Grooms Cottage - A Cottage That Sleeps 4 Guests In 2 Bedrooms

Kirkbean, Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway

Groom’s Cottage, located in Kirkbean, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, is a charismatic accommodation option that can sleep up to four guests in its two bedrooms. Set within the historic grounds of Arbigland House, which boasts ties to American Independence and the Scottish Enlightenment, the cottage offers a unique experience for visitors. The surrounding Arbigland Gardens, accessible to residents at any time and open to the public on select afternoons, feature a mild climate due to their coastal location. The gardens are predominantly woodland, showcasing 200-year-old trees and a diverse collection of camellias, rhododendrons, and azaleas, along with distinctive areas like a Japanese garden, a lake, and a sunken rose garden adorned with a pavilion built by Italian prisoners-of-war.

Refurbished and modernized in 2019, Groom’s Cottage is a Grade B listed property that forms part of the 17th-century stable yard adjacent to the Grade A listed Arbigland House. It can be booked individually or in conjunction with the neighboring Coachman’s Cottage, accommodating larger groups of up to 14 people. A half-mile Broad Walk connects the cottage to the beach along the Solway Firth, where guests can enjoy beachcombing, scenic views of the Cumbrian Hills, and the soothing sounds of nature. The area offers numerous walking opportunities, including trails along the beach towards Powillimount and Southerness, as well as routes leading to local attractions like the acclaimed pub “The Steamboat” at Carsethorn.

Groom’s Cottage serves as an excellent base for various recreational pursuits. Guests can take advantage of the nearby Southerness Links golf course or visit the RSPB Mersehead Reserve, renowned for its spectacular wildlife, especially during winter and spring. The reserve hosts numerous wildlife events throughout the year, providing opportunities for nature enthusiasts to engage in activities such as dawn walks and badger watching. The picturesque villages of Rockcliffe and Kippford nearby offer additional coastal walks, sailing, and local dining options. For those seeking adventure, there are also numerous cycling routes, particularly the 7 Stanes Mountain Bike Routes located a short distance away.

History buffs will find plenty to explore in the area, including Arbigland House and the John Paul Jones Cottage, the birthplace of the American Navy founder. Nearby attractions include the ruins of Sweetheart Abbey and one of the oldest Corn Mills in New Abbey, as well as Dumfries, which features the world’s oldest Camera Obscura. Visitors can trace connections to Robert Burns throughout the region, including at Ellisland Farm where he lived and wrote. Further excursions can lead to Dalbeattie, Castle Douglas, and Kirkcudbright, each offering historical sites, gardens, and cultural experiences that highlight the rich heritage of Dumfries and Galloway.

• Pets Allowed
• Baby Friendly
• Internet
• Open Fire