Troston,
Near New Abbey,
Kirkcudbrightshire.

Sleeps 8

Troston is a delightful architect designed house in the countryside midway (7 miles approx.) between the busy town of Dumfries to the north and the sands of Southerness on the Solway Firth to the south. It stands high and proud, in its own grounds (barbecue), on a low hill overlooking a vast landscape of hills and farmlands mostly given over to forestry and grazing but with some sheep, hens and a pet cockerel. It can be reached either from New Abbey (shop, 2 pubs, famous Sweetheart Abbey) or from the village of Beeswing along the bank of Loch Arthur. Either way will take you along single track roads from an un-numbered side road lined with foxgloves and meadowsweet.

The house has been converted from an old stone barn (one stone marked 1680) and the 2ft thick walls conceal a warm, extremely comfortable, well-appointed, tastefully-furnished, really excellent house built on several levels internally, and whitewashed externally in the true Galloway style.

A particular feature is the delightful sitting room, with wood burner and patio doors to a raised decking area, where you can sit with an evening drink and enjoy the wonderful views over the surrounding countryside. The sitting room also has a magnificent arched window where you can enjoy a similar outlook in less clement weather. Or if an al fresco breakfast takes your fancy, then french doors lead from the kitchen to another terrace, also with furniture, which catches the morning sun. Musical accompaniment will be provided by tthe birds and a tiny stream which gurgles down through this part of the garden. As often as not there are some gentle Highland cattle in the field in front of the house, which complete the idyllic scene. The farmhouse dining kitchen perfectly complements the ambience of the house, while children young and old will enjoy the downstairs games/playroom where there is a pool table.

This is the countryside where Robbie Burns lived and died. In Dumfries you can visit his favourite howff 'The Globe' and see the verses he etched on the windowpanes. You can visit the houses in which he wrote some of his best-known works. You can explore the then notorious sheltered waters of the Colvend coast (views of the Lake District) where, as an Exciseman, he had to pursue the smugglers of brandy, tobacco and silk and where, in later times, numerous emigrants were shipped off to The New World. Here too, in the hamlet of Kirkbean, John Paul Jones - one of the founding fathers of the US Navy was born - Annie Laurie lived near Moniaive - Robert the Bruce began his long fight for Scottish freedom here - there is so much history in the area, and many opportunities for walking, golf, bird-watching, sailing and fishing.

Lately the area has become particularly renowned for its mountain biking trails, in particular the group of 7 Stanes Trails, dedicated hill and forest tracks of all levels of difficulty. The nearest of these is just a couple of miles away at Mabie Forest (cycling buffs will be interested to know that there is a Double Black Trail there, 'The Dark Side', to really test their mettle.) Dalbeattie Forest is also just a few miles in the other direction.

For a family day on the beach, the wide bay at Sandyhills is a must, while the picturesque rocky cove at Rockcliffe also makes for an enjoyable excursion. Those wishing to range further can enjoy trips to the west towards Gatehouse of Fleet, the Machars, Whithorn, the Rhinns of Galloway or even cross to Northern Ireland from Stranraer or Cairnryan.

Heating is by central-heating and electricity (both included), and open fire. Bed-linen is included and towels are available for hire. A refundable householders deposit is required on a bookings. Sorry, no pets. Please note that water is from a private supply.

Accommodation (sleeps 8):

Lower ground-floor:

• Utility/playroom with stainless-steel sink, washing-machine, tumble-drier and small snooker table.
• Shower, WC and basin.

Ground-floor:

• Sitting-room (4 steps up) with wood burning stove, TV/DVD, CD player, French doors onto a deck facing the Galloway hills.
• Kitchen/dining-room with cooker, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher etc. Door onto a patio (furniture) over the original mill-race.
• Double-bed room (3 steps up)
• Twin-bed room (3 steps up)
• Shower, WC and basin.

Upstairs:

• Double-bed room with en-suite shower, WC and basin.
• Bed room with one double-bed and one single-bed.
• Bathroom with bath, WC and basin.

Accommodation availability:

Troston: