Cottage Description
Kirtle Cottage is a 1 bedroom self catering holiday accommodation that sleeps 2 and is located in Annan, Scotland. This property does not allow pets. Prices range from £295 to £2019 per week. Local to Middlebie, Eaglesfield, Cummertrees, Dornock
- Four Poster Bed
- Cot Available
- Ground Floor Facilities
- Gold Award
- Games Room
- Highchair
- Shower
- Telephone
- Winter Short Breaks
- Swimming Pool
- Car Parking Available
- Washing Machine
- Heritage Collection
"Shimmering lakes, wooded walks and views to Lakeland across the Firth . . . superb cottages in a spectacular setting . . .’’
In three acres of glorious garden grounds, surrounded by lakes of water lilies, splendid trees, flowering shrubs and woodland drives, the splendid cottages at Kinmount Castle are only a few miles from the sandy shoreline, which sweeps westwards to yachting harbours and bird reserves. This meticulous, architect-designed conversion has transformed the Victorian servants’ wing of magnificent Kinmount House into a delightful courtyard cluster of eight holiday cottages, seven of which we feature here, which retain a wealth of original features and details, and possess tremendous atmosphere and charm, which makes it an ideal marquee wedding venue with ballroom included. They enjoy shared use of outstanding facilities, including a superb indoor heated swimming pool, which has been sensitively incorporated into one side of the courtyard. Open daily all year round, the pool has full changing facilities, and its building also houses a sauna, sunbed, cardio gym and games room with pool table. The cottages themselves have been luxuriously appointed; the master bedrooms have four-poster beds, the kitchens are lavishly equipped and the utmost care has been taken over the choice of fabrics and furnishings. Alongside the gracious main house, they are set around the attractive courtyard with patio and barbecue areas – and an extensive grassed area offers plenty of space to relax, as well as an equipped play space for children. From the cottages, there is immediate access to the grounds where azaleas and rhododendrons are a pageant of colour in the summer. With lakes in front of the house, it is a fitting setting for properties of the finest quality, which boast views over shimmering waters to the Lakeland Hills across the Solway Firth.
Kinmount Castle has access to exclusive salmon beats on the Rivers Annan and Nith including the famous Barjarg beat that boasts a salmon catch of 67 lb, in 1812, by well-known poacher, Jock Wallace, and confirmed by the Earl of the home. More up to date catches are now giving an average of 59 salmon and 160 sea trout in a a season along this two mile beat. One to one fishing tuition can also be arranged for novices. Prices at cost – dependant on the time of year.
Just 2 miles from the cottages is Powfoot, created in the 1790s as a sea-bathing resort by one of the owners of Kinmount House. Set above a beach, it has an excellent golf course, one of several along this coast. About a mile further on, the river at the redstone town of Annan is famous for its salmon, sea trout and brown trout fishing, and there are pleasant walks along both banks. The town boasts a choice of restaurants and pubs, as well as a sports centre. At Ecclefechan (6 miles) Thomas Carlyle’s birthplace is to be found, containing a collection of relics and letters. Rammerscales (8 miles) is a Georgian house linked with Flora MacDonald. Along the coast at Caerlaverock (8 miles), 13,000 acres of salt-marsh and foreshore have been designated a National Nature Reserve; barnacle, pink-footed and greylag geese feeding on the saltings in Autumn and Winter make this one of the most notable bird sanctuaries in Britain. Overlooking the reserve from a wooded mound are the striking red sandstone ruins of Caerlaverock Castle, dating from the 13th century and besieged many times during the Border wars.
In the parish church at Ruthwell, the Ruthwell cross is a most impressive example of 7th-century stone carving, inscribed with verses from The Dream of the Rood. Dumfries (13 miles) is renowned for its Burns museum, and has a fine golf course. Further west are quaint fishing villages and the rugged beauty of the Galloway Hills. The area offers opportunities for sailing, water sports and riding, and the nearby towns offer good shopping and a variety of inns and eating places. Shops 3 miles.
All on ground floor. Split-level design with open-plan sitting/dining room with gas ‘coal-effect’ fire. Well-equipped kitchen. Double bedroom with 5ft pine four-poster bed. Bathroom with over-bath shower and toilet.
Food
Days Out
Beach
Bike & Hike
Sports
Nature
Gardens
Activities
Historical
Eating & Drinking
Experience warm Scottish hospitality with morning coffee, light lunches and afternoon teas baked and cooked on the premises. At weekends there are two additional hot dishes. Visitors can enjoy browsing in the gift shop which stock crafts from the region.
Casa Mia - 11.7 Miles (18.7 KM)
Enjoy the authentic flavours of Italy at this friendly and relaxing restaurant. The food is freshly prepared and delicious with a range of options to cater for all tastes.
With a proven track record of excellent food based on both resident and non-resident comments and now also AA recognition.
Fun Days Out
Dino Park - 3.8 Miles (6.1 KM)
Dino Park is a brilliant dinosaur adventure where you can discover all about these giants who roamed the earth 150 million years ago, in lovely landscaped surroundings. Get to meet some of these colossal monsters here at the park, they are pretty realistic with noises too. All dinosaurs have information about them, find out who was the biggest or most ferocious! Take a trip through the Dino Mine, a great underground adventure and watch out for the dinosaurs lurking about. At the Dino Den you will hear lots of facts and stories and a song or two. How about digging for fossils or bones at the Dino Dig and don't miss out on having a go on the bouncy dinosaur. The staff are lovely, warm and friendly and interact really well the children. Dino Park is open everyday from April through to October and offers a great family fun day out, and is great value. The cafe is a great offering a lovely choice of home cooked food and drinks and all at reasonable prices too. Dino Park offers an atmospheric and fun day out for both children and adults alike, you can't help but have a great time here. If in the area take the time to come and experience Dino Park yourself you won't be disappointed.
Here at the Mossburn centre they rescue and shelter misused, abused, unwanted and neglected animals, and provide therapeutic work placements for children and adults.
Mabie Farm Park is a former dairy farm set in 77 hectares that now serves as a Farm Park that offers its visitors hours of fun and enjoyment, with the usual sights, sounds and smells of the countryside. Located under the stunning Mabie Forest, it is an ideal setting with large flat areas for play, fields for the animals, a pretty stream flows through the land and a large pond that is brimming with wildlife. There is loads for children of all ages to do here and it is suited to all weathers with both indoor and outdoor play areas. The Playbarn has softplay equipment, bouncy castles, trampolines and a traversing wall. The Straw Barn is a great place to hang out with rope swings and straw bales to clamber over. Outside there is an astroslide, paddle boats, bouncy castle and jumping pillows, grass slide, pedal go karts, play park with the usual favourite play equipment, quad bikes, a ball park and the much loved choo choo express. You can get close to the farm animals here and can buy animal feed in the shop to feed them, a selection of the animals to be found here are cattle, cows, horses, llamas, alpaca, pigs, goats, donkey, sheep, lots of birds as well as mice, rabbits, ferrets and much more. Donkey rides are very popular here, and you will be given a hat before you ride, the staff then lead you around the grounds. The staff are so friendly and helpful and are always at hand if you need them, they are very patient with the smaller children, and have lots of knowledge on the animals. The cafe is lovely, plenty of space and seating and a good selection of food and drinks that are reasonably priced and excellent. The entrance price is very good and reasonable for all that you get, there is a small additional charge for the donkey ride, peddle boats, quad bikes and train. The facilities are clean and well maintained as is the overall farm. Mabie Farm Park is a fantastic family fun day out can't recommend enough, definitely must visit if you are in the area.
Wonderful fun for kids — the soft play area includes ball pools, climbing walls, giant ball arena and aerial runways. There are themed party rooms, a café and much much more.
45 carefully themed and informative aquatic displays as well as an adventure playground, radio controlled boats and mini golf.
Beach
No recommended Beach found within 30 miles of this property.
Biking & Hiking
7 Stanes Ae - 16.3 Miles (26.1 KM)
The Forest of Ae is a popular venue for mountain bikers, and there's a great range of trails here to suit all abilities. There's also a well-established downhill scene and the 'Ae Up' uplift service for those with the skill to tackle a competition downhill course.
A great biking centre for families, novices and those who enjoy a challenge, it has a short red route, two blue routes and a skills loop to learn some of the basics. There's also a black graded ridge just for experts. One hour's drive from Glentress and Innerleithen.
Pedal Away - 26.3 Miles (42.1 KM)
Do you enjoy cycling but want to leave your bike at home? Pedal Away could be the answer! Hire a bike, follow a route or take a more challenging trail with a qualified guide. There are miles and miles of long country lanes in the Forest of Dean or the Wye Valley or, if you're feeling adventurous, head off on a mountain bike into the Brecon Beacons. Pedal Away have routes and trails for all ages and abilities.
This designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a 8 mile range of ancient rocks offering ideal conditions for walking. The top ridge provides the best views whilst waterfalls and fountains can still be seen from lower down the hills. There are various cafés and pubs throughout the area for those in need of refreshment!
Golf & Sports
Dumfries and Galloway is Scotland's most heavily forested region and these forests are perfect for the sport of sled dog racing. See website for details of events.
7-Stanes is located in the stunning location of Mabie Forest, a real cyclists paradise, it was the first venue of its kind in the south west of Scotland. What is so attractive about here is that there are trails to cater for beginners right up to the most experienced riders. The forest has lots to offer to its visitors from a skills area, bike hire and a cafe on site that sells a selection of drinks and snacks, you have everything you require here for a fantastic day riding. The areas are graded to colour to indicate difficulty, it allows those new to the forest to see where they should be or those who want to increase in difficulty the opportunity to do so. You will also find here a great 300m freeride line and with lots of zones for practising your jumping techniques and skills in the mini-x area. The routes are clearly marked out and all trails are picturesque. The green route is mostly suited to beginners offering an introduction to mountain biking, the purple trail offers some challenges, with a mix of forest and roads, the red route is a classic mountain bike route extending 17km and the orange route is definitely for experienced riders and is not for the faint hearted, it covers a range of 3.8km. If you are seeking an adrenalin rush then 7-Stances is the place to come plenty of challenges for all riders, in stunning surroundings.
Cumbria's premier karting arena for all ages and fun for all the family. Training provided as well as all safety gear needed to get you off to a flying start.
A huge indoor climbing wall in the Lake District catering for all ages. Always ring to check times and availabilities.
You can enjoy a great family activity day at GSC, a multi-activity outdoor centre located in south-west Scotland on the beautiful shores of Loch Ken. Activities might include sailing, windsurfing, power boating, kayaking, canoeing, archery, quad biking, mountain biking and climbing.
Nature Reserves
See flocks of Barnacle Geese who fly here in vast numbers and find their homes here. Over the last 70 years the bird population has increased from 500 birds to over 25,000. Admire these beautiful creatures and go for a stroll on one of the numerous nature trails.
Discover Iron Age remains, 5000 year old cairns and the wonder of one of the largest forests in Britain. This beautiful place is perfect to explore however you choose, be it on horse back, on a mountain bike or on a leisurely stroll.
Take a stroll around this beautiful forest and perhaps enjoy the Waterfall Walk. Discover local Roman history and use the hide to spot red squirrels and a wide variety of birds.
A fascinating wildlife park in a lovely setting of mixed woodland. Conservation of threatened and endangered species is the principle focus of this impressive park, protecting as they do nearly 150 animals. Spend some time in the remarkable enclosures and learn about their habitats.
Gardens & Woodlands
These large grounds include access to Bassenthwaite lake, a wildflower meadow, walled garden and path maze. For children, there are also four woodland adventure playgrounds. It is also a great place for a spot of bird watching and due to the importance placed on the sight, it will hopefully remain unspoilt for a long time to come.
Local Attractions
Built in 1792, it is the oldest working theatre in Scotland, run on a voluntary basis by the Guild of Players. A varied programme of events including Guild of Players' own productions and performances from visiting companies.
You'll find favourite high street stores at The Loreburne Shopping Centre — quality shopping in a modern air conditioned environment.
The Robert Burns Centre is an intimate and welcoming arthouse cinema in Dumfries with a dedication to bring great films to the theatre. They aim to enhance the communities cultural experiences by bringing a diverse and interesting mix of films, to include big budget films, blockbusters, foreign language films, low-budget independent films, documentaries, short films, archive and animation films. It is not uncommon to have a speaker here to introduce the films and they also run a programme of film related and workshops and courses, in addition to a film club. The cinema has all modern features, and the seating is very comfortable. There is a shop in the foyer that sells a range of drinks and snacks. The staff are jovial and helpful. The cinema operates Tuesday to Saturday evenings with some special daytime showings and the ticket prices are very reasonable. All seats are unreserved so best to arrive early if you want to sit together, with only 60 seats, space is limited. The Robert Burns Centre is a real cultural gem in the heart of Dumfries.
Cockermouth - 23.2 Miles (37.1 KM)
Cockermouth is a market town of some 7,000 inhabitants, which lies at the north western corner of the English Lake District, and holds lots of historic interest.
The Scottish Showcase Gallery is in a picturesque spot by the harbour in Kirkcudbright, or "Artist's Town" as it is also known owing to its position on Scotland's breathtaking south west coast. This characteristic building offers an exciting and stylish gallery you will find a find collection of works from artists from all over the country. They focus mainly on the four art schools, colourist artists, atmospheric artists, stylised artists and traditional artists. Throughout the year the gallery focuses on solo artists work and these change on the last Friday of each month, so there is always something new on display here. The atmosphere is relaxed and serene providing the perfect place to view and appreciate the art on display. A lovely gallery with some lovely works, well worth a visit, if just to see the high quality of work on show here.
Keswick - 28.9 Miles (46.2 KM)
Keswick is a market town of about 5,000 inhabitants. It is in a fantastic setting between Derwent Water, Blencathra and Skiddaw. A favourite for Lakeland climbers and walkers.
The Theatre by the Lake runs all year round, producing and presenting professional shows. Famous for its views across Derwent Water, the theatre has 400 seats in the main house and a newly extended 100 seat studio.
The Cocoabean Company is a fun day for all, everyone is assured a fantastic time and will leave wanting to return again and again. At this interactive factory tour you will be given a guided tour and shown how chocolate is made, as well as getting to make your own chocolate and then eating it, you get to taste lots of yummy chocolate as you walk around, and keep your apron. The guides are friendly and informative and are very good at keeping the smaller ones entertained. You can easily pass a day here with the tour and other amenities There is a great outside area with fort and pirate ship that is complete with slides and a play area, or you can pan for gold. In addition there is an indoor soft play area which, is quite large covering many levels and with tunnels and slides for lots of enjoyment. The Cafe is lovely with a great selection of food and drink and all at reasonable prices and the service is very good. The facilities are very clean here and well maintained. You are also able to take a picnic here. There is a factory gift shop where you can buy some delicious treats before leaving. A visit to the Cocoabean Company will assure everyone a great time and you will be very popular with the all the children. A great attraction for all ages, there is something for everyone here. Prices are very reasonable and if visiting with children you only pay for them.
Historical & Heritage Sites
Morton Castle is probably in the most stunning setting of any castle in Scotland, it proudly stands at the head of a triangular bluff, on both sides there are steep declines into Morton Loch and has fabulous views of the lovely Lowther Hills. It is not the easiest place to find, it is not until you are almost there that the signs begin, and there is not much remaining of this castle except the exterior walls and parts of two towers, it was constructed in the mid 1400's by the Earls of Morton. It is more the views that you come for when visiting Morton Castle, its remote location allows you to experience the beauty of the countryside and Morton Loch as well as feel the Scottish winds. In addition there are two lovely walking trails here, one will take you to on to other ruins further along or the other trail takes you in a circle back to Morton Castle. Although not much to explore of the castle, the views and beauty of the surrounding countryside more than make up, if you like travelling to places a bit off the beaten track than Morton Castle is for you.
Robert Burns House is where the revered national poet Robert Burns spent the remaining few years of his life, dying here in 1796 at the age of only 37. Whether you are a fan or not you will be interested to see the house, it has been carefully restored and furnished to give an indication to how it would have been when he lived here. The house is very interesting with some nice artefacts and features, like the window where he engraved his name, or his desk and chair in the study where he penned many of his famous poems, as well as lots of exhibits on his life and work. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable and happy to answer your questions. The house has steps and stairs that are narrow so access isn't that easy but certainly worth the effort. The churchyard where he is interred is not far from the house and worth a visit also. The house is open throughout the year and there is no charge. If in Dumfries then would recommend that you take the time to see this small but informative museum.
Dumfries Museum is incorporated in an old windmill at the top of a hill, and has an abundance of things to see, it predominately tells the story of the land and people of the region. In addition there is the Camera Obscura and there are great views of the town from here on a clear day. The museum covers a range of subjects from geology and natural history to local social and cultural history and much more, there are permanent and temporary exhibits so items on display do change here. The exhibits are well displayed and engaging. The staff are welcoming and friendly and will happily answer any questions you might have on the museum and local area. Entry to the museum is free and there is a small charge for the Camera Obscura but, this includes a guided tour. Being at the top there is a climb to the Obscura so might not be suitable for everyone. Overall Dumfries Museum is an interesting and informative venue and will entertain all age groups, there is something to appeal to everyone here, and special activities to keep smaller visitors entertained. They do run a range of events so worth checking to see what is taking place. Dumfries Museum is a splendid museum, informative and interesting with a great range of exhibits, it is definitely worth visiting and should not be missed if you are in the region.
The Old Bridge House Museum is accessed by the crossing the 15th century Devorgilla Bridge, where constructed into the sandstone of the bridge itself in 1660, is Dumfries oldest house, where the museum is now located. Step across the threshold and into another era, in this historic house, witness a 19th century family kitchen, nursery and bedroom of a typical Victorian home. In addition you can pay a visit to an early dentist's surgery, see all the old equipment and even the replacement teeth! In the 18th century the house was used as an inn and it is likely that Robert Burns would have visited here. Each room tells the social story of a bygone era, there are also lots of exhibits relating to past times, including antique toys, a stove from the 1800's and much more. The staff are welcoming and friendly with a wealth of knowledge on the house and local area, so do ask questions. Entrance to the house is free making it a must see attraction. The Old Bridge House Museum will transport you back in time allowing you to experience first hand this bygone era, a delightful and interesting museum and most definitely worth visiting.
Carlisle Castle is still a sight to behold. Founded in 1092, it's housed a few famous guests in its time, including Mary Queen of Scots who was imprisoned here.
At Wordsworth House you can meet the servants, help them with their daily jobs and cook historic goodies in the working Georgian kitchen, getting a real sense of life in the childhood home of the poet.
Drumlanrig Castle is situated on the stunning 90,000 acre Queensberry Estate that also includes a Country Park and Victorian Gardens. The castle itself is a perfect example of late 17th century Renaissance architecture in Scotland and has a worldwide acclaimed art collection. Past the castle are more than 40 acres of charming gardens and a huge choice of activities that include, walking, mountain biking, an adventure playground, wildlife watching, salmon fishing, Scottish Cycle Museum, Landrover tours and Ranger-guided tours. Drumlanrig Castle offers something to visitors of all ages and interests, you will not be short of things to see and do here. The castle itself is by guided tour, the interior is large and luxurious, with 120 rooms, full of fine furniture, furnishings, antiques and paintings, you will get a feel of what it would have been like to live here more than 400 years ago, the guides are amiable and knowledgeable and give a real insight into the history of this stunning building, you also get the opportunity to enjoy the stunning views of the gardens. There are a shop and cafe onsite, the food is homemade and very tasty and offers good value for money, certainly worth a visit whilst here. They have quite an extensive events programme here so if thinking of visiting do check to see what is on. Drumlanrig is suited to all ages, there are activities to entertain little visitors right up to the grown ups, children will love the play area and open spaces to play in. Drumlanrig is a fantastic day out and can't be recommended enough, take time to see for yourself this fantastic attraction.
A vast and eerie ruin of the 14th and 15th centuries, associated with the de Soulis, the Douglases and Mary Queen of Scots, it was partly restored in the 19th century. Nearby is the 14th-century Hermitage Chapel.
A great little local museum with an excellent railway memorabilia collection and other interesting artefacts.