South West Scotland

We spent a lovely week in the South of Scotland near Dumfries in this delightful cottage with the most beautiful garden and a resident Shetland pony, Maisie.  The owners Carole and Derek are very kind and accommodating nothing is too much trouble for them. The cottage has everything provided, all of the finest quality. There are plenty of soft towels in each bedroom and the bathroom, hot water bottles in each bedroom, very comfortable beds and lovely country views from every window. The lounge has two very comfortable sofas, a large flat screen tv and the kitchen has all utensils to cook anything your heart desires. Carole's good taste and loving touches are seen everywhere. We felt very welcome and on arrival were delighted to find fresh homemade bread and shortbread, the best I have ever tasted. Carole popped in with scones for morning tea one day. It was a really  restful week and  a home away from home.

Carole's Shortbread

225 g Salted Butter
110 g Castor Sugar
170 g Plain Flour
170 g Cornflour

Melt butter and mix with all other ingredients.
Press into baking tin (20cm x 30cms).
Bake at 160 degrees celsius for 45 minutues.
Sprinkle with sugar and cut into fingers within a couple 
of minutes of coming out of the oven. Allow to cool in baking tin.

In every direction you drive you will find lovely little villages. The small town of Thornill with its wide streets lined with 100-year-old lime trees was developed in the 18th century as an estate village for Drumlanrig Castle, home of the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch and Queensberry.  The castle is a fine example of 17th century renaissance architecture.  Savour the flavours of Castle Douglas, known locally as the ‘Food Town’, with its lovely choice of shops and visit Threave Castle where the custodian rows visitors across to the island amongst the swans. The picturesque Artists’ Town of Kirkcudbright is well worth a visit. Here you can watch the fishermen unload their catch; explore the ancient Tollbooth on the historic High Street.

If you would like a week in the beautiful South of Scotland in the perfect cottage contact Destination Diva.