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 17 reviews About Reviews
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.
What a beautiful and relaxing place to chill and unwind with my owners. Warm and cozy. It was also the perfect base, not only to explore locally, but also further afield. Woof woof.
A cosy warm lodge, well equipped kitchen, if somewhat darker than we would have liked. Ideally situated on the Lochnaw estate for exploring the Rhins of Galloway. Instructions and guide to lodge need updating, codes, and general stuff about the house. There is a microwave, so let people know. A few smaller pans would be a welcome addition to kitchen! Really built for max 3, second bedroom small for 2 people. A nice stay - especially the red squirrels, deer, woodpeckers, nuthatch and all the other birds, but especially the eve wing exodus of bats, great walks around the estate (again guide needs updating - there is a walled garden, but we were unable to get in)
Lovely clean lodge excellent stay
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.
North Lodge
