Galloway self catering cottages

Galloway self catering Scotland - three lovely cottages in the scenic Rhins of Galloway sleep 4, 6 and 8

Recently renovated traditional estate cottages and wing of main house with lovely views of gardens, woodland, farmland and to the sea in the distance.

As I drive along the quiet Wigtownshire coast road, passing delightful small coves and beaches, Loch Ryan a wonderful slate green under a grey sky and a beautiful rainbow ahead, suddenly the sun bursts through and the sea sparkles turquoise under patches of blue sky, white horses prancing on its surface. The cheerful yellow gorse which lines the road evokes a memory of the coconutty aroma I associate with Scotiish summers; a curlew stalks along an empty beach and I can hear other seabirds overhead. It's so good to be by the sea and so amazing that there's no one else around - but that's the joy of a holiday in this quiet corner of Scotland.

I drive through the small village of Kirkcolm and up past the gatehouse to Corsewall Estate, entering a world of formal gardens, woodland and farmland. The impressive main house looks down over lawns planted with wonderful magnolia, rhodendrons and tall, ancient trees to the jewel blue sea beyond; it is the west wing of this that makes the first 'cottage'. I'm taken aback by how much space there is inside Garden Cottage: large rooms with high ceilings are beautifully furnished and decorated; tall windows draped with stunning curtains look out over the lovely garden. I can see myself playing croquet on the lawn in between glasses of Pimms or lounging about the house at my leisure reading the excellent Scottish literature that's been thoughtfully left out.

A little up the hill is the old stable block, now housing Stables Cottage, a cosy but luxurious two bedroom flat overlooking the stables courtyard, walled garden and woodlands. From a window of the double room I watch a pony and a few sheep making neat work of the lawn and wonder what might be germinating in the long, lean to greenhouse. This is a great base for a couple or small family to explore the estate, its delighful walks and local beaches.

A couple of miles along the road but still on the estate, High Clachan House completes the trio, sitting at the top of a hill just before you reach the coast. A traditional Galloway farmhouse, High Clachan sits in peaceful farmland looking out over fields, woods and the sea in the far distance. There's loads of space here for eight: a large, attractive living room, kitchen and dining room as well as a lovely south facing conservatory, ideal for eating or relaxing. The three kingsize/twin bedrooms are beautiful and spacious and have lovely views; each has its own luxury bathroom. A bonus for those with children is the neat twin bunk room, right next to the master bedroom and with its own bathroom upstairs.

A holiday here can be nothing but brilliant, living in luxury, with walks and beaches right here on the doorstep, quiet roads and plenty of books and games for days in.