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Barnacle

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 nature lover’s paradise set on the edge of RSPB Mersehead – bring your binoculars for bird watching
  • Children will love the swings, mud kitchen and badger tunnels in the enclosed garden
  • After a day of activity, curl up and get cosy by the warmth of the wood burner indoors
Overview
Property code: OC-D546307

Gather your loved ones for an adventure-filled getaway on the Solway Coast, staying in this traditional stone-built cottage just 1 mile from the sand dunes and nature haven of RSPB Mersehead’s beach. Set off hiking to discover the beauty of the surrounding area, including Mares Braids Waterfall (2 miles), Sandyhills Beach (3.5 miles) and the wonderful Bainloch Deer Park (3.5 miles). Try your hand at Scotland’s favourite pastime at Colvend Golf Club (4 miles), or make your way to the town of Dalbeattie to discover 7stanes (9 miles), a popular mountain biking trail network set within the town’s stunning forest. Castle Douglas, 14.5 miles away, is a popular destination for self-confessed foodies, complete with a wide selection of butchers, bakers and delis offering fresh produce, along with pubs and restaurants serving hearty local fare. National Cycle Route 7 runs through the town, another highlight for keen cyclists.

A true home-from-home, this two-storey cottage has been lovingly decorated to feature creature comforts and traditional furnishings. Make your way inside to find everything laid out on a single storey, including the lounge/diner with its warming multi-fuel stove ready to keep the whole room cosy and warm. This restful space features a TV/DVD for late-night relaxation – bring a family favourite film along or keep the telly off and simply enjoy some good conversation instead. Next to it, the kitchen provides everything you need to keep guests fed and watered. Along the hallway, two bedrooms sit alongside a bathroom with a shower over the bath and WC. The bedrooms consist of a double and a twin, both equally inviting for uninterrupted nights of rest.

Make the most of sunny afternoons out in the garden, letting children and pets run free in this large, enclosed space. The garden features outdoor furniture, a spacious lawn area, and children’s play facilities, including swings, an outdoor kitchen and tunnels. Private parking completes the exterior space.

  • 2 bedrooms – 1 double, 1 twin
  • 1 bathroom with shower over bath and WC
  • Electric cooker, microwave, washing machine, fridge/freezer
  • Highchair and cot available on request
  • Multi-fuel stove (fuel provided)
  • TV/DVD in lounge
  • Please bring own bedding for dogs. Dogs not allowed on furniture or beds
  • Enclosed garden with outdoor furniture and children’s play equipment
  • Private parking
  • Beach 1 mile, shop and pub 4.5 miles
  • Short Term Let License - DG01203F
  • EPC - E
  • Arrival: 16:00 onwards
  • Departure: before 09:30
  • 2 dogs allowed. Additional charges may apply

Phillip Gladwin

This property is personally managed by Phillip.

Guest comments

Reviewed by Feefo Review 15th June 2026

Had a wonderful time ,accomodation was very good everything you could need, plenty of wildlife ,would go again.

Reviewed by Feefo Review 22nd May 2026

An excellent week at Barnacle, cottage was comfortable as always and a perfect base to either see the wildlife at RSPB Mereshead or the local area. We love the tranquility of the cottage, especially at night, and this year were lucky enough to have a deer feeding at the end of the garden at dusk.

Reviewed by Feefo Review 27th February 2026

A return visit to Barnacle cottage and loved it just as much! A cosy comfy quiet spot on a lovely reserve. Were treated to a few glorious days with stunning views across the Solway to the snowy Lakeland fells and a tremendous walk from Kippford down the coast. Always happy to be back at the cottage to just sit by the fire and watch the sunset or tRead morehe geese or just sat sitting. Thank you. Hide

Reviewed by Feefo Review 22nd February 2026

Our third stay at Barnacle will not be the last. Great place to unwind. Bird watching is great. Cottage is very comfortable.

Reviewed by Feefo Review 12th December 2025

We had an excellent week at Mersehead. Barnacle cottage is cosy and well equipped with everything we needed. It was fantastic staying on the reserve surrounded by the wildlife and short walk to the beach. Loved waking up to the sound of geese!

Reviewed by Feefo Review 19th July 2025

Amazing location and very well equipped cottage.

Reviewed by Feefo Review 2nd June 2025

Perfect accommodation for our puppy's first holiday. Secure garden, quiet but not isolated, friendly passers by, and various coastal experiences in the area.

Reviewed by Feefo Review 27th April 2025

Lovely cottage, great location, comfortable and well equipped

Reviewed by Feefo Review 10th March 2025

Comfortable and well equipped cottage in a superb location. Lovely peaceful walks in the bird sanctuary. A good location to explore the region.

Reviewed by Feefo Review 2nd March 2025

Barnacle Cottage is a delightful comfy cosy place to stay. Peaceful and in a wonderful setting. We barely left the reserve except to explore the very beautiful coastal path from Sandyhills to Rockliffe. Barnacle geese and Red Kites everywhere and were treated to a mini murmuration by the Starlings too! A smashing holiday and thank you for providiRead moreng such a lovely place. Hide

Reviewed by Feefo Review 16th February 2025

Lovely cottage. Our second visit here and will be back. Loved the new red suite didnt have to fight to stand up.

Reviewed by Feefo Review 23rd October 2024

A very nice cosy cottage and lovely quiet location. Everything you could possibly need in the kitchen, beds comfy and once the heating was turned up no need for the log burner to be lighted. The only criticism was the heating in the bathroom. The towel rail needs to be working - there is nothing worse than damp towels. The wall heater would onRead morely come on for 10-15 seconds at a time. Appreciated the bird seed as it was so good to see them come onto the bird table whilst having breakfast. RSPB centre just up the road and loved the circular walk round the reserve. Would recommend and would have given it 5 stars if the heating in the bathroom was working. Hide

Reviewed by Feefo Review 5th October 2024

Wonderfull week immersed in gentle quiet landscape and seascape on a beautifully managed and looked after RSPB reserve. Great views from Barnacle cottage and easy walking around the reserve and to the bird hides. Saw snipe, hare, roe deer, kestrel and barnacle geese flying in + lots of other birds. Great bird feeder in front of the cottage. BarnaclRead moree cottage itself was very clean, well provided with everything one needed and was warm, comfortable and cosy. It didnt bother me but the decor was a bit tired so the cottage would benefit from re-decoration and attention to the sitting room lighting. Otherwise all good and I will return. Hide

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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.