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.
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
STL Licence Application No: DG01470P EPC Rating: F
Guests rate North Lodge: Very Good from 21 reviews About Reviews
The lodge was blissfully warm on arrival. Just what is needed after a long journey. As is being well equipped and comfortable. Beautiful peaceful setting with frequent sightings of deer.
Cottage is a great location and set within Lochnaw Estate, surrounded by wildlife. However, it is very dated and in need of much upgrading. The cottage is also in need of a thorough deep clean too. It smelt damp on arrival. We even had a bat in the main bedroom because the entrance to loft was not properly sealed. The TV is the size of a computer monitor and the dvd does not connect to it. We had issues with the hob and switched it off due to constant bleeping. The shower is the lowest pressure I've ever seen and the hot water is dangerously scalding. Overall, could be great but is let down by a complete lack of investment and cleaning effort. Outdoor furniture is a joke and completely unusable, given the setting this is very poor.
Wilderness Cottages Replied...
Thank you for taking the time to provide a review on your stay at North Lodge. As Wilderness Cottages are the booking agents, we have contacted the owners to discuss your feedback. As per the information emailed with the access arrangements. It is important to the property owner, and to Wilderness Cottages, that guests enjoy their holiday, and every effort has been made to ensure this. However, in the unlikely event of dissatisfaction with the property or any subsequent problem, guests should immediately contact the owner/caretaker or Wilderness Cottages, so that the opportunity to rectify the problem is given. We and the owners would have welcomed your comments during your stay, so that any issues could have been remedied. The guests who arrived after your stay contacted the owners, and once they were aware of the problems they were addressed and resolved.
What a beautiful place to relax and get away from it all, North Lodge is tucked away in fabulous woodland a stones throw away from lochnaw, the wildlife in the woodland and on the loch are stunning, we had young deer in the garden, red squirrels, Jay's, woodpecker..to name but a few, it is close enough to portpatrick and stranraer to explore and we had a lovely run up the coastal road to Ayr, such a beautiful area -the cottage is cozy and well equipped and booking was stress free...thank you for a lovely stay, we shall certainly look to book again.
The North Gate Lodge had everything we needed; it was perfect for relaxing. The dogs loved it. Sadly didn't see any red squirrels, but the deer, the variety of birdsong throughout the day made for a wonderful atmosphere. Located within easy travelling distance of Portpatrick; Sandhead and the local distilleries in Newtown Stewart - all in all it made a fabulous week of total relaxation. We'll definitely be returning soon.
North Lodge was a very special place. The cottage was simple but very comfortable with a well equipped kitchen. It's location was second to none and it was great having access to the castle estate and wildlife just outside the kitchen window. It would have been helpful if the dvd player was compatible with the TV, but alas it wasn't. Hopefully this will be rectified along with up to date house information and especially where to find the switch for the hob! We will be back.
Wilderness Cottages Replied...
Thank you for taking the time to provide a review on your stay at North Lodge. As Wilderness Cottages are the booking agents, we have contacted the owners and passed on your feeback. We look forward to booking your next stay at North Lodge.
Fantastic week at North Lodge- Everything worked first time. Lovely walks at sunset to watch the Guillemots fly in to the loch to roost next to the herons. We kept the feeders well stocked and were rewarded with red and grey squirrels and all the previously mentioned bids as well as two sightings of goldcrest. Great walks to the beach. Fish van at Leswalt on Thursday afternoon. Very comfortable house and beds. You tube and Netflix a bonus as well as the private gate next to the Lodge. We must return for Autumn colours.
