Come over the Border, turn left for Dumfries, then continue just about as far west as you can go without falling off the end, and you will arrive at South Airies Farmhouse, a superb and spectacular house, 8 miles from Stranraer on the hammerhead peninsula which stretches into the Irish Sea, the Rhinns of Galloway.
The house has a wonderfully quiet and secluded position, in 32 acres of its own land, surrounded by its own grass garden, with patio area (furniture BBQ) and ample parking at the door. It also has its own little lochan and has wonderful views across the surrounding countryside.
The interior is no less imposing than its situation and the first impression is of wonderful light and space. At South Airies, character and comfort have combined in the happiest of marriages, and the beautiful wood flooring throughout the ground floor is typical of the high quality of this very special house. Downstairs, there is an enormous, state of the art dining kitchen with range cooker and with doors to the garden, a most comfortable TV room with woodburning stove and French doors to garden and a further large sitting room with floor to ceiling windows, a utility room and a games room with second wood burning stove, table tennis and darts. There is one bedroom downstairs, with an en suite wetroom, making it ideal for less able guests, while upstairs there are three further bedrooms, one with en suite shower, a further bathroom and a study. All bedrooms have ziplink beds, making this very versatile accommodation indeed and even more attractive for larger parties of fishermen or shooters who require single beds. There are also four additional pull-out beds in the games room (charge) which will make it perfect heaven for children will adore being able to sleep altogether alongside the games facilities, (which may also win some welcome peace for their parents!)
South Airies represents true, gracious country living. Binoculars are an absolutely essential piece of equipment for a stay here, and all those interested in wildlife will be held captivated for hours by the views from the windows. Beyond the trout loch is a marshy area where you will see all manner of wetland birds, while you may also spot roe deer and pheasants around the house. If your interest goes beyond just watching, you will find first-class loch and sea fishing close by (there is room for guests' own boat at the house) with shooting on the Corsewall and Dunskey estates. Excellent walks may be enjoyed straight from the door and there are opportunities too for cycling. There is riding 10 minutes away at Lochnaw and also at Port Logan, where you can also visit the famous Gardens. Guests with an interest in gardens are quite spoiled for choice here, with those at Castle Kennedy and Threave also within easy distance.
The area is renowned, too, for its excellent golf courses at Dunskey, Lagganmore and Stranraer. Those hoping to visit the Open at Turnberry this summer will find that it is only an hour's drive from the house.
There are beaches with golden sands, notably at Luce Bay, and lovely villages such as nearby Portpatrick, to visit, with excellent shops and eating places. For major shopping, Stranraer is the place, and from there you can catch the ferry to Ireland if you feel like going 'abroad' for the day. To the east beyond Stranraer, The Machars, the Isle of Whithorn and the Glentrool Forest Park await exploration. Or you may drive to the end of the Mull of Galloway, the very south-westernmost tip of Scotland, where there is a lighthouse, a visitor centre and an RSPB reserve. South Airies really is the perfect base for a holiday that will meet the highest expectations of all members of the party.
A cook and cleaner can be available on request (charge).
Bed linen, towels, oil central heating and electricity are all INCLUDED. Well-behaved pets are welcome by arrangement but must not be allowed on the furniture or bedding and should be confined to the games room overnight. Smoking is not permitted within the house. Wi-Fi is available, subject to provider.
