Townhead of Auchenbainzie is a charming, two-hundred-year-old stone cottage nestled in the Scottish hills, with no other houses in sight and wonderful views all around.
It is located a short drive from the village of Thornhill in Dumfries and Galloway, a region renowned for its un-spoilt natural beauty, and has wonderful hill and woodland walks, castles and forts, and local artist studios on the doorstep.
With a warm welcome for two well-behaved pets, this delightful retreat offers an ideal escape for families or friends seeking a tranquil countryside getaway.
Inside, you will be greeted by a large hallway paved with the local pink sandstone, providing ample space for adventure shoes and coats.
Off the hallway are the two ground floor bedrooms – a snug front bedroom with a king-size bed which can be converted to twin 2’6” bids on request (perfect for children or friends sharing), and a spacious double with a basin and access to the ground floor bathroom with walk-in shower, basin and WC.
Upstairs, there are two additional bedrooms; another inviting double and a twin, ensuring ample space for all guests, as well as a desk that is a great spot for work or writing, with views over the hills.
The property also boasts a large bathroom on the mezzanine level, complete with a bath and handheld shower, providing a calming space to unwind and freshen up after a day of exploration.
On the other side of the hallway is a double sitting room, with sofas surrounding the open fire, a Smart TV and a DVD player, lots of books and games, and a desk and card table – an ideal space for rainy days and lazy evenings.
Through the living room, you get to the large kitchen – the hub of the house, with a spacious open plan dining area, and the electric Aga creating a toasty atmosphere.
French doors open from the kitchen to a south-facing sandstone terrace with a table and chairs, perfect for summer al fresco lunches, with an electric awning to provide shade.
From the kitchen, you can watch the garden feeders, which teem with birds, including yellow hammers, goldfinches, and spotted woodpeckers.
Adjacent to the kitchen, you will find a handy utility and boot room housing a microwave, washing machine, tumble dryer,r and sink, as well as a cloakroom, ensuring all the practicalities of your stay are taken care of.
Beyond the kitchen, you get to the enormous, converted barn, perfect for entertaining.
It has its original beams, porthole windows (sometimes containing birds’ nests), a woodburning stove, two 3-seater sofas, a large dining table seating 10, and a table tennis table.
A spiral staircase leads up to the mezzanine (where the old hay loft was), which has two small single beds (these are not to be used for overnight stays).
The large door at the end of the barn leads to a west-facing patio and lawn – a perfect spot for an evening drink whilst you watch the sun set over the distant hills and listen to birdsong echoing from the valley below.
There is no light pollution, so on clear evenings the sky is filled with stars – the region is home to one of the UK’s only ‘dark skies’ parks.
The property is surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens with lawns, providing a serene spot to enjoy the rural surroundings.
A barbecue and fire bowl are provided in the shed for balmy evenings outdoors.
Step out from your peaceful retreat and explore the beauty of Dumfries and Galloway.
Just a short drive away, the majestic Drumlanrig Castle & Gardens—known as the ‘Pink Palace’—offers scenic woodland walks and, in warm weather, a chance to swim in the River Nith, where otters are sometimes seen.
Check the website for opening times and events like fairs and festivals.
Nearby Penpont is home to renowned landscape artist Andy Goldsworthy, with many of his works scattered across the region.
Literature lovers can visit the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum to explore the poet’s early life.
For a city escape, Glasgow is within easy reach, offering cultural gems like the Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Glasgow Botanic Gardens, and the stunning Gothic Glasgow Cathedral.
End your day at the Glasgow Science Centre, where interactive exhibits delight visitors of all ages.
After wonderful days of exploring, head back to your serene retreat at Townhead of Auchenbainzie, the perfect home away from home.