Port Donnel Cottage, Dumfries and Galloway

Dalbeattie 6.7 miles. A secluded, whitewashed cottage, resting on the shores of the Urr estuary in the coastal hamlet of Rockcliffe, Port Donnel Cottage offers a group of five a beautiful base for a seaside escape to Scotland. Offering direct access to a private pebble beach from the lawned garden, this National Trust for Scotland jewel provides all you could need for a relaxing retreat with your loved ones. Park up outside the property and be greeted by the idyllic sounds of crashing waves, before entering the property into the contemporary galley kitchen, with sparkling cream units hosting a wonderful range of high quality appliances to assist you on your stay, including a washer/dryer and a dishwasher. Prepare a meal using the amenities at hand, enjoying time together at the dining table over a lovingly prepared meal, before venturing into the warmth of the sitting room and relaxing into the evening around the delightful woodburning stove. In the summer months, be sure to make the most of your superb surroundings by dining alfresco on the lawn, enjoying fresh seafood from the coast for a truly memorable meal. Back inside, you can find a bathroom and a shower room on the ground floor, giving you plenty of space to prepare for your days with either a relaxing soak or a refreshing shower, as well as being ideally placed for washing off any sand after a day at the beach. Move upstairs to find three beautiful bedrooms beneath characterful sloping ceilings, consisting of a double, twin and single, with each room offering a simple and refreshing interior. Begin the day sitting out in the garden admiring your surroundings, with views as far reaching as the Lake District on a clear day, before taking a stroll along the beach. The secluded location of this property is perfect for those seeking a remote escape, while all the amenities you could need for a self catered stay can be found in the nearby town of Dalbeattie. Originally known for its granite quarry mine, this picturesque town offers plenty to see and do, with the Dalbeattie Museum being the perfect place to learn about the rich history of the area, as well as a range of shops, pubs and restaurants where you can while away the hours on a leisurely day trip. Enjoy a waterside stroll along the Barr Burn, or delve into the wooded valley for wonderful bird watching opportunities, while those seeking adventure will appreciate the ease of access to the scenic Solway Coast, with miles of beaches and quaint fishing villages to explore. There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure in the local area, including the renowned 7stanes mountain biking complex and forest walks at Glentrool, where you can follow in the footsteps of Richard Hannay in The Thirty Nine Steps. Venture to the RSPB Mersehead for even more spectacular birdwatching and nearby golfing opportunities, and explore the many wonders of the market town of Dumfries, home to its very own museum, the Robert Burns Centre, the Moat Brae National Centre for Children's Literature and fantastic shopping. Discover the National Trust for Scotland’s Broughton House & Garden in Kirkcudbright; the former home of E A Hornel boasts a Japanese-inspired garden and a fine collection of art, with plenty of Eastern and Western horticulture to admire along the way. Further afield is the village of Ecclefechan, Thomas Carlyle's birthplace, where you can visit the home of this prolific writer and social commentator, constructed by Carlyle’s father and uncle. Be sure to discover the delights of the Threave Garden & Estate too, constructed over the years by the talented students of the Trust’s School of Heritage Gardening, here you can expect to find a variety of ‘garden rooms’, each presenting a different gardening style and planting scheme, Scotland’s only Bat Reserve, wondrous views over the Galloway Hills and the Ken/Dee valley, and plenty more scenic splendour. In a spectacular position for a coastal escape, choose Port Donnel Cottage for your next Scottish adventure.