t: 01463 719219
e: enquiries@wildernesscottages.co.uk
e: enquiries@wildernesscottages.co.uk
North Lodge sits within the border of the Lochnaw Castle Estate amid the rolling hills of the Rhins of Galloway. It sits roughly equidistant between the port of Stranraer (6 miles) and the very attractive harbour side village of Portpatrick (7 miles). Originally constructed in the early 1840s as an estate 'gate house' this, once thatched property, has most recently been used as a guest house for specimen hunting anglers wishing to fish the ethereal and mysterious Lochnaw Loch, a mere 100 yards stroll away. Nestled within a coppice of trees and shrubs that are home to a wild variety of bird life and elusive red squirrels, overlooking a paddock containing members of the castle herd of Belted Galloway cattle and, with its gardens dissected by the loch's gently flowing trout breeding burn, the cottage occupies a very pretty and secluded natural position.
Guests that stay are free to enjoy the historic estate grounds, including the beautiful gardens and woodland walks. Fishing can also be arranged on the loch and guests have access to the estate's sandy beach at nearby Larbrax (a 10-minute drive or 40-minute walk).
The single-storey cottage benefits from the following amenities:
Front and rear gardens which are laid to lawn with hedge, shrub and woodland and wildflower borders. The rear garden has a table and chairs. Adjacent secure gated road access to the B7043 - the main Stranraer/Leswalt/Portpatrick Road.
The property benefits from oil-fired central heating with wifi access and a telephone for local and emergency calls only. All bedding and towels are provided.
The accommodation comprises an entrance porch, hall, lounge, kitchen diner, small utility area, double bedroom, twin bedroom, bathroom with shower and wc/whb.
The property is very simply furnished yet cosy and warm. The lounge has an open fire (an initial supply of logs is provided free of charge) with comfortable sofas and benefits from Freesat TV DVD, CD player and radio.
The kitchen/diner benefits from an electric oven, grill and hob, built-in fridge and dishwasher, kitchen sink, toaster and table & chairs with the adjoining small utility area hosting a washing machine/dryer and an additional fridge/freezer.
There is an external 'fishing tackle store' attached to the cottage which has two bait fridges and a barbecue which may be used for the storage of fishing tackle/leisure items.
The Rhins of Galloway stretches 25 miles from north to south and is often referred to as being more like an island than part of the mainland. Home to various small villages, the area offers a lot for the visiting tourist. A particularly popular attraction is Port Logan and the Logan Fish Pond and Marine Life Centre, home to 50 different species of fish and marine life. For those interested in castles and gardens, Castle Kennedy Gardens, Logan Botanic Gardens “Scotland’s most exotic garden”, Logan House Gardens, Dunskey gardens, Glenwhan and Ardwell Gardens are ideal.
For walkers and to spot the local wildlife the Galloway Forest is a short drive from Kirklauchline cottage with the Forest Walks and waterfalls, Raiders Road, Wild Goat Park, Otter pool, picnic areas, Red Kite trail and Red Deer Park. For keen walkers, Portpatrick is the start of the Southern Upland Way with its breathtaking views of the Galloway coastline. The most southerly point in Scotland can be found at the Mull of Galloway and is home to a spectacular lighthouse, RSPB Reserve, Cafe and visitor centre.
Downstairs
Upstairs
Included in the rent
Other Facilities
Good Housekeeping Deposit
A Good Housekeeping Deposit of £75.00 is required at the property.
Guests with Children
Please note the rear garden leads down to a small stream, so guests with young children should not leave them unsupervised.
Pet Policy
Two dogs are allowed at the accommodation, a £15.00 weekly charge applies.
Best Features
Lovely, quiet, cosy cottage in spectacular surroundings. Thoroughly enjoyed our week at North Lodge. Lovely walks around the estate, plenty of birds around the cottage. No squirrel sightings unfortunately but did see deer. Cottage was well equipped, with very comfy beds. Only issue and its being picky, with the weather turning colder, would be the draft coming in through the back door and the draft excluder provided is a couple of inches too short to stop the draft completely. Other than that, no complaints at all. Close to Stranraer for anything needed. Port Patrick is only 15 mins drive and the Mull of Galloway lighthouse is worth a visit. We would definitely book to stay here again.
Lovely spot in the middle of the forest. The cottage could do with some TLC. Make sure that everything that is supposed to be there is there on arrival (wood logs, bags for the used sheets), update the information/manuals, those details will bring the stay to a higher level. . And PLEASE; make sure that the gate next to the cottage can be used, to avoid disturbing the wild life on the estate unnecessarily!!!
We stayed 6 night in North Lodge, in late October. The cottage was spotlessly clean, warm and very well equipped with everything you might need. Lovely, peaceful walks around the estate from the doorstep and lots of feathered visitors to the garden...including dunnocks, jays, a woodpecker and tree creepers. Our two dogs loved pottering around and paddling in the little stream in the garden - but be aware the garden isn't fully fenced if your pooch is liable to take off. Lots of great places to visit in the local area. The beach at Sands of Luce is beautiful and don't miss the Fish Pool at Port Logan. Booking and communication was easy and straightforward.
We really enjoyed our stay at North Lodge and will definitely return. The cottage set in a secluded spot was comfortable, cosy and peaceful. Step outside into the woodland and the wildlife was all around, by day we saw deer and an abundance of birds, by night the hooting of owls.
Our 4th time at Lochnaw Estate in last 2 years, previously at Stable Cottage and Shore Cottage. The estate and surrounding area is great - especially if you like a quiet rural holiday - no big cites or major attractions, which is a plus for us. North Lodge is not as 'luxurious' as Stable Cottage, and can't match the great location of Shore Cottage, but nicely done with good kitchen, bathroom etc, and we had a good and enjoyable stay.
North Lodge provided a haven of calm and tranquility in beautiful nature-filled surroundings. The cosy cottage was our base for a week over new year and we spent it exploring the area on foot and tucked inside in the comfortable sitting room in front of the fire. We enjoyed watching the woodland birds and the red squirrel right outside the lodge. High recommended and we hope to return to Lochnaw for another break soon.
The house was a great base in which to visit various places in that part of Scotland. Lots of wildlife to see from the property and lovely walks within the woods.
We really enjoyed our stay at North Lodge, I enjoy Wildlife Photography so was in my element with all the birds and squirrels that came into the garden. The birds went through a full container of nuts a day so be sure to take plenty with you! The cottage itself had everything you would want, it was very well equipt, maybe a more powerful shower but that would be being picky. I would like to have had more information about where we could walk around the grounds. We didn't go far as I felt like I was intruding. Places to see Portpatrick (a must), Port Logan, Lady Bay, Corsewall Lighthouse (lovely lunch in the Hotel) Mull of Galloway Lighthouse, Sandhead Bay is a lovely walk. We tried to get to the private beach at Larbrax but sadly the road was flooded at the bottom and my car wouldn't go through and I lost a trainer trying to get around as it was boggy! It looks a really lovely beach if you had a 4x4. Provisions wise, Morrisons and Tesco are in Stranraer where there are also a few good take away', only takes 10 minutes to get there. All in all a lovely quiet place to stay
The cottage is very nice, cosy and has everything you could need for your stay. It is in a lovely private setting and it's great to be able to walk to the Loch and around the grounds of the castle. When going to the private beach it may feel like you've gone wrong but keep going through the gate and follow it round, you have to pass through a farm. The track to the beach is very bumpy, if your car has good ground clearance though you should be fine. Had a lovely stay and saw red squirrels which is a first for us so really pleased.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at North Lodge, a very well appointed dwelling in peaceful surroundings. The beds furnishings were very comfortable. We spent much of our time in the immediate vicinity of North Lodge walking around the Lochnaw Castle estate. We derived great pleasure from viewing the variety of birds on the feeders from the kitchen window, woodpeckers, wheatears (identified only after an internet search) finches, jays and many others. The red squirrels hogging the peanuts were a joy. Further afield we enjoyed the beauty of the surrounding area, the Mull of Galloway is a must. We visited Larbrax beach (we were the only people there) and Wig Bay & Lady Bay. We would definitely visit again.
Excellent location, easy to reach nearby walks and beaches. Quiet and relaxing and all required amenities supplied. Cozy and comfortable cottage.
North Lodge is in a super secluded location on the edge of the estate if you want to get away from it all. Bed and sofas were very comfy. Lovely walks around the estate, could do with a better map marking tracks though. Good location for exploring the local area. We really enjoyed our stay and will stay again in the future. Only minor things but parts of the property could have been a bit cleaner and the water pressure was really low in the kitchen. Bird food was left for the feeders which was a nice touch. Saw red and grey squirrels, and lots of different birds on the feeders.