Blue Door - Kirkcudbright, Kirkcudbright

Dumfries and Galloway. Sleeps up to 6

Resting within the culture-rich town of Kirkcudbright, close to the spectacular grounds of the National Trust for Scotland's Broughton House, is this characterful terraced cottage, Blue Door. Offering accommodation for up to six guests, it makes a delightful choice for friends and families seeking a unique getaway to Scotland. Formerly the home of stained glass artist E A Taylor and his wife, illustrator Jessie M King, you can expect to find plenty of unique artistic delights throughout the property. Find the cottage tucked away down a quaint close, its name reflective of its entrance, where you will be welcomed into the hallway before stepping into the inviting kitchen/diner for a warming cup of tea. Gather around the table and discuss an exciting itinerary for your stay, the surrounding units offering a charming farmhouse feel, as well as hosting a good range of appliances to assist you during your stay, including a dishwasher and a washer/dryer. Move through into the sitting room, flicking on the electric fire in the winter months, and settle down onto the sofas, admiring the artwork on the walls that displays the creations of artists who have lived and worked in the area. Also on the ground floor, you can find a convenient wet room, ideally placed for freshening up after a day of rambling, while the first floor will bring you to the family bathroom, where you can choose from a shower or a relaxing soak. Find two of the bedrooms on the first floor, a double with its own en-suite cloakroom facilities and a twin, while the second floor hosts the final twin bedroom beneath the sloped ceilings of the cottage. The property benefits from a lawned garden 100 yards away, where you can sit out and enjoy your morning coffee, taking in the views across the town as your canine companions stretch their legs. The grounds of Broughton House lie within easy reach; its Japanese inspired garden is a true delight at any time of year, with a blend of Eastern and Western horticulture, while the house itself was once the Edwardian home and studio of Scottish artist E A Hornel, now presenting visitors with collections of art, ceramics, furniture and literature. Be sure to explore the wonder of Kirkcudbright; hosting generations of painters, craft makers and artisans, it still boasts a rich cultural scene with excitement around every corner. The town is home to a variety of shops, where you can pick up gifts for your loved ones back home, along with tempting eateries and delightful pubs. Visit attractions such as the Stewartry Museum, as well as the picturesque park, swimming pool and tranquil marina, while the summer months boast even more entertainment, with a four-day Arts and Crafts Trail and Jazz Festival, a weekly Scottish night with pipe band and dancing, weekly town tours, farmer’s markets, a vintage car rally and so much more. Walkers will delight in exploring the nearby Galloway Forest Park, as well as Barhill Wood, the perfect walking route for wildlife watchers, and the five-mile walk to the charming village of Dundrennan. Here you will discover the ruins of a 12th century Cistercian Abbey, along with hill walking opportunities at Screel Hill and mountain adventures at Cairnsmore. For those wanting to explore further afield, Thomas Carlyle's Birthplace can be found in the modest village of Ecclefechan; owned by the National Trust for Scotland, this historic gem houses objects and artefacts from the historian’s life, with books and reference texts of his wonderful workings. Another nearby National Trust for Scotland delight can be found in the form of the Threave Garden & Estate, home to immaculate gardens boasting a plethora of wildlife, accompanied by an osprey platform where you can spot the soaring ospreys and even red kites and peregrine falcons, there’s plenty here to see, as well as the unique attraction of Scotland’s only Bat Reserve, making the perfect day out for the nature lover. In reach of Newton Stewart and Dumfries too, there is so much adventure to uncover at Blue Door.

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