Oyster Catcher | Holiday Rental in Southerness, Dumfries and Galloway

Holiday home
Oyster Catcher is a charming single storey cottage in a wonderful holiday location, set overlooking the beach and the Solway Firth in Southerness, Dumfries and Galloway. There is a double bedroom, and also a room with a triple bunk, suitable for three people as it has a double bed on the bottom and a single on top. The cottage has a fitted kitchen, and a sitting room with a dining area and gas fire. Outside there is off road parking for one car, while the lawned garden is very well kept, with views to the sea and beach. The amenities of Southerness are a short walk, and with golfing, walking, cycling and wonderful nature all within easy reach, Oyster Catcher makes a charming family base. Note: The garden is not enclosed.

Accomodation Details
All ground floor. Two bedrooms: 1 x double, 1 x triple bunks (double below, single on top). Shower room with shower, basin and WC. Kitchen. Sitting room with dining area and gas fire.

Area
Established in the late 18th century, the village of Southerness looks out over the Solway Firth and forms part of the Colvend coast. Home to two pubs and a village store, the seaside village also boasts two miles of sandy beaches with dunes, rock pools and warm Gulf Stream waters, as well as one of the oldest lighthouses in Scotland. Built in 1748, this beacon was one of the first in the country. Nearby Criffel Hill is an impressive 569m tall and offers varied walks with wonderful views of the farmland and the sands of the Nith Estuary. The Southerness Championship Golf Course is definitely worth playing for its panoramic views of the Solway Firth, the Cumbrian Lake District and the Galloway Hills.

Region
From the lush green farmlands of the Borders to the ruggedness of the Highlands, the Scots are proud of their land and identity. Scotland also has some of Britain's best beaches with glorious stretches of clean sand over which to roam.

Amenities
Electric heating with gas fire. Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, TV with Freeview, DVD, selection of books, games and DVDs. Fuel and power inc. in rent. Bed linen and towels inc. in rent. Cot and highchair. Off road parking for 2 cars. Lawned garden to rear with furniture. Two well-behaved dogs welcome. Sorry, no smoking. Shop and pub 10 mins walk. Note: The garden is not enclosed

Mr Darbyshire

April 2019

Superb location and outlook, cottage is warm and comfortable with a brilliant garden.. Have rebooked for next year and would have no problem recommending it to others, the cottage would greatly benefit from WiFi seeing a mobile phone signal is virtually nonexistent, Vodafone was the best network of all but this only gave coverage for voice calls.

Mrs Barclay

March 2019

The cottage was in a stunning setting and very comfortable.. The bad weather didn't put us off and looking to return when we can enjoy the beautiful garden.

Mrs Chandler

The cottage has amazing views across the bay and was warm and cosy even on a cold day.. Perfectly situated for dog walking. Steps to the beach were quite steep but if you go to the left of the drive there is a path about 100 yards away with easier access. Would definitely go back.

Mrs Chantler

February 2019

We (me, husband and Irish rescue collie Murphy) have just returned from a wonderful week at Oyster Catcher.. It was everything and more as described on the website. It was cosy and warm and very clean to walk into. Murphy loved his walks down the steps to the beach as we did of course! We loved watching all the numerous birds feeding as the tide went out and some mornings we were treated to the spectacle of Barnacle Geese flying from the RSPB Mersehead towards Caerlaverock. We had an interesting walk in the Mabie forest after having had coffee at Mabie House Hotel which is open to non residents and reasonably priced for food which, I believe, is excellent quality although we did not have time to sample it. Next time definitely! Very disappointed with Dumfries as it seemed run down in the centre with many shops closed. Sign of the times I suppose for high streets in general sad to say. Dalbeattie was enjoyable with a friendly feel to the place. Some "proper" butchers' shops there too. Nice coffee/lunch stop at Galloway Soup Co. Rockcliffe is a lovely little spot and worth a visit. The coast path runs in front of the cottage and you can walk for miles either way. I gave a lower score for "facilities" mainly because there were no "facilities" open at this time of year and that is how we like it - nice and quiet - but I thought it worth a mention. The pub Paul Jones is open Thursday to Sunday only low season. The nearest shop is in New Abbey and they appear to stock everything and it is always worth supporting local shops. We have already booked for next year!

Mr Cottam

Ideal base to walk along the Shoreline either way with added advantage of bus service if needed ..

Mr Eldridge

January 2019

Had a great time at this lovely property.. Perfect position at edge of the beach. Would love to get back again.

Alixstix

December 2018

Visited this cottage with a friend and 2 dogs the week before Christmas and what a fabulous time we had. The house feels private due to the well maintained private garden despite the fact these are plenty of other houses along the shore and a large caravan park behind.Theres plenty of room for the dogs to wander around safely with steps down to the beach which can be a bit steep . There's lots of walking on the beach when the tides out and the uninterrupted views are stunning. The cottage itself was compact,warm and cosy.We took rugs for the older dog as the floors wooden in the loungs.Take everything with you in winter as the nearest shop is a few miles away and there's only one local pub open Thursday to Sunday.Theres a lot more facilities available during the summer months. We were looking for somewhere relaxed and comfortable and this wee cottage ticked all the boxes. Hope to return again.

JuliaPearce39

First came here June 2017 with my husband and two very well behaved pooches. Was beautiful and loved it so much that I booked again for August 2018. Sadly I lost my husband and my eldest dog in the week before my booking so it was just my daughter (12) and myself that ended up coming. Got to say this place is absolutely stunning, even when it’s rainjng we sat on the bench at the end of the garden and wat he’s the tide come in. Absolutely breathtaking and soul reviving. I asked my daughter where she would like us to go next year and she said the OysterCatcher so we’ve booked again for next August. Can’t wait to go as I’ve a very psychologically demanding job and will need the rest time. Really love this place. And my lil dawg Dobby even got over her fear of other dogs here too. Roll on next August. Definitely recommend 100%

Mr Shaw

The cottage was clean, comfortable and warm with the facilities and equipment we needed.. The enclosed garden which led directly to the beach was well maintained and excellent for our two dogs. We had a lovely time. Thank you

Miss Roper

Spent a week here with a friend and two dogs just before Christmas and what a fabulous time we had.. The position of the cottage is brilliant with uninterrupted views of the beach.There are a lot of other cottages along the shore and a large caravan park too but this wee gem is still very private due to the beautifully maintained garden that has plenty of areas to relax in (weather permitting ) and lots of space for the dogs to roam.The steps down to the beach were a bit steep for the oldest dog but a more accessible track is not far along the road.When the tide is out there's plenty of beach to explore. The cottage is compact,cosy and very comfortable. There's a pub 10 minutes walk away, this is only open Thursday-Sunday in winter though and the nearest shop is a few miles away, so stock up if you visit at this time of year. Would love to go back in the summer when the weather is warmer.

Mrs Tomlinson

We enjoyed everything about it, we had a amazing holiday, I've already .... We enjoyed everything about it, we had a amazing holiday, I've already recommended you to a friend and shared the link to the cottage to 3 others who are interested we shall be returning to one of your cottages this year thankyou

Fantastic place to unwind.. You do need to be organised out of season as nothing open and nearest shop a good 20mins drive. For dogs it is the closest to heaven with the beautiful garden and beach outside the gate. Wonderful place to be Thank you

Mr Cuffling

September 2018

The holiday chalet is really warm and comfy with excellent sea views and a lovely garden.. Lighthouse leisure who manage the property were very helpful in sending someone out to us with instructions on using the oven, not rocket science when you know how but impossible when you don't.

Mrs Livsey

Absolutely amazing location.. Cottage had everything required. Very thoughtful considerations for example outside light. Prompt response when kitchen light not working properly. Thank you.

Mrs Britton

We had a wonderful holiday, it had to be one of the best cottages we have stayed in.. The location was fantastic. Our dogs loved the very secure garden and the views were as the photos show. Everything was at hand with the local shops at the campsite. We drove to sandyhills beach everyday as the sand was much nicer. Everyone was friendly and the scenery on our drives out were great. We are thinking about booking again for next year it was that good.

Mrs Wooster

August 2018

Fantastic Holiday! Views from the cottage were stunning! The cottage had all the facilities needed, a home from home. Added bonus around the corner for the children was the Park Dean swimming pool and entertainment which could be used at an additional cost. The dog loved it too!!

Mr Skivington

July 2018

Stunning sea views and perfect weather..

margaret r

May 2018

We really enjoyed our stay at Oyster Catcher.The directions given were not very clear but we contacted the office of Lighthouse Leisure(who own the property) they were very helpful@arranged for someone to accompany us. The bungalow is located in a small quiet residential area with fabulous views across the Solway Firth to the Cumbrian coast. The accommodation is comfortable,cosy@homely with everything provided for a great holiday. The sunny garden has been well designed with plenty of sitting out areas to take advantage of the view@the sun at various times of the day. Our dogs had a great time exploring all the nooks@crannies in the safe,private enclosed garden@with direct access onto the beach it was perfect.The steps down to the beach are steep@with only a rope as a handrail,it might be difficult for young children or those less agile.There is easier access to the beach by turning right at the end of lane and walking a few yards down the road. It's been a perfect holiday sunshine everyday(at times too hot to sit out)perfect location.We're going back next year booking it tomorrow. Thank you for a great time.

Miss Aldersley

We had a wonderful holiday at Oyster Catcher (when we found it! ). The cottage itself has everything you need and is very clean and well maintained but the garden and the views are something else. The path down to the beach is ideal and we walked miles along the beach with our dog, collecting shells, rescuing jellyfish and collecting dead crabs!! We we're so lucky with the weather. It was so peaceful and relaxing but we also had access to the facilities on the Lighthouse Leisure complex which was great for my son who loved the pool and the arcade. We planned ahead and got an online Tesco delivery the day we arrived but got fresh meat etc from a local butchers in Dalbeattie. We ate out twice, once at Paul Jones in the village, ok for pub grub and we treated ourselves at the Mabie House Hotel, delicious food, very friendly and relaxed atmosphere, would highly recommend. My only cricism would be the shower. It is just a trickle and the temperature is difficult to get right, it really needs updating. Other than that it was lovely. We got back yesterday and we're going to book again immediately but we're slightly put off by the £68 increase on the same week next year. The weeks either side are considerably cheaper but that's to be expected as it was half term but I'm not sure why the price would increase so much year on year unless significant improvements or refurbishments are planned. Any feedback on this would be appreciated. Thank you

This cottage is in a good location, is cosy and has everything needed for a great holiday.. We arrived a day late due to “the beast from the east”, not knowing what to expect. Packed all my thickest woollies which were needed for outside, but should have packed a Tshirt too - we had to turn fire and radiators off at times. Cottage was very comfortable but the best things were sitting at the table looking up the Solway Firth and the garden gate that lead straight onto the beach (great for the dogs). The view would be improved greatly if a few shrubs were pruned to give views from the window towards Cumbria. It would also be great if there were hooks to hang up wet coats. No WiFi but who cares! Hidden gem

dunardry

April 2018

We stayed here for a week & had a lovely, relaxing time. The cottage was difficult to find at first, but the staff gave us great directions over the phone & we found it easily. The rooms were warm & cozy, nice & clean, comfy beds & right on the beach...although the steps down to the beach are steeper than they looked on the photos. We're all pretty agile, but worth considering if there are mobility issues. The dog absolutely loved it here, running around the beach all day & relaxing beside the fire afterwards...he was exhausted when we left! We had one wet & wild day weatherwise & it's like the edge of the world, very windy, but it didn't detract from the holiday. The local shop was a short walk, although it's worth knowing it has reduced hours during the winter, I think the chippy beside it closes during winter months too if you were thinking of a winter break. We wanted peace & quiet, walks on the beach & relaxation and that's exactly what we got. There is no wifi in the cottage which suited us, but if you live for Facebook, then check before booking. Cottage was well equipped & staff were helpful & friendly, garden is a good size & the dog loved looking over the fence at everyone going along the beach. I would stay here again....

Mrs Young

March 2018

What can I say I didn't want to come home! The cottage was very comfortable, warm and the view was amazing. This was our first holiday with our 10 month old puppy and the garden was great for her, very safe and secure. We struggled with the cooker as there were no instructions so called into the office, they came to help and have now downloaded the instructions. There are so many places to visit in this country I don't normally go to a place more than once but I can't wait to return.

Mr Vince

Our dogs loved the peace & quiet, wonderful views, direct access onto the beach, and so did we.. This all made for a great break in an area we had not been to before. We had fun exploring and driving along some very scenic routes, (just watch out for the potholes!) As always sorry to leave, but hopeful of returning in the not too distant future.

Mrs Wallbank

February 2018

We loved our week at Oyster catcher, it is set in an enclosed garden that our springer spaniels loved and the beach is approx 10 metres from the door.. The bungalow is warm and cosy, with a well equipped kitchen, comfy settees and a fantastic view to feed the soul and a beach that stretches for miles. Totally chillaxing. We were at the Oyster catcher the week when "The Beast from the East" hit, we were house bound for two and a half days but were stocked up and snug, we were not able to explore due to the weather, but we will make up for that the next time we stay there.If you have book to go stay here may I suggest stocking up in Dumfries, which is 16 miles away, we were there out of season, so not everything open. Miss Oyster catcher already, we can't wait until we're back there. Many thanks Sykes for yet another great holiday.

Mr Humphreys

January 2018

A lovely position right next to the beach.. This is our second visit here. Ideal with dogs. Very clean small set up. A bit tight for 5 unless three are children. Perfect for 2 or 3/4 adults. Out of season you need to bring everything with you or you can drive to Dumfries or Dalbeattie to food shop. In the main season there are local shops. Owner is very friendly and will sort things out immediately if asked. Recoomended. Very clean

Mr Christie

November 2017

The few issues we found in the cottage was the that the shower was not great, maybe needs a new spray head.. The bathroom roller blind did not go up or down and the dining table and chairs, one chair nearly collapsed when I sat on it. But overall the cottage was nice and cosy and great for three adults and two small dogs. The garden is secure which was great for the dogs to run around, and the gate out onto the beach acted like a magnet for the them, they loved it. The view from the cottage out onto the beach was great.

beau1982

September 2017

Stayed at the Oyster Catcher for one week in Aug 17 with our two children. Cottage is lovely with beautiful private gardens and access directly onto the beach. Very quiet. Tide goes out a very long way, but this was great for the kids who wanted to go rockpooling. Sandyhills is a short drive away if you want a proper sandy beach. Kitchen is well equipped, had every thing we needed for a weeks stay. Sofas in the lounge are very comfy, provided us with lovely snug throws. Beds very comfortable. Southerness is not to everyone's taste as it's so unusual, this was our first visit there and everyone we came across so was friendly.This place is a little treasure. Local places to eat such as the steamboat inn, Paul Jones hotel are great for food. Cocoa bean choc factory is great for kids. Would recommend to friends and family.

Just could have been I bit cleaner but over all really enjoyed the stay

PamelaMowtown

October 2016

The pictures of the lounge in this cottage bear no resemblance to the furniture that is actually in there - unfortunately the clealiness left a lot to be desired and i would not recomend anyone to stay there at this point in time - the cottage smelled so much we had to buy bleach to clean the sinks - I have been in touch with Sykes who are one of the agent for this proporty and my case has be resolved - but if you see this property on any cottage sites with the white furniture dont expect it to be there when you arrive

jan m

August 2016

we stayed at this property this summer ... but it was a scottish summer ..one good day . the location of the property is great right on the beach . It was very quiet no passing traffic because we were in a dead end and total privacy ,high hedges so although we had neighbours we couldn't see them . The tide is like Cleethorpes when it goes out its gone . It was great for the dog she had a ball , open the gate and away she was running about . If the weather had been better this could of been a real hotspot and sun trap. It has private steps to the beach with a private bench at the top that was great for views across the water to England . At night there was no light pollution so great for star gazing . It was a lovely well presented cottage everything you needed . BUT the beds need to be replaced , I spent all week sleeping on the settee the beds were shocking . all in all I would totally recommend this cottage , a lovely part of the country to visit .

Mrs Bailey

July 2016

The garden was lovely with access straight on to the beach. The dogs loved running around in the spacious garden and walks along the beach in the evening. All in all a lovely property.

AUDREY A

June 2016

Superb property, very clean, well equipped, lovely kitchen. Very private and fabulous garden which was secure and enclosed for the dogs. Fantastic views from the spacious and airy lounge . Even with good weather the beach, which could be accessed from a gate in the garden, was almost deserted and we walked for miles barely seeing a soul. Was sorry to leave and would not hesitate to return and would highly recommend. Only downside was no Wifi connection but could connect at the Paul Jones Hotel , only a short stroll away.

Mrs Clarke

May 2016

The gardens at Oyster Catcher were were very well maintained and arranged to get the most out of the wonderful scenery. Outside seating areas were very good. Kitchen was well stocked, clean and practical, the modern oven was appreciated too. Lots of fluffy white towels provided. We particularly liked the large front room with big views across the bay and to top it all the sofas were very comfortable. Overall we were impressed with the standard of the cottage.

Mr Mcghie

March 2016

Oyster Catcher is situated in a great location, with easy access to the beach. It is a superb cottage with a beautiful garden.

Mr Rhodes

February 2016

This was our second time staying at Oyster Catcher, we loved the cottage and the location right on the beach, perfect for the kids and dog alike. The cottage is very homely and the kids are already asking when we can go back!

Mrs Chezeaud

January 2016

It was very warm and comfortable, particularly at this time of year. The location, although on a large holiday park, was tucked away in a discrete corner. The views, at all times of the day and in all weather, made it a magical location. An excellent experience overall and we will recommend to friends and family.

Mrs Watson

November 2015

The location was good for what we wanted and access to the beach from the garden was an added bonus. The garden was secure so our dog could be allowed out and was safe and secure. The cottage was warm and cosy and there was plenty of lovely thick and very white towels that were available for our use.

Mrs Jones

October 2015

A lovely property which was clean and well furnished. There was a lovely fire in the lounge for chilly evenings. In a fantastic location, loved the garden and the bench by the sea.

Mrs Shardlow

September 2015

The Oyster Catcher is a little gem, we had the most relaxing, peaceful holiday and the view was out of this world. There was nothing we did not like about it.

Neil H

Stunning accommodation with views over Solway Firth, lovely large gardens for the dogs to enjoy. Well equipped could not ask for more.

Mrs Ryding

June 2015

We were very lucky to have great weather and the views from Oyster Catcher were fantastic, both day and night. The gardens, of which there were 3 were just lovely. Walking down steps from the gardens right onto the beach was fabulous and my dogs loved it there. , The area is outstandingly beautiful, the people we met were friendly and helpful. Plenty of nearby forest walks for the dogs. I particularly liked the bench situated half way down the steps leading to the beach where I used to take my coffee and gaze at the sea. Very pleased. Wonderful holiday.

Mr Henderson

We had a peaceful time at Oyster Catcher and enjoyed plenty walks on the beach. This was our second visit to the cottage and we loved it.

McCaig27

April 2015

Warm comfortable cottage with spectacular views across the Solway Firth. We sat in the garden relaxing in the sunshine.

Mrs Halliday

March 2015

We liked the peace, tranquillity, close proximity to the beach and of course the fantastic view. Waking up to rabbits playing in the garden was magical. Even the rain didn't spoil the view.

Scrunchydumpling

The house is a lovely wee place with a lovely outlook and a garden that's been well loved in the past. Everything was clean and tidy with pretty much everything I needed equipment wise. I was there at the tail end of March just as things were being made easy for the start of the season so it was still very quiet - just the way I like it! I was there on my own with my dog and there were plenty of walks along the shore and within a 5 mile drive. The beach is not particularly attractive being coarse sand and silt with a lot of broken shell - mainly ( unsurprisingly) cockles and mussels. Having said that it was a fairly interesting beach with all kinds of flotsam and jetsom washing up. Masses of gnarly driftwood and buoys - the dog thought it was a great place. Things I wish I'd known - 1 unlike every other holiday cottage I've stayed in there was nothing like loo roll or washing up liquid provided ( discovered loo roll problem after racing in after long drive in state of desperation - thank heavens for paper hankies) fortunately the wee shop had just opened for the season. 2 The bed was very very hard. I'm more of a medium to hard mattress kind of woman myself so had to abandon the bed for the very comfy sofa most nights. 3 The directions needed a tiny tweak to prevent me driving round the static caravan park having missed my turn. So here you go - at the bit where you take the right hand fork then the slip road - they do mean the hard-core track that goes up past a notice saying no through road! We had a lovely quiet week - I read five books and did cross stitch and walked the dog. It was a great place to view the solar eclipse too.

February 2015

The property was well represented on the website, but we were so impressed on arrival as it was even better than we had expected. Its location is fabulous, straight out onto the beach and fantastic views of the Solway Firth. A great garden area as well, perfect for the kids and the dog! We enjoyed ourselves so much that we tried to book for later in the year while we were still there, only to find it's booked out until November - not really a surprise! We will definitely book Oyster Catcher again!

Mr Ledsham

January 2015

Had a great stay, a surprising little gem of a place and location. Wouldn't hesitate to book again in the future.

Mr 'wain

December 2014

Oyster Catcher is in a lovely location and it was great to open the back gate and walk down on to the beach also the view from the dining area was stunning. We loved it that you could walk along the beach for miles and didn't need to use the car. the cottage was very cosy with a lovely fire overall we loved it.

Dr Fischbacher

Firstly, let me thank you for a wonderful cottage which surpassed all our expectations.The location was absolutely perfect and the cottage was extremely comfortable and cosy which is essential in any winter break in Scotland! The completely enclosed garden was a bonus for our daughters and dogs which added to our security and comfort. The sea views were incredible and the majestic Criffel was wonderful to view from the top seat of the dining table due to some careful planning of positioning the garden shed! We had some terrific views of the high tides and birds, rabbits etc, which were excellent to draw and paint from the marvellous windows. The large sturdy dining table was not only great to host our family meals, but was also a bonus for our desktop easels! The steps down to the beach were steep, but well worth the climb down. The garden bench on the steps too, afforded some nice star gazing moments and a great vantage point to watch our girls and dogs playing on the beach. Staying out of season too was a wise choice as we had the beach to ourselves! As for the cottage, it was immaculately clean and the linen and towels were luxurious and fresh. All the rooms were maximised to their full potential. The Christmas tree was a really lovely thought and completely unexpected! The Fischbacher family thank you all very much for making this a wonderful and relaxing holiday. Our 5 day break felt like a 2 week holiday. We will definitely return next year.

Mr Williams

September 2014

We really liked the location

christine451

The view and proximity to the sea is what makes the property! it has the wow factor, the tide com es up to the bottom of your garden. The cottage/chalet has everything you need but could do with a deep clean, on first inspection it looks fine, having said this it would not stop us returning. I would advise you to take a windbreak for in the garden as it can get a bit windy. It is an awkward place to find (we had to ask at reception for directions). There is'nt a great deal in Southerness but there are plenty of attractions close by. We did the zip wire at laggan outdoor, the girls went pony trekking and there are plenty of castles. We also went cockle picking and had them for our tea...yummy. Our dog loved the walks along the beach.

Mr Hedges

August 2014

The views from the cottage are stunning and the privacy, peace and quiet were exactly what we wanted for our chilled out holiday.

Mrs Walker

June 2014

Walk out of the garden straight onto the beach with the dogs, great for walking.

May 2014

It was really peaceful and the cottage was spot on! We have booked for next year as we really enjoyed our week.

March 2014

The views from the cottage were amazing. Having the beach so close and in such easy access was a dream. Our daughter and dog loved digging on the beach, even in March! The cottage, along with the roaring fire, felt so cosy and very homely. The surrounding area gave us plenty of options of things to do especially as nature lovers. Definitely a place to go to for a relaxing holiday.

Ms Jeffrey

January 2014

The location of the cottage was amazing, with the garden leading straight onto the beach, perfect for us and our dogs. Good hotel within walking distance, dog friendly and serving wholesome meals.

Guest

Had a lovely week here the peace and beauty is something my sister a I will not forget infact we still talk about it. The service for booking was excellent and helpful .the home was clean only problem really was the settees most uncomfortable especially for the elderly! The location was great the amenities we'll it was the end of season and every thing was closing down but everyone was so friendly and helpful

Mr Goode

December 2013

Could not fault the holiday whatsoever. Peace and Tranquility at its best, perfect for dogs and humans alike, we were reluctant to leave the property so only went away on one day just to buy bread, milk and our beloved Haggis. This cottage is the perfect retreat for anyone wanting to get away from the rigours of everyday life.

Mrs Healey

November 2013

Lovely cottage. Fantastic location.

Mrs Fordham

October 2013

Loved the cottage and setting. I would recommend the cottage, the peace and tranquillity were to die for.

Mr Pickering

I particularly loved the garden and views from the back of the property. It was so private, quiet and restful, with access straight on to the beach (when tide out). The garden was bigger than we expected, with different aspects and corners. It was easy to walk to the dog-friendly pub for a meal. I would recommend having a grocery order delivered if you like to self cater. A lovely relaxed holiday.

Mr Chesterman

Delightful little property, beautifully decorated and furnished,good idea to change white sofas to a more practical dark grey patterned as pet friendly. State of the art fitted kitchen but appliances were a little difficult to fathom, especially the newly fitted induction hob. The garden was a delight and a pleasure to sit and drink in the views as we were fortunate to have temperatures soar to 30*C and have dramatic sunsets and breathtaking sunrises. Steps to the beach were a little tricky and it is a mixture of sand and silt as it is an estuary. Apart from a long lane of these holiday homes and a handful of original buildings (including the now disused lighthouse), Southerness is basically dominated by the 2 massive family orientated caravan parks, although this property was far enough away not to get disturbed.

Mr Stuttard

September 2013

The cottage is in a fantastic location, with the beach at the bottom of the garden steps. It is so quiet. It is such a lovely warm cosy place that wraps its self around you, and makes you feel welcome from the moment you step through the door. We would recommend it to anyone.

janetteSkipton

This cottage must rate as one of the best we have ever stayed in, not for the plushness of the place,it is clean,warm comfortable and homely, but more for the garden and location. The garden has been lovingly created and is an absolute delight, there are hidden patios all over, and the steps lead down on to the beach-a dogs paradice! Be aware the steps are made out of the rock, and are easy enough to negotiate-with care.The views are fantastic no matter what the weather. The cottage has everything you need, a decent sized freezer, which is very rare and much appreciated by the blackberry picking husband, who collected at least 4kg to bring home with us!!! Storeage heaters, which kept the chill off and a wonderful gas fire for the odd night it got just that bit too chilly. Us and our 2 dogs loved it here and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it, we will definately be returning.

August 2013

Idyllically located cottage with cracking views across the estuary from both inside and the delightful totally private garden, dramatic sunsets and breathtaking sunrises too! Beautifully furnished, very comfortable, and the décor was lovely, definitely to our taste. On the whole, a very pleasant and memorable holiday, thank you.

June 2013

A great place to take dogs as there is direct access onto the beach from the garden. The cottage itself is well equipped and very warm and comfortable.

The cottage is set in a lovely garden with far reaching views over the Solway Firth. The beach can be easily reached directly from the garden although less able people may find the steps a little steep. Clean, comfy and warm, pets are welcome but the wooden floors are a little difficult for older dogs and we take a couple of carpet runners with us for our little dog to walk on. This is a nice little cottage with stunning views, on a clear day you can see the Lake District and if it rains you can stay in the warm and watch the sea come and go from the large picture window. We have been in December and april and it is ideal for bird watchers, Rspb reserve close by. Plenty of dog friendly walks in the area. We have visited a couple of times now and I am sure we will again.

Mr Seal

May 2013

Excellent location, secluded garden on a number of levels with direct access to beach. Dog friendly pubs within 10 mins walk. Good central location for trips out.

wood1973

Spent a week at the cottage. First impressions you think wow what a lovely cottage in a great location. Literally at the bottom of the garden there is a gate onto the beach, you cannot get closer to the sand if you tried. The cottage has 2 nicely decorated bedrooms with a double in one and a bunk bed in the other (bottom bunk is a double). The living area has a 3 seat and 2 seat sofa with a good size flat screen tv and a dining table with 4 chairs with views out over the sea. There is also a book case with 20 books and a dozen dvd's to use while your'e there. Outside there is a lovely maintained split level garden with patio chairs and bbq. There is also a shed which is handy for storage of bikes etc. Kitchen area is very functional with a separate hob, oven and microwave . Decent size fridge freezer which would easily cater for family needs and a good washing machine with either a line outside or tumble dryer in shed to dry your clothes on.. The above said I think the detail lets the cottage down.The bathroom is the major disappointment. The shower in the cubicle is electric and due maybe to this and maybe to pressure it isn't at all powerful and i think in summer you would struggle to get all the sand off you. My next issue was the detail of the cleaning. I don't mind cleaning as long as you know up front as guests you have to leave it clean for the next people, however this cottage is supposed to be cleaned but i get the feeling they rely heavily on former guests leaving it that way. Plastic mat inside cubicle was not clean,mugs in cupboard still having coffee rings, oven door still full of debris from previous use. Blankets in cupboard still having dog hairs on them. Don't get me wrong the place is clean it's just the detail of it that lets it down. All the windows have blinds but these are no good for stopping the light entering the room in the early mornings so could disrupt your sleep. Now i'm not a lover of beds that have boards at the foot of the bed as being over 6ft means i cannot stretch out, both beds are like this so i found sleeping uncomfortable not only because of this but also because i think the mattress is of poor quality on the double in the main. The bedding and pillows are all excellent. Same with the utensils in the kitchen, there's enough for 2 but for 4/5 it might be tight. Other things that struck me as odd. 4 chairs at dining table but cottage can sleep 5? Ironing board but no iron? The cottage has parking for 1 car. If you came with 2 i think you would have to park it about 20 metres away before you turned down the slip road for the cottage. You will need to bring all your supplies with you as the mini market in southerness doesn't do much really, otherwise its back to dumfries a 20/25 min drive. The mermaid bar is probably a 3/5 min walk, the 19th hole and john paul jones hotel are probably about just over a 5 minute walk. Apart from this there's a fish and chip shop and amusement arcade in the village. There's also 2 golf courses if your into that. If you need cash the mini market do cash back at a small charge. We were also told we could access the lighthouse leisure wifi (payable) from the cottage. Could pick up no wifi signal or phone signal, saying that the john paul jones hotel has good free wifi and also shows the sky sports on a big screen. i'd also question how suitable the garden is for young kids as a lot of its paved with steps. for pets it seemed fully enclosed so dogs shouldn't escape unless there good jumpers. Thing's i'd recommend galloway activity centre who do various out door stuff up at loch ken but conduct blokarting on southerness beach, Nonalou's tea room in dumfries in the old school house in dumfries if you can find it. The loch arthur creamery at beeswing, look for the sign just after new abbey on the way back to dumfires. There are so many local food producers it really is a shame to go to the supermarket. We did enjoy our stay, the cottage is relaxing, watching the sea and walking the beach but could be so much more with a bit more attention paid to the detail

CambridgeWombat

Really good views across the estuary and the sunrise can be spectacular. Cottage has everything needed for a holiday break. Following previous comments about cleaning, we were there the following week and had no problems so maybe a jolt was all that was needed. The garden is good for dogs but the gate onto the beach has 12 inch gap under it an did not keep the dog in so had to build a barricade. Garden is great and is not overlooked so peaceful and restful. Lots of stone steps so not really good for younger children. Beach is good for dog but remember it is an estuary and does have silt mixed with lower sand. Sandyhills is worth a visit. It costs £1.50 to park but there is a cafe, shop, clean toilets and a picnic area. The beach also has lots of bins so no need for litter!!! A bit of a trip but the Mull of Galloway is really worth a visit, but choose a good day as it is very exposed. Even the cafe is good value and the shop is not extortionate. If you like good food and drink Kings Road in Castle Douglas is a must. Parking is free and the shops are like stepping back in time when service was paramount and the prices were reasonable.

Mrs Bond

April 2013

The cottage was lovely, warm, comfortable with a gorgeous garden.

Mrs Ripley

Our second visit to this cosy cottage, great views of Solway Firth, beautiful location and very restful.

Mrs Craig

The location, the views across to the Lake District were almost alpine looking with the snow on them. The house was also quite comfortable and in fact we could have stayed two weeks.

February 2013

My daughter and I booked the cottage for a break over Christmas break for just the two of us (and our Westie!, after what had been a very difficult year. This was to be our first Christmas on our own. And a break it was. We had a fab time. The cottage is secluded, right on the beach and on the day we arrived, the tide was out, the sun was out and the sky was blue. Its the first time I have ever heard my daughter say "I could live here"! The only thing I would say is if anyone is going over the Christmas break, make sure you have enough provisions to save you travelling 20 miles to the nearest supermarket, as all the local stores are closed over the holiday period. But we managed and we had a fab time. Walking on the beach on Christmas Day was just lovely. The cottage is beautifully maintained and has all the appliances/gadets you could ever need. And even though it was December, we were never cold. Will certainly go back again.

December 2012

Well situated lovely little cottage, we ate breakfast watching the tide come in and the real oyster catchers feeding.

Mrs Singleton

Fantastic location and outlook from the cottage. Direct access onto the beach. Pets allowed. New table and chairs, a welcome addition and also the more extensive cooking utensils and serving dishes.

Mr Jackson

October 2012

Excellent location. Great for the dogs as the well kept garden led straight onto the beach.

Mrs Clifton

September 2012

The garden and choice of patios, views and access to beach.

Mrs Kelly

Excellent holiday home - private access to beach and garden a delight. Totally pet-safe and miles of sandy beach to walk when tide is out. Highly recommend.

Miss Atkinson

August 2012

Superb location of the property - direct and private beach access. Loved it all - would go back tomorrow.

Mrs Wick

July 2012

The location of the property was fantastic, and the garden was fabulous.

Mr Bland

The cottage was everything you could wish for, the location was ideal for a quiet and relaxing holiday, it was also situated perfectly for touring the wonderful surrounding coastline. The back garden was fantastic and secluded with great views across the the Solway Firth. We would highly recommend it.

Mrs Ross

The garden and the easy access to the beach were excellent. Our dogs were most appreciative! A lovely area for walking and birdwatching. Very friendly staff in the office.

Mr Nightingale

The property was secluded, tranquil, and a credit to Sykes. We will be going back next year as we had the most relaxing holiday, and our 2 dogs loved it.

Mrs Dunn

June 2012

Lovely cottage and beautiful garden with wonderful views of the sea.

Mrs McDonald

May 2012

We particularly like the close proximity to the beach and the fantastic garden. Great rock climbing, fishing, bird watching and walking all within a few miles of the lovely cottage.

Mr Smith

March 2012

The location and view was first class. My wife and I and our two small dogs just loved the place; if I could buy it I would. We were so pleased we booked to go back before we left. The long drive was well worth it.

Miss Todd

January 2012

We had a fantastic weekend break at the Oyster Catcher cottage. The cottage was equipped with everything we needed. The place itself was lovely and especially with the access to the beach which the dog also loved.

Ms Dodd

October 2011

Great and we will book again. The staff were friendly and helpful and the location was beautiful. Thank you.

The wonderful secluded garden and easy access to the beach. So much so, I have already booked again for next year and told all my friends about this super cottage.

Mitchell

July 2011

Loved the location, the garden and the tranquillity.

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Oyster Catcher in Southerness, Dumfries and Galloway