventures. Known as ‘The Artist Town’ for its links to famous artists, Kirkcudbright (0.5 miles) is a pastel-coloured fishing port with family-owned shops, annual events, and multiple art galleries. Aside from its community links, the town has an 18-hole golf course within 1 mile and many routes for cycling, walking and hiking. Enjoy a day of gin-sampling at Dark Art Distillery, next to which is the state-of-the-art Dark Sky Planetarium, both within half a mile. Barrhill Woods can be found on the edge of town and offers a chance to see the red squirrel population, or swap countryside for coast and travel to Dhoon Beach (4 miles) or Brighouse Bay (7 miles) for bucket-and-spade afternoons.
Use the two steps up to the front door, open up and go into the spacious hallway, where you can slip off your coats and shoes. Head into the charming open-plan lounge/diner. Settle down on the comfortable seating to watch TV and bask in front of the wood burner. Use the well-equipped, galley-style kitchen to prepare dinner with the local produce you bought on your trip out. Carry dinner through to the table to eat together. When the night concludes, make your way through to the two pared-back bedrooms, including a twin and a double. There is also a shower room with a WC.
Use the door from the kitchen to the enclosed courtyard garden. The patio with the sofa set is very relaxing at the end of walk-filled days. Walk up the further six steps to the gravelled area, where pretty flower beds and bistro seating present a welcoming spot for late-night dinners or glasses of bubbles. There is free on-street parking here.