Buchan, Newton Stewart
ID: S135478
- Bedrooms 4
- ・ Sleeps 8
- ・ Pets Yes
Guests say
Guests have had a delightful experience at the Buchan, praising its beautiful, remote location and the tranquillity it offers. The property is described as comfortable, spacious, and well-equipped, with a special mention of the hot tub and the welcoming touches from the caretakers. While some guests faced challenges with the off-grid services and the hot tub maintenance, the overall sentiment is one of relaxation and a desire to return.
There is no specific mention of cleanliness in the reviews, so it is not possible to provide an accurate score for this category.
The location is consistently lauded for its stunning scenery and seclusion, offering a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle. Guests enjoyed the surrounding wildlife and walks, contributing to a high score.
The property is described as warm, comfortable, and welcoming, with ample space and a cosy log burner. The presence of midge screens and the Everhot cooker add to the comfort. However, some guests mentioned issues with heating and the hot tub, slightly affecting the score.
Facilities are generally appreciated, especially the off-grid services, though there are concerns about the reliability of the hot tub and the provision of emergency contact methods. The unique cooking arrangements and the lack of internet or TV reception are seen as part of the charm for some, but a drawback for others.
Caretakers are noted for their friendliness and welcoming gestures, such as a bottle of wine and a welcoming note. However, as these gifts are not mentioned by all guests, their provision may not be consistent, and future guests should be aware that such gestures are a delightful bonus rather than a certainty.
About this property
An original wilderness property overlooking Loch Trool in the heart of the Galloway Forest Park, Britain's first designated 'Dark Sky Park', this historic hunting lodge provides spacious and comfortable accommodation for up to 8 people (Max 6 Adults and 2 Children) who have a sense of adventure and enjoy getting away from it all. For all your amenities Newton Stewart is about 19 miles.
Set in a tranquil, wilderness location surrounded by nature, with direct access to surrounding hills, ancient woodland, forest trails and Loch Trool, the Buchan is a historic 19th Century hunting lodge with impressive environmental credentials. It provides spacious and comfortable accommodation for up to 8 people (maximum of 7 adults plus a child under 12), who have a sense of adventure and enjoy getting away from it all. The house offers excellent opportunities for walking, cycling and general exploring, or you can simply relax in the large conservatory, enjoy the wonderful views, watch the birds, and enjoy off-grid existence. On a clear night, in the heart of the Galloway Dark Sky Park, the star-gazing, and feeling of remoteness, is truly breath-taking.
The Buchan is an eco-house designed to be reliant on nature, with its own hydro-electricity and water supplies. There is full central heating and a wood burning stove provides both heating and hot water. The house facilities are normally straightforward to operate, with guidance provided in the ‘Buchan Manual’. The amounts of power and water available are finite and may need careful management, especially if water levels are low. Most guests enjoy the experience of living in an eco-friendly way within finite resources, but need to be aware that it is different from being on the mains with limitless supplies. There may be times when a practical approach is needed to meet the occasional challenge. Mobile reception (4G) is limited, and there is no TV reception. As of September 2024 Wifi has been installed within the property. Alternative entertainment is provided including a broad selection of board games, a good library, and ample opportunity for conversation and disconnecting from the outside world.
During long periods of very dry weather power can be reduced. High power appliances such as the dishwasher and washing machine may not be available. There is a backup generator and LPG cooker for use on the rare occasions when power is very low.
The hot tub in the conservatory is very popular, but it requires careful management. In periods of very dry weather its use may be restricted or impractical.
There are over two acres of semi-enclosed private land with a small burn and pond. Sheep, cattle and wildlife are all around so pets must be kept under strict control.
Post Code: DG8 6SU (DG8 6FA)
Damage Deposit £150
The Buchan is let Friday - Friday or Monday - Monday. Short breaks are accepted throughout the year for either 3 nights Friday - Monday, or 4 nights Monday - Friday.
A £50 discount will be applied to full week bookings for parties of 4 or less during low & mid periods
STL Licence: DG00226F
EPC: E
Accommodation for 8 people (maximum of 7 adults plus 1 child under 12 years) over two floors: Ground Floor: Living room; Dining room; Kitchen; Conservatory; Twin bedroom; Shower room with WC, Back Hall with boot and coat storage. First Floor: Double bedroom with en-suite bathroom; Twin bedroom with an additional pull-out bed suitable for a child under 12 years of age; 1 Single bedroom. Shower room with WC.
Services: Central heating from hydro-electricity and multi fuel stove with an initial supply of fuel provided * Bed linen & towels are provided * Washing machine * Spin drier * Dishwasher * Fridge/Freezer * wifi * Everhot electric cooker (with back up LPG gas cooker)* Microwave * Cot & Highchair * Hot Tub (see note above) * Pay phone * Parking * Bicycle storage * EV charging available (via 13 amp max on request) * Large 2 acre garden which is not enclosed with picnic table, lawn, woodland, small burn and meadow areas * No smoking * 2 Dogs welcome but must be kept under strict control * (Additional charges apply for pets) Shops 13 miles * Eating out 5 miles.
Reviews (19)
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Alex Mcque
I loved the area and setting in which it was set in the road down into the buchan was really narrow and bridge I only just got through in my big suv but got the sides on my new car scratched by the branches either side realy steep road out going up hill the hot tub took a full day to fill only used it once I would go back but I'd park up in the car park instead and walk down
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Confirmed Guest
Fabulous time was had by all. Beautiful countryside. Lovely walks. Wonderful wildlife. Wonderful to see and hear waterfalls. Never been anywhere so quiet as at the edge of glentrool loch.
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Confirmed Guest
This was a wonderful experience. The water levels were very low, which meant we couldn't use the hot tub, and we had to think about eg not using the kettle and toaster simultaneously. But this was less of a challenge than you might imagine, as the "Everhot" cooker ran continually and did virtually everything - including toast bread and boil water. Our stay in the house included the day of the 2024 general election - and so the absence of a tv signal, wifi or mobile phone coverage was a positive. We really enjoyed the glen and the loch, and hired bikes at the Glentrool hive (£35 for a full day each) to cycle the loch and the paths among the woods. We loved the quiet. We'd love to come back.