Cosy cottage in spectacular location overlooking Balcary Bay, Castle Douglas

Dumfries and Galloway. Sleeps up to 2

The Studio is currently on the market but will be available for bookings until the end of September 2023.

Please note our weekly bookings have a Friday start day.

The Studio is a one-storey cottage, with sea view, overlooking the breathtaking scenery of Balcary Bay & the island of Hestan, notorious in smuggling folklore, and the setting for SR Crockett's 'The Raiders'. The cottage is located just 50 yards from the beach, and a stone's throw from the start of a popular footpath along Balcary cliffs to Rascarrel Bay. It is centrally located for exploring this beautiful region of Scotland.

Accommodation comprises a small double bedroom, a bathroom with electric over-the-bath shower, and a living area with fully-equipped modern kitchenette, including oven, ceramic hob, microwave, fridge freezer & washer/dryer. The living area contains a sofa bed, TV with in-built CD/DVD player and a breakfast bar style dining table. Heating is by electric storage. Wifi is also available free of charge.

Outside is a south-facing patio area overlooking the sea, with table & chairs and a storage shed for mountain bikes, fishing gear or watersports equipment.

The Studio enjoys a high volume of repeat bookings - some of our regulars even come more than once a year to get away from it all & relax in the beauty of the changing seasons.

The coast here is teeming with bird life, and on clear still days at high tide you may be lucky enough to spot harbour porpoises from the cliffs at Balcary Point.
This stretch of coastline is popular for sea fishing, and many of the local restaurants, including the nearby Balcary Bay Hotel, serve locally caught seafood, such as scallops and crab.

Of the many wonderful walks in the region, two of the finest are close to the cottage. The Balcary to Rascarrel coastal walk begins almost on the doorstep of the cottage, whilst the nearby Screel Hill walk affords a panoramic view of the Solway Firth with the Lake District mountains beyond, and inland to the Galloway Hills. With careful planning, you can even walk across the sands at low tide to the island of Hestan.

The village of Auchencairn (2 miles) has a shop and post office, and the towns of Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie and Kirkcudbright are all within 20 minutes drive from the cottage, with many interesting shops and other attractions.

The region's scenic beauty, dramatic weather and quality of light attracts many talented artists and photographers, and there are a number of events during the year to celebrate their creativity, such as the Spring Fling and the Kirkcudbright Arts Trail, and there are several outstanding Art Galleries in the region.

Further inland along the picturesque shores of Loch Ken is the Red Kite Trail where you can see these magnificent birds in the wild, or for a more close-up experience you can visit the Red Kite Feeding Station near Laurieston.

The region's quiet roads are popular with cyclists, and for mountain bikers, there are the 7Stanes trails at nearby Dalbeattie, and Kirroughtree (near Newton Stewart).

For watersports enthusiasts with their own equipment, there are opportunities for sailing, windsurfing and sea-kayaking in Auchencairn Bay.



Located in Castle Douglas, this cottage is in a rural area and near the beach. The Whitehouse Gallery and Senhouse Roman Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at 7stanes - Dalbeattie and Colvend Golf Club. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Laggan Outdoor or Dumfries Ice Bowl. Discover the area's water adventures with windsurfing and sailing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling and mountain biking.

More details, photos & booking info