Stapleton Toll, Stapleton Grange, Annan

Dumfries and Galloway. Sleeps up to 4

Annan 3.2 miles. In an endearing location, a stone’s throw from Gretna Green, is this detached cottage, filled with traditional elegance and modern charm. Stapleton Toll is situated in a rural setting and boasts views of the Lake District National Park and Stapleton Tower, offering an idyllic base for families to enjoy a getaway together. Admire the exterior of the characterful stone-built abode with a striking azure wooden porch frame and window panels (formerly a toll bar for passing traffic) before you make your way to behold the contemporary furnishings inside, with everything you could possibly need for a self-catered stay, including a very thoughtful Welcome Pack for all to enjoy. Gather with your family and friends within the social hub of the home, the stylishly tasteful open-plan living space, comprising of a lounge/ dining area, a very spacious corner-sofa (which has the option to be transformed into a king-size sofa bed) leading on to the kitchen. The sleek kitchen invites you in to prepare a home-cooked meal, with plenty of space for others to assist the chef of the group, whilst others snuggle up in front of the woodburning stove and TV. If you are seeking an evening away from the rest of group to curl up with a good book, there is a separate sitting room, where an additional woodburning stove fills the room with a sense of tranquillity. As the evening comes to a close, venture upstairs, where two well-presented bedrooms await, as well as a family bathroom, complete with a shower over bath, basin and WC. Here, choose between an elegant king-size bedroom and a twin bedroom, both with plenty of storage for your holiday belongings. Continuing to impress is the beautiful, sprawling garden area, suitable for hosting wedding receptions or other special occasions, with a plethora of photo opportunities and plenty of space for your loved ones to gather together for a special birthday or anniversary. The wide 5-bar gate allows easy access for multiple cars to park on the gravelled area, so parking won’t be an issue when you are entertaining. Alternatively, light up the barbeque and dine alfresco, or spend a balmy evening under the unique Willow Dome, complete with outdoor furniture, so that you can gaze up at the Milky Way from dusk onwards. The owners really adore animals, and have everything you'd need for your fur-baby to stay with you including a bed, blankets, dishes and a strong lead to keep them close - there is even a doggy wash station and ring for tying the lead to, if your muddy pup likes to wriggle or escape bath time! If you can tear yourself away from this wonderful cottage and its grounds, make your way into the historic town of Annan, where a whole host of amenities can be found to suit all needs and tastes. From here, you can head to Annan Beach to enjoy the peaceful views across to the Cumbrian Hills or visit nearby Caerlaverock Castle to immerse yourself in the local history. A short drive away, while home to the Blacksmiths Shop and a vast designer shopping outlet, is the historically noted village of Gretna Green, also famous for being the marriage capital of the UK, where couples have come to get married since 1754. Further afield, lies the Solway Wetlands Centre and RSPB Campfield Marsh Reserve, which provides opportunities to spot a unique mix of different habitats and walk along the one of the largest peat bogs in the UK. Annan is a 3-minute drive with its shops, pubs and more, not to mention salmon fishing on the Solent, beyond which is Powfoot, offering bird-watching on the Solway. Around a 30-minute drive away is Dumfries, where you can explore the Burns Heritage Trail or discover more about the local history by visiting Moat Brae National Centre which is excellent for those visiting with children. Or for those interested in sport, why not enjoy a round of golf at the Crichton Golf Club? Whether you visit with friends and family, or just the children and four-legged companions, Stapleton Toll is a superb base for your next adventure to Scotland. and E

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