“Beautiful Cottage and lovely views. Saw Redwings and Fieldfare right outside the window. Great meal at The Crown in Portpatrick.”
B,D,O and D, Suffolk. November 2012.
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“Thank you Alison for letting us share your beautiful cottage. Many thanks for all the goodies. We’ve had a brilliant week, which has gone all too quickly. We’ve fallen head over heels in love with this amazing part of the world. Can so understand why you moved here Highlights of our week (of which there were many!) have got to be:
The views across to Ailsa Craig and beyond whilst waving to the ferry boat go by (they didn’t wave back!), the view from the Mull of Galloway restaurant whilst drinking hot chocolate and just sitting, watching the ever changing weather go by from the lounge window. With so much still to do and see we will most definately be back. Thank you again x.”
The H family, Norfolk. Oct/November 2012
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” Loved the views, great cottage”
JS, Ohio, USA. October 2012
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“We all have had a very enjoyable holiday. The cottage and it’s location are out of this world. We would love to come back for longer.”
W and D, Micky and Fin (the Dogs), Rotherham, South Yorkshire. October 2012.
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” For me this is a very spiritual place. On walking into the cottage the feeling was sublime! Beautifully appointed and a dream. Thank you so much.”
Mrs D, Shropshire, September 2012.
” Bravo! This is what a holiday cottage should be – a real gem in this beautiful part of the world. Your attention to detail is fantastic. Thank you for a wonderful week!”
Mr D, Shropshire, September 2012.
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” This is a magical place – thank you. The views great, it’s quiet and the cottage is just right. Portpatrick is a nice wee place – good beer and seafood in the Crown. The beach at Sandhead is so big and so quiet – the dog absolutely loved it! Drummore to Maryport on the coast path – highly recommended. We could see Skiddaw. very quiet and lots of birds about. A lovely, lovely week. PS: Kevs Sausages are fantastic!!!”
Mr and Mrs J and Sian the Collie, Grange over Sands, Cumbria. September 2012.
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“Lovely, immaculate and cosy cottage, thank you for all the little touches. The weather wasn’t too bad and it only rained at most a couple of hours. I didn’t have a “good hair day” with the wind. Portpatrick is a little gem and the gardens at Castle Kennedy gorgeous. We particularly enjoyed long exhilerating walks on Luce bay followed by sandwiches and cake at the friendly tea room in Sandhead. The hare called by the cottage to say hello and we saw deer, both up the lane and at Luce bay (where we got some fab shots of my favourite sea bird – the Oyster catcher). Thank you again x”
Mr and Mrs A, Derbyshire. September 2012
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“We thought the cottage was just perfect and those little extra touches you provided were very much appreciated. Many thanks.”
The P family, County Durham. August 2012.
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“We’ve all had a lovely time, including the dogs, who loved it!! The cottage is amazing and thank you so much for all the wee touches that made it feel like home. Lovely cottage, lovely area. Perfection. We’ll be back. thank you. xx”
Mr and Mrs D, West Lothian. August 2012
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“Loved our stay here Alison, such a warm welcome and a beautiful cottage in a beautiful area of Scotland. Far outreached my expectations and despite the weather being iffy we saw such wonderful sights and scenery. The beach at Ardwell was gorgeous. Portpatrick is wonderful at sunset and the Castle and Museum in Stranraer, as well as Agnew park, well worth a visit! Everyone is so friendly! Thank you for such a magical holiday.”
The F family, Alfreton, Derbyshire. August 2012
(This is the lovely picture that young Mr. F drew for me. He celebrated his 5th birthday at Kirklauchline cottage).
Message from Alison, Kirklauchline Cottage – I just love it when people write a blog about their holiday at our cottage and was so pleased to see this blog from Gemma“Our Scottish retreat”. Thank you Gemma, we hope you see you again soon. x
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“So nice when a place exceeds your hopes. Lovely cottage and position. We came to celebrate a big birthday and leaving the NHS after 30 years. Just the place to do it. Loved New England Bay and the Galloway Lighthouse cafe. But just about all local beaches are superb. Must agree made to feel very welcome and the information re walks etc puts other properties to shame. We have loved it and do not want to go home! A Gem.
PS: Went to Campbells Restaurant in Portpatrick for a celebration meal. Very good, friendly service. Excellent fish dishes, just right for us. Very well presented and a lovely table for two overlooking the harbour. Top marks and not expensive.”
Mr and Mrs F, Archie and Poppy Pups, Lincolnshire. August 2012
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” Had a good week despite mixed weather. Love the cottage and the area. Have visited some stunning gardens in the area. Thank you for a great week.”
Mr and Mrs E, Birmingham, July 2012
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“Thank you for a wonderful week in a beautiful cottage. Our first holiday with baby Alice. Many many thanks.”
The H family, Lancashire. July 2012.
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” Fantastic Cottage, had a great break. Highly recommended. Going home to buy a log burner!”
The M Family, West Lothian, July 2012.
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” Sat writing this and taking in the view, also wondering if I can make it last a while and delay the drive back to Yorkshire!!! A BIG THANKYOU Alison for renting us your cottage. It has been truly wonderful. And has kind the weather has been. So peaceful too. I said to Andy the other day “listen” he said “I can’t hear anything!” I simply replied “exactly”. We could not have asked for more. Here is a list of things I have seen from inside the cottage – Great tits (and young), blackbird, starlings, greenfinch, house sparrows, swallows, carrion crow, chaffinch, goldfinch, common gull, linnet, coal tit, whitethroat (with young), kestrel, song thrush, pigeon, rabbit, merlin, roe deer, hares, toad, wheatear and a bull. Am very sure I nearly got scalped by a peregrine falcon the other day. Kevs sausages are delicious btw. Hoping the next north kirklauchline visitors enjoy it as much as we have. Oh, and chuffed to bits to see my gull picture hanging in here, a tad surreal! Thank you again and we will be seeing you again soon. xxx I hope to get some pics on my website next week. Apologies for essay!”
Karen, Andy and McBasil, Driffield, East Yorkshire. July 2012. Check out Karens web site for great photography and prints to buy online.
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“We have had a nice week in this well appointed cottage. Thank you so much for the food, flowers and toiletries. We enjoyed the local beaches, especially our dog. Portpatrick provided ample places for eating out. Sadly, the weather was far from good but we were able to enjoy the visiting birds, rabbits, hares and one morning a lone deer grazing just outside the window. This cottage is the best value for money/comfort we have found in 20 + years holidaying in rented cottages.”
Mr and Mrs B, Oxon, June 2012.
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“Thank you for letting us stay at your beautiful cottage and for the gifts and grocery items. It was lovely to look out of the window to see the birds feeding. Weather was good Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday so we enjoyed sitting outside with Skye and Tilly even though the Hare kept tormenting them! Brill week”
Mr and Mrs H, Durham, June 2012.
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“We have had a lovely week in this cosy cottage, have enjoyed the warmth from the wood burning fire. We had 12 Goldfinch one morning, could not believe our luck. We have had sunny weather until today. We will be back.”
Mr and Mrs M, Chorley, Lancashire. June 2012.
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“Thank you so much for the opportunity to share your beautiful cottage and most especially for the treats we kept finding around – such beautiful fresh eggs! We have all thoroughly enjoyed this lovely area. Portpatrick is a delight and the Lighthouse pottery gift shop a must as is the Mull of Galloway, Logan Botanic Gardens, Dunskey Gardens, Sandhead beach and pub etc etc etc. The list is endless with no disappointments. Even the weather was fantastic. Would hope to come again one day. We take home some wonderful memories.”
Mr and Mrs B and Family, Yorkshire. May 2012.
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“Have much enjoyed our break. Cottage very comfortable, everything you need. When the Sun has come out just beautiful”
Mr and Mrs.P, Largs. May 2012.
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” We have all had a wonderful time. The cottage was a lovely surprise, far beyond our expectations. We have explored every nook and crannie in the Rhins of Galloway. Thank you, will plan to visit again.”
Mrs E and friends, Edinburgh. May 2012
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“Firstly, we would congratulate you on the attention to detail, your consideration of ones needs, the cottage, it’s contents and cleanliness far exceeded our expectations. Everything was first class. Scotland is a beautiful place, lots to see and do with an abundance of wildlife. We were especially thrilled to see roe deer and hares so close to the cottage. We had great fun spotting the hares around the cottage each day and have many super photos. Our two jack russells, Jake and Yogi, loved the walks and dips in the sea!! Once again, thank you. We will take home many happy memories of our stay in Scotland.”
The H family, Cheshire. May 2012
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” Thank you so much for a fantastic week at the cottage. Just perfect! We will be back – we don’t really want to go home! Thank you again to Alison and Dave. I can really recommend this holiday cottage, Portpatrick holiday cottage, a great deal of effort has gone into every last detail to make your stay very welcoming this is a place you wouldn’t forget in a hurry”
The P family, Daisy and Sky, the dogs. Blackpool. April 2012
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“We have had a wonderful stay at the cottage. cottage is very well equipped and in a fantastic location. Many thanks”
S and W, Derbyshire. April 2012
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“Great stay, lovely cottage, fabulous coast. Want to come back!”
The N family, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, April 2012
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” We’ve had a wonderful stay. Sky and Brodie had a ball. The welcome pack was a saviour!! Great cottage and splendid location. Many thanks.”
P,J, M, M, Skye and Brodie the dogs. Muckhart, Scotland. March 2012
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“Perfection – again! Thank you Alison for another lovely holiday xx”
S and Fudge the Dog, Oakworth, West Yorkshire, March 2012
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” Excellent cottage and so well equipped. A real home from home – only better! Lovely welcome and so thoughtfully done. Good walks, views and cycling! Lovely meal at Campbells and the Crown is good for pub lunches. Weather not bad for March in Scotland. Thank you Alison, you thought of everything”
Mr and Mrs. N, Jet and Robbie the Dogs, Henlow, March 2012
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“We have had a fantastic week here, love this cottage it is so cosy, warm and well equipped. We have had such a relaxing holiday. Enjoyed visiting the local area and have had great weather for February. Thank you for the array of supplies and for accommodating us at such short notice”
M and K, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, February 2012
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“What a lovely cottage and great views from it too. Had a walk with the dog then a trip to the botanic gardens then into Portpatrick. Had a lovely time. Very peaceful and thank you for the starter pack, it was a very nice thought. Thank you very much and thanks for the bottle of wine – it went down a treat!”
Mr and Mrs L, Alva, Clackmannanshire, February 2012
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” Well what a way to see in 2012. We have had a lovely, cosy, relaxing break with our 2 children and 2 miniature Schnauzers. The cottage is lovely, warm and clean and with the winds blowing strong outside the log burner has been a delight! Thank you Alison and Dave for letting us use your lovely cottage. We feel we can return home refreshed and raring to go!”
The C family, Wetherby, North Yorkshire New Year 2012
“Absolutely fantastic, the best christmas ever spent in your beautiful cottage. everything we needed for a perfect mini break, you really thought of everything. Thank you xx”
S, D and Fudge the Dog, Keighley, West Yorkshire Christmas 2011
“That was a fantastic few days in spite of the arctic weather blasting in from Svalbard. Your cottage is the best we have stayed in and weve tried them all. The wall heaters and wood burners kept us luxuriating inside as the hail battered the windows and the wind nudged force 8. The welcome pack and all the other touches were greatly appreciated. The dogs loved it and didn’t want to leave the fireside. I have stayed in this cottage in a previous life and it then resembled a hebridean black house. You have done an amazing restoration job. We will be back, no doubt of that. ps: didnt see any birds. They were either hibernated or been blown away. Thank you”
CS, Midlothian 3rd – 6th December 2011
“Thanks for making it so friendly and welcoming. Me and the dogs had some lovely”brisk” walks. Love the warm bathroom!”
KB, Midlothian, 3rd – 6th December 2011
“We’ve had a fabulous week! This cottage is lovely, bright and modern. So quiet, just what we needed. Thank you x”
Mr and Mrs. S, Hellifield, Yorkshire, Nov/December 2011.
“What a lovely place, lovely views, sunrises and sunsets. We really enjoyed our escape from the rat race, a perfect and peaceful location.We do not want to leave. Thank you.”
T and J and Daisy the Dog, November 2011.
“What a fantastic cottage. Over the years we have escaped for bonfire night to give the dog a break. This cottage tops the lot. The location superb, the facilities the same. Log fires the easiest ever to light. Comfy beds. Just everything you need, thanks for allowing us the pleasure of your house.”
Mr and Mrs C and Mr and Mrs Cl and, the staffie. November 2011
“Fabulous week in a lovely cottage. Thank you for the map, we enjoyed all the beaches in the sun and wind, mainly sun! Ardwell beach our favourite for seal watching. Joe (springer spaniel) joined in the shoot on friday and cleared up 3 runners for the beaters! Thank you for the flowers and provisions. Great food in portpatrick”
Mr and Mrs S and 2 dogs, Cheshire, October/November 2011
” Wind and Rain dominated the week but the cottage was a comfortable and cosy retreat to come back to. Try the Portpatrick cliff walk from Knockinham lodge and don’t miss the family of curious seals at Ardwell bay”
Mr and MrsW, Cumbria, October 2011
“A lovely cottage with attention to detail like no other. Thank you for all the extras, they were appreciated. We have 2 exremely tired dogs to go home! Have had a mixed week of weather but generally pretty good. The lighthouse is a definate and also Portlogan is atmospheric. Lovely walking and planty of wildlife – and cows!! Thank you for allowing dogs.”
T, C and Charlie the Lab, Jim the Terrier, Suffolk, September 2011
“What a nice clean cottage. We had a great time, we even had the sun out for a few days. Enjoyed the countryside, the walking, seen a lot of cows, birds and even a few deer. Thank you for the flowers and all the other gifts.”
The S family and Border Collie, Belgium, August 2011
” Thanks for a lovely cottage – we had a fantastic week and the dogs loved the quiet beaches. Had a visit from the hare! Great birdwatching around the coast – gannets, oystercatchers, knot, redshank, plovers as well as wagtail, linnet, twite and buzzard seen from the garden. The cottage is only an hour and a half ‘s trip from our home but it feels like a different world!!”
C,I and Dogs, Ayrshire, August 2011
” A lovely cottage in a lovely location. We have had a great week and lucky with the weather. Had 2 lovely meals at The Waterfont Hotel. Nice drive out to The Mull of Galloway Lighthouse. Shopping in Stranraer and BBQ’d on the Decking. Thank you for the flowers, groceries, toiletries – much appreciated”
Mr and Mrs J, Merseyside, August 2011
” Thank you, a beautiful place to be. So restful. The cottage is a haven and gods creation surrounds it ”
Mr and Mrs M, Yorkshire, August 2011
“We’ve had a fab week, on this our first visit to Scotland. From The Mull of Galloway, Dunskey Gardens, Red Squirrels, Seals and Cow Mafia!, to climbing Mount Hill Merrick – we’ve had a great time. The cottage is beautiful and makes a perfect base to explore from. Many Thanks x”
The K Family, Buckinghamshire, August 2011
“The cottage is lovely, once again the little touches make the difference. The weather has been hot and sunny. We have made a lot of use of the garden and views and would recommend to anyone looking for a nice location”
Mr and Mrs W, Otley, near Leeds, July 2011
“Came up to attend our neices wedding at Kirkmaiden Church. Had a lovely week despite the weather being hit and miss. The cottage has been home from home and the children have enjoyed staying at the cottage as much as we have. Thank you for all the thoughtful touches”
The P Family, Nottinghamshire, July 2011
“Had a great get away from it all holiday in this fantastic cottage. Enjoyed exploring the area, many beautiful places to see!”
Mrs and Mrs. G, Derby, July 2011
“Had a fantastic, relaxing week in this lovely cottage – just what we needed. The cottage is very well equipped and modern whilst retaining its character. Plenty of wildlife and plenty to do in the locality. Would highly recommend eggs from Alice and Kevs sausages!”
Mr and Mrs. R, Oxford, June 2011
“We’ve had the most wonderful week here. First time across this side of the country and we’ll definitely be back. Pub at Port Logan and Campbells in Portpatrick had lovely food. The beach you recommended on the map south of here was fab! Many thanks for a lovely stay”
Mr and Mrs B, Northumberland, June 2011.
” A beautiful cottage in lovely surroundings. Ideal for the quiet get away from it all week we wanted. Thank you for providing such a nice base for us. Logan Botanic Gardens and the Mull should not be missed. Recommend Tigh Na Mara at Sandhead for a fine meal”
Mr and Mrs N, West Yorkshire, May 2011
” Came up especially to visit Glenwhan Gardens again. They are wonderful at this time of year! We have enjoyed the comfort and warmth of the cottage but feel short changed not being able to enjoy the outside facilities, weather did not permit. The welcome pack was appreciated. Watch for the hare to wander up and down the track….”
Mr and Mrs G, Ripon, May 2011
“The cottage was fantastic, beautifully decorated and very homely. The fridge supplies were very useful and the flowers lovely. There were lots of special touches, loved the scrapbook folder. The information was really helpful. Thank you.”
The I Family, Edinburgh, April 2011
“Had a fantastic few days, weather glorious so lovely views of the sea beyond. Nice to have an outdoor seating/eating area when weather permits. Beautiful cottage, with everything you need supplied. Nice to stay in a well modernised home with lots of natural daylight. Thanks too for the supplies left in the fridge. Will be back”
Mr and Mrs P, Cumbria, March 2011.
“A lovely, secluded, warm, well equipped, stylishly decorated, welcoming cottage in a fantastic Rural location for exploring South West Scotland. Thank you for the welcome pack of groceries and the vase of fresh daffodils. We have had a brilliant holiday exploring the wild beaches and forest areas. We will be coming back!”
Mr and Mrs W and Border Collie, Sheffield. February 2011.
“We are very impressed with your lovely cottage – very tasteful. It is such a beautiful place and everyone should have a chance to see this view of the Sea and the Sunset (saw it Wednesday night). Many Thanks.”
Mr and Mrs. D, York
“A lovely homely cottage with everything we needed. Had a wonderful time, lovely views. We will be coming back”
Mr and Mrs. H, Ilkley, Leeds, December 2010.
“The cottage is very well situated in a lovely part of Scotland. The cottage is like home from home and we had a very relaxing stay. We will definately be coming back.”
Mr and Mrs. W, Leeds, December 2010.
