Romantic cottages in Scotland - self catering accommodation

The Boat House, Dalbeattie, Dumfries and Galloway, South West Scotland

Sleeps 2
Weekly prices from £260 to £ 405

Self catering accommodation in Dalbeattie sleeps 2.

Features include: • Non Smoking • Fishing near by • Romantic Break • Beach close by • Easy Walking • Pets allowed • Parking Available • Has a Garden •

Accommodation overview: Dumbretton Farm Cottages are a collection of three self catering holiday properties nestled within a 400 acre dairy and beef farm within this quiet back water of Dumbretton Farm, which is situated close to Annan. Each of the cottages is tastefully decorated and well furnished throughout and command beautiful countryside views towards Cumbria. Dumbretton Cottage was once the herdsman's cottage with three bedrooms making it a suitable choice for families. The owner also has an activity toys company and the play equipment is displayed in the adjoining garden for children to enjoy. For the entertainment of adults and older children there is the shared use of a games room with darts, table tennis, a pool table and a football table. Dumbretton is located only 3.5 miles from Annan and although this is a truly rural and tranquil spot the M74 is a mere 3 miles away giving easy access to travel north to Glasgow or explore this lovely part of Southern Scotland and even Cumbria! The popular market town of Dumfries is 20 miles west and the surrounding area has so much to offer. Ramblers will admire the panoramic vista and cyclists will enjoy the highly acclaimed 7Stanes mountain bike trails. Discover features such as 'Jacob's Ladder', Rab's Slippy One' and 'The Twister'. Golfer's are well catered for with 29 courses to choose from and there are ample opportunities for loch and river fishing. With over 200 miles of coastline to discover you are never far from a stretch of golden sand and hidden coves interspersed with rock pools making Dumbretton Farm Cottages an excellent choice for the gathering of family and friends. Haste ye back!

Skylark Cottage, By Broadford, Isle of Skye, Highlands Scotland

Sleeps 4
Weekly prices from £328 to £ 631

Self catering accommodation in By Broadford sleeps 4.

Features include: Short Breaks Non smoking • Detached Romantic Break Near the Beach • Close to the Sea Easy Walk access • Pub near by sleeps 4

Accommodation overview: Glorious panoramic views across the waters of the Inner Sound towards Applecross and the Cuillin mountains greet visitors to this recent reconstruction of a Skye 'Black House'. Offering all the charm of tradition it boasts a thatched roof and an unexpectedly light and spacious comfortable interior. A sandy beach with rock pools is just a ½ mile stroll a restaurant is 200 yards and the village shop is about a mile. Steeped in history and with a wonderfully scenic landscape Skye is a delight to explore – the Clan Donald Centre is well worth a visit and excellent walking climbing seafari trips and birdwatching abound.

Spacious open plan sitting room with French doors to terrace and garden with glorious views across the sea sofa bed (for + 2) dining area and fitted kitchen all with wooden style flooring. Double bedroom. Shower room/W.C.

Phone enquiries: 0844 847 1143

Heron Cottage, Melrose, Roxburghshire, Borders Scotland

Sleeps 4
Weekly prices from £270 to £ 445

Self catering accommodation in Melrose sleeps 4.

Features include: • Non Smoking • Romantic Break • Pub near by • Pets allowed • Parking Available • Golf near by • Has a Garden •

Accommodation overview: Enjoying a peaceful courtyard setting and surrounded by rolling glens, this pretty red sandstone cottage offers enchanting holiday accommodation. Originally built in the early 19th century the property has been lovingly restored to retain much of its authentic charm, including superb exposed beams, yet also enjoys all modern conveniences desired for contemporary living. An optional log fire in the lounge ensures a warm welcome awaits guests whatever the season. This location is idyllic! The friendly hamlet of Spott is nestled at the foot of the Lammermuir hills where you may spot a buzzard, heron or kestrel, or perhaps catch a glimpse of a roe deer or badger as they scamper by....Although the ambience of Barnyards Cottage is one of peace and tranquillity, the popular coastal holiday destination of Dunbar, where it's reported boasts the longest sunshine hours in the UK, offers a  wide array of facilities within 2 miles. Watch the fishing boats return to the harbour with their daily catch or enjoy a cliff top stroll and listen to the waves crash against the shore. This area is renowned for its several championship golf courses and visitors will enjoy experiencing the many attractions close by, including the Scottish Museum of Flight and The John Muir Country Park. A regular train service from Dunbar takes only 20 minutes to reach the heart of the cultural city of Edinburgh, renowned for its festivals, arts and music venues, superb castle and Medieval buildings along the Royal Mile (and not forgetting the wonderful shopping!) ensuring Barnyards Cottage is a perfect choice for those seeking a relaxing, rural retreat coupled with easy access to explore and discover the abundance of entertainment available across East Lothian and beyond. Property has central heating.

The Hideaway, Fort William, Inverness-shire, Highlands Scotland

Sleeps 2
Weekly prices from £250 to £ 582

Self catering accommodation in Fort William sleeps 2.

Features include: Short Breaks Non smoking • Detached Romantic Break Close to the Sea Pub near by sleeps 2

Accommodation overview: The views across Loch Linnhe and the stunning backdrop of Ben Nevis and Aonach Mor enjoyed from its balcony are delightful features of this very comfortable first floor property. Set beside the owners' home yet totally self-contained it lies just 3 miles from Fort William's amenities – ideal for visiting Glenfinnan and the silver sands of Morar. A range of nearby outdoor activities including climbing mountain biking walking fishing riding golf and skiing (in season). There are steam train rides (in season) through to Mallaig along the route used to film Harry Potter. Shop and pub with food ½ mile.

Bathroom/W.C. with spa bath and shower over. First floor: Open plan sitting/dining room with rugs on wooden floor and well equipped kitchen area. Double bedroom with TV/DVD balcony and views of Ben Nevis.

Phone enquiries: 0844 847 1143

Old Brewery Brae Store, Gatehouse of Fleet, Dumfries and Galloway, South West Scotland

Sleeps 4
Weekly prices from £240 to £ 370

Self catering accommodation in Gatehouse of Fleet sleeps 4.

Features include: • Non Smoking • Fishing near by • Romantic Break • Beach close by • Easy Walking • Pub near by • Pets allowed • Parking Available •

Accommodation overview: Nestled in an idyllic private woodland setting, Auchenhill Lodge offers a lovely relaxing retreat close to Kippford, often described as Scotland's 'Riviera'. Locals refer to this area as 'The Golden Triangle' - Colvend, Rockcliffe and Kippford - and frequent visitors understand why. The climate is temperate as Galloway is touched by the Gulf Stream with many golden, sandy, and often empty beaches to explore. For excellent views of the Rough Firth estuary, the Jubilee Path is highly recommended. This was named to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee and is the main path between Kippford and the equally charming village of Rockcliffe. There are wonderful views out to sea, and the path passes Mark of Mote, 1 100-foot high granite outcrop, with a Dark Age settlement on top. Rockcliffe and Sandyhills (with a beautiful sandy beach as its name implies!) are small Victorian bathing resorts close by. Kippford was once a smuggler's haunt with a wealth of stories and legends to discover and is now a pretty sailing resort with quaint fisherman's cottages. There is a low tide walk from the beach to Rough Island. Scotland's only round tower house, Orchardton Tower, is a must to visit with its spiral staircase hidden within double walls leading to a parapet. This area is steeped in history and has an outstanding natural beauty. But that's not all; the renowned 7Stanes for world class mountain biking is on the doorstep; the championship golf course at Southerness is just along the coast line and there are waters that cater for every type of fishing providing river fishing for salmon, sea trout and trout and still waters include pike, carp roach and bream. For romance and history Threave Castle at Castle Douglas is a great visit and very memorable; the only way to access the castle is to ring the bell for the custodian to row you across the moat! The town of Castle Douglas is known as the food town in this land of milk and honey -  so leave the diet at home! Also highly recommended is a visit to the picturesque harbour town of Kirkcudbright renowned for its artistic connection due to the special quality of light in the area. It is said that Kirkcudbright was a contender as a setting for the acclaimed Balamory TV programme due to its historic high street lined  with pretty, colourful houses. Galloway really is a land of plenty and although very accessible and wildly beautiful it is relatively undiscovered and very unspoilt. But come and discover it for yourself!

The Beach House, Cellardyke, Fife, Central Scotland

Sleeps 7
Weekly prices from £340 to £ 705

Self catering accommodation in Cellardyke sleeps 7.

Features include: • Multi Bathrooms • Non Smoking • Fishing near by • Romantic Break • Beach close by • Easy Walking • Pub near by • Parking Available • Golf near by •

Accommodation overview: Riverside Cottage is both delightful and charming and provides a superb base for exploring the beautiful Scottish Borders. The property dates back to 1648 and forms part of the old town. Its location is ideal: tucked away down its own medieval close yet only a stone's throw from the timeless High Street. As its name suggests, the front of the property overlooks the river known locally as ' the Cuddy'.  Peebles, a Royal Burgh since 1152, is a hidden treasure with its own distinct heritage, culture and traditions. The motto of the town translates as, "Against the stream they multiply". An apt description given that the town straddles the majestic River Tweed, world famous for the quality of its salmon fishing. The stunning walks along the banks of the Tweed have remained virtually unchanged for centuries and are a must for visitors. The town has also gained recognition for its independent shops and has been ranked second in the UK for its individuality. It is a town for all seasons with something for everyone whatever the month. It is also a highly regarded cultural centre providing a wide range of contemporary and traditional cultural activities including a theatre and arts centre. The Scottish Borders is well known for its superb fishing, horse riding, walking, golf and cycling. The Tweed Valley Forest Park for example, has gained a national reputation for some of the finest mountain biking trails to be found in the UK Glentress, located close to Peebles, has been voted best mountain bike centre and provide graded trails suitable for all ages and abilities. Also highly recommended is Traquair Forest in Innerleithen, which has the famous downhill routes and some new black graded XC routes. Peebles golf course is a championship level course and considered one of the finest in the area for its playing quality and its stunning views. The annual week long Beltane Festival is steeped in tradition. It is a celebration of the return of summer and its origins are traced back to the 15th century. The spectacular Riding of the Marches, The Cornet and the crowing of the Beltane Queen are also full of interest and should not be missed. Traquair is Scotland's oldest inhabited and most romantic house. It stages a medieval fayre and attracts visitors from far and wide. Dawyck Botanic Garden is truly one of the world's finest arboreta, renowned for its seasonal displays and abundance of exotic and native plants. It is a stunning region full of activity, beauty and interest. And of course home to the beautiful and historic city of Edinburgh not for nothing dubbed the Athens of the North! Property has gas central heating.

The Windowky, Seatown Gardenstown, Aberdeenshire, East Scotland

Sleeps 2
Weekly prices from £235 to £ 582

Self catering accommodation in Seatown Gardenstown sleeps 2.

Features include: Short Breaks Romantic Break Near the Beach • Close to the Sea Open Fire or Wood Burner Stove Pub near by • Pets allowed sleeps 2

Accommodation overview: Perched by the sea wall only yards from a beautiful sandy beach this romantic retreat (shown right with red roof) enjoys glorious sea views with magnificent sunsets as well as sightings of bottlenose dolphins. Comfortably furnished in a stylish nautical fashion it is ideally situated for walking and bird watching on the cliff tops and coastal paths and for exploring the picturesque villages along this lovely coastline – Pennan (5 miles) was the location for Local Hero. Banff is just 7 miles away. Shop and pub serving food 200 yards.

Cosy open plan sitting room with open fire dining and galley style kitchen areas. First floor: Double bedroom with wood burning stove and sea views. Bathroom/W.C. (shower over bath).

Phone enquiries: 0844 847 1143

Gorsebank, Isle of Whithorn, Dumfries and Galloway, South West Scotland

Sleeps 8
Weekly prices from £340 to £ 705

Self catering accommodation in Isle of Whithorn sleeps 8.

Features include: • Multi Bathrooms • Non Smoking • Romantic Break • Beach close by • Easy Walking • Pub near by • Parking Available • Has a Garden •

Accommodation overview: The Boat House is the quintessential holiday retreat for couples.  Perched above the water's edge of Loch Fern it is difficult to know where to begin to describe this beautiful property and its unique location in a form that does it justice. It is set amidst stunning scenery and sits serenely on the shores of Loch Fern. To someone who hails from a city or large town this location would be almost spiritual to be so at one with nature, and The Boat House just blends in beautifully with the landscape. The Loch supports a variety of flora and fauna and the outlook changes with every passing season from a scattering of water lilies to the vibrant colours of the rhododendrons framing the loch. The mixed woodland adjoining The Boat House brings a vibrant display of colours especially during Autumn when the leaves change to reds and greens and russets. For those who are willing to sit quiet and be patient, the rewards can be priceless with glimpses of badgers, deer, otters, red squirrels and if you are lucky, ospreys. This 14-acre loch is home to some of the finest wild brown trout fishing in the south of Scotland. Fishing can be arranged directly with the owner on arrival.  Beyond the loch lies Cuil Hill and Kinharvie Hill and ultimately Criffel which commands fine views across the Solway to the Cumbrian fells.  Despite its wonderful seclusion, The Boat House is surprisingly accessible to everything this lovely county has to offer from historical sites to supreme mountain biking, to challenging hill walks to some of the darkest skies in the world, to over 200 miles of stunning and dramatic coastline with secluded little bays and sandy beaches.  This is a land of milk and honey with its green pastures and temperate climate and Castle Douglas is testament to this. With around fifty local businesses either selling or producing food and drink one can see why Castle Douglas has been designated a Food Town. Whilst there you can soon work up an appetite by visiting Threave House and gardens, or take a stroll around the lovely Carlingwark Loch. Threave Castle has been described as the most romantic place in Galloway and to reach it ring the bell at the jetty and the custodian rows over and ferries you across to the castle!  The nearby RSPB site at Mersehead is a gem and well worth visiting at any time of the year. In autumn large flocks of barnacle geese from off the north coast of Norway arrive with teal, wigeon and pintail. Breeding birds include lapwings, snipe, curlews, redshanks and barn owls. This area is excellent for wildflowers.   The beautiful Colvend Coast is close by with the picturesque little villages of Kippford, Rockcliffe and Sandyhills with its wide sweeping beach. There are a profusion of walks in the area from the commanding Screel Hill with magnificent views across the Solway and the Galloway Hills to Balcary Point with its fine hotel and smuggling history. The views from the point are breathtaking.  Kirkcudbright is a charming little fishing town and the historic high street is framed with colourful Georgian houses often separated by charming little pends and cobbled wynds delightfully hiding studios and workshops; for Kirkcudbright is known as The Artists Town and not surprising. There is a whole host of activities throughout the year; the highly acclaimed Spring Fling, Riding of the Marches, the Annual Tattoo, the colourful jazz festival and that just for starters! The accommodation is reached by twelve steps and then all on one level, is well insulated and heated by a convector heater.