Self-Catering at Wagtail Cottage | Holiday Cottages in Southerness

Holiday home
Wagtail Cottage is a small quirky cottage situated in Southerness with other villages nearby, including Castle Douglas, in the region of Dumfries and Galloways. Accommodating four people across 2 bedrooms, one double and one twin, as well as one bathroom. The cottage also contains a living/dining area that leads onto the conservatory. The cottage also has room with a hot tub and sun loungers. To the outside of the cottage there is off road parking for two cars and an enclosed lawned garden with patio and furniture to the rear. With the coast on your door step, Wagtail Cottage is a lovely cottage set in a peaceful part of Scotland.

Accomodation Details
All ground floor. Two bedrooms: 1 x double, 1 x twin. Bathroom with walk-in shower, basin and WC. Kitchen. Sitting room with dining area. Conservatory.

Area
Southerness is a small coastal village established in the late 18th century, which looks out over the Solway Firth, and forms part of the Colvend coast. Home to two pubs, a village store, a leisure centre with a pool and two miles of sandy beaches with sand dunes and rock pools. The nearby Criffel Hill rises to 569m, offers views of the farmland and the sands of the Nith Estuary below, and provides great walking opportunities. Nearby The Southerness Championship Golf Course can also be found. Cumbrian Lake District is to the south and the Galloway Hills to the west. A great location, with something to keep everybody occupied.

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 central heating. Induction oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, WiFi, TV with Freesat, CD player. BBQ. Fuel and power inc. in rent. Bed linen and towels inc. in rent. Off road parking for 2 cars. Enclosed garden with patio and furniture. Summerhouse with fold up table tennis table. Four well-behaved pets welcome. Sorry, no smoking. Shop, pub and dog-friendly beach 2 mins walk. Please note: property has a number of steps leading to entrance and to the rear - may not be suitable for less mobile people. Please note: Property does not accept under 18's, including infants.

Mike R

October 2023

Beware, Cottage flatters to deceive. Looks great, but we quickly realised that silverfish had infested the conservatory. Sykes informed , who contacted owner who did nothing. Spent most of our stay avoiding the best holiday room in the house. Seems from other reviews owner ignores issues, and in our case actually lied to Sykes saying someone had attended and spoke to my young daughter. She is in her 30s and was not on holiday with us. In seeking to avoid taking the insect issue home with us we sought to use the washing machine which tripped out , taking the dishwasher with it , Sykes and owner informed , same response , left for 3 days , until our holiday finished. Hope the next tenants got it fixed .

Stuart G

January 2020

Just arrived at wagtail for birthday celebrations and really looking forward to the hot tub which was not working really disappointed. Summer house is a total disaster no ceiling or lighting. You will need to bring a torch with you because there is no outside lighting can't see your dogs at night and to add to that had to pick up former occupiers dog mess. Will never be back

caravanmanandymand

October 2019

the listing when we booked with sykes stated hot tub. when we arrived ,no active hot tub.rang sykes to be told that all customers had been informed that hot tub out of action.we stated that if that was so we would have changed the venue of our holiday. the summer house was not as the photos with no ceiling and like a shed with cobwebs.awful flooring that stunk. ohhh buy the way the hot tub is still listed on this trip advisor review. still waiting for dome refund.

Mrs Bianchi

May 2019

Wagtail cottage is a small gem of a place.. If you are looking for a pristine, immaculate place you will be disappointed. Instead you get a cosy, comfy cottage that's a bit rough around the edges. Cleanliness wise everything that needed to be clean was. However there was the odd wee hint of dust in the corners, the flooring could do with being renewed in the kitchen and bedrooms but you know what....pets are allowed and my three are mucky pups. The facilities in this cottage were second to none. Absolutely everything was there that we needed and a hot tub to boot. The location is spot on. What a view across the Solway from the garden or the sunroom depending on the weather. The caravan site did not in anyway interfere with our stay. In fact it was great to have a couple of shops and other facilities nearby. We had a meal in the local hotel. The portions are mega and we were pleasantly surprised at the choice. Brilliant when you can't be bothered cooking...it's your hols after all. We had a thoroughly enjoyable stay and we're glad we booked it. Looks like we may have to wait a while to rebook as it appears to be pretty well booked up.

Mr Simpson

April 2019

This is an excellent cottage for those with dogs.. Our Staffy especially loved the garden and the conservatory, as well as the long walks along the beaches (straight from the doorstep). The cottage is very comfortable with beautiful views from the dining area and conservatory. The hot tub is a nice feature and would be even better with a bit more screening from the neighbouring cottage. Although there is a large number of caravans in Southerness, this cottage is tucked away in a very quiet area.

Miss Jackson

February 2019

Wonderful cottage right on the beach.. The fully enclosed back garden was great for my dogs to play safely. The kitchen was the best equipped kitchen we’ve ever stayed in on holiday. Would definitely return if it’s available!

Mrs George

January 2019

A few days before our holiday a rather worrying review was left about Wagtail Cottage and the cleanliness of the hot tub and inadequate cleaning of the bungalow.. I phoned Sykes Cottages to express my concern as we were travelling over 300 miles and didn't want to arrive late afternoon to find similar problems. I cannot fault the response I received from Sykes and was reassured that everything would be fine on our arrival. We arrived in time to let our large Lurcher have a good run on the beach before dark and then settled in. We were warm and comfortable, the kitchen had everything we needed and the beds were clean and comfortable. The hot tub was hot and bubbled. One minor problem there was no lighting outside in the tub area and as it is dark by 5 in January, it would have been a problem finding our way in and out. Luckily, we always go prepared and had one of those LED lights that you can hang up, cost about a tenner in most supermarkets. We hooked that up above the tub and that solved that problem. In January there is nothing open except the pub, which is open Thursday to Sunday. If you want a newspaper, New Abbey, about 6 miles away is your best bet, small shop for basics but check their opening times. Supermarkets, Tesco in Castle Douglas, a Coop in Dalbeattie, or Morrisons in Dumfries. It was just perfect for us, quiet and the dog loved it. The birds we could see from the garden were incredible, I have some wonderful photos and we spent hours walking on the beach. Would definitely go back.

Miss Little

Unfortunately we had to get in touch with yourselves when our hot tub wasn’t being maintained properly which you delt with promptly so thank you or that, but when we contacted the care taker of the cottage he wasn’t helpful at all infact he was a bit rude & told us it wouldn’t be cleaned until after we left.. The furniture in the living area is far from comfortable & my friend & I go away after working a busy Christmas & new year to relax ever year. Our holiday normally consists of long walks, hot tubbing & sitting reading so I’m sure you can imagine we were slightly disappointed. Cleaning of the cottage wasn’t the best, dust behind doors, crisps under the bed in the main bedroom & sweetie wrappers behind the table in the living room. Shame really as this is a lovely little cottage & the location is fantastic so hopefully my feedback will help iron out a few little problems to make it more enjoyable or other guests

nellsmum1

December 2018

The cottage. Is absolutely beautiful inside. The decor comfortable and tasteful, the presentation immaculate but the star of the show is the night time htime view over the solway Firth. Framed by twinkling lights the moon on the water was so tranquil and peaceful I could have watched it until dawn.

Great cottage, great location, lovely little extras, will definitely book again..

Mrs Pritchard

November 2018

I booked this particular location because I believed there was a swimming pool nearby, unfortunately the pool and leisure centre is part of the Parkdean caravan complex and closes end of October, nearest pool was Dumfries and although not too far away would have meant a daily commute of some 60 plus miles.. Although there was a pool available on the Lighthouse caravan site it proved to be a glorified paddling pool and unheated, again because of the seasonal closure of the site. The description of this cottage states a shop, chip shop and restaurant nearby {again closed because of the season] Perhaps this needs to be mentioned in the description. The cottage more than made up for the lack of a pool. It was spotless, comfortable and exceeded our expectations. However like the previous holiday maker we found the oven to be dirty an easy oversight [one I make regularly] would definitely book again

Mr Stewart

Lovely cottage great position, however there were a few problems frying pan was dirty as was the oven, we purchased our own frying pan to fry eggs.. Also there was no beer fridge and a shame the summer house was closed.

walkthehills

October 2018

This cottage's cleanliness is to a poor standard. The cleaner had obviously not entered the bathroom as there was the circles of grime on the sink where the previous guests had stored their toothbrushes. There was bodily hair and built-up grime on the bath tub. There was crumbs on the kitchen floor and food splattered on the kitchen door handles and fridge. On arrival I had to mop all the floors throughout the property - which took three buckets of water as the water was so brown - and clean the kitchen and bathroom. Not how you want to start a holiday! There are no contact details of the owner which was a disappointment as we'd paid a lot of money to hire the cottage. The under par cleanliness was such a shame as this cottage could be a great holiday location if it was managed appropriately. The summer house and garden also need immediate attention as the ceiling is half fallen down in the summer house and is a major safety issue. The garden is in desperate need of some attention as it is looking very uncared for with broken furniture laid around and grass that is overgrown. The hot tub also needs a thorough clean.

Miss Anderson

The cottage is lovely , and the location right next to beach is fantastic.. The cottage caters for all your needs.

LynneandKev

Overall a disappointing week.. The cleanliness was not up to standard, I had to clean the kitchen and wash the floor before we could unpack. On the first evening we noticed the hot tub was switched off, it had not been cleaned and was a stale stagnant pond so unusable. The issue was not resolved until Tuesday so we missed 4 days of using it. The summer house could also not be used as the ceiling was falling down. We didn’t like the area as the 2000 mobile homes in front of the cottage were not mentioned in the description. Plus points, the beds were comfy as were the soft furnishings, beach decor theme was nice.

Great cottage for people like myself with multiple dogs, easy access to the beach, and an almost dog proof garden(I have an escapologist) some parts of the cottage are in need of updating but it’s a very comfortable holiday home. Lots to do in the area. We were looking to book to go back the same week next year but the price had gone up an extra £139 per week and I don’t think it’s worth the extra money so won’t be going back.

Race

September 2018

We were a little apprehensive about coming to the cottage as its had a couple of negative reviews, but I'm so glad we did as the cottage is in a fab location.. As for the negative comments yes the cottage needs a little work in some places but if it was pristine and the garden was landscaped with manicured lawns they wouldn't take dogs and having them with us on holiday is a must. We had a fab comfortable stay at Wagtail cottage and we were going to book for the same week next year only to find it had gone up by £139 which I think is quite a jump in price, which is a pity.

Mr Adamson

August 2018

Lovely holiday .. Cottage a real gem but could be a diamond with a little TLC

Mrs Hennessy

July 2018

Lovely location perfect for us and our dogs will go back

Mrs Wood

June 2018

Disappointed at the state of the garden ,needs a little T L C .. the interior was in need of extra attention to the cleaning aspect of the property ie cooker fridge mirror,s etc .the hot tub had no chemicals put in whilst we were there and the water was dirty ,we would not get in the tub in that state(we have one at home, they need regular attention) BUT. The location was great. l do not blame your company but the owners will lose out if it is not remidid .l would not re book . SORRY .

Mrs Cumming

Wagtail Cottage is such a lovely cottage, so relaxing, brilliant location with fabulous sea views, the seaside theme was perfect for the setting and the icing on the cake was the hot tub which was just such a brilliant place to chill.. The garden needed a little work done to it but the owner is seeing to this. However, this did not in any way spoil anything. There was everything you could need and good instructions for everything which was all easy to use as well as useful local info. We saw a variety of birds including a cormorant which sat with his wings fully spanned on a rock a few mornings which was wonderful. The natterjack toads chorus was lovely as well. It was perfect for the dogs, both practical and secure, they really enjoyed themselves too and only a few minutes away from walks on the beach. It was just all round a wonderfully relaxing place. I would go back in a flash, I didn't want to leave.

Mr Smart

Wagtail cottage was amazing everything a dog lover wants close to virtually .... Wagtail cottage was amazing everything a dog lover wants close to virtually empty beach enclosed garden hot tub was good would recommend to anyone

alwayswantsomething

May 2018

i received a phone call before going to wagtail about the new changes, the owners have listened to every ideas for changes in there book, the new hot tub will be outside EXELLENT the buttons are down from 9 to 3 most people could not work the old one, the place has had another make over with chairs and tables outside, the existing hot tub room now a place to sit and watch the view while it is raining, i took my 4 dogs which had a fantastic time, completely safe to let them run till there hearts content once tired we went back to wagtail for a nice relaxing rest. would i go again? like a shot! loved every second and would quite happily book it more but unfortunately i have to go to work, look forward to going back there next year

Mrs Sisi

We loved this cottage, everything we needed and more.. Lovely extra touches, tea,coffee,biscuits and treats for our dogs. Loved the hot tub. Would definitely book again.

Lovely cottage in equally lovely situation.. good value for money. we all had a great time and will be booking again in the future

Mr Trippett

April 2018

Our holiday was disappointing because of the fiasco with the hot tub.. We were told before we went that the hot tub was broken and a new one was going to be delivered on Tuesday and we were given some money back. The new tub did arrive on Tuesday but the owner wanted it put on the patio and not back in the hut where the old one had been.Because of this an argument took place between the owner and the workmen because they were not qualified to put in the electrics to the new tub in its new position. The owner apologised to us and told us an electrician would come on Wednesday. The caretaker came on Wednesday at about 9.30pm and told us that the electrician was coming on Thursday at 10am. They did arrive at 10am but the work was not completed until 2pm, by which time the weather had changed and it was cold and misty, not the sort of weather we wanted for using an outdoor hot tub. One of the main reasons we booked this property was because it had an indoor hot tub. I hope that it is made clear in your description of the property that it is no longer an indoor hot tub and that no one else is disappointed as we have been.

Mr Tantum

March 2018

Lovely Cottage, great facilities, really good holiday and a credit to the owners.. Would definitely recommend.

Mr Fox

Well; The hot tub was hot and we tubbed – tick The kitchen was well equipped and we cooked – tick The dining area was scenic and we ate - tick The bed was comfortable and we slept – tick The TV functioned and we watched – tick The bathroom was lovely and we bathed – tick The conservatory was delightful and we relaxed - tick The views, the views, the views – Tick tick tick The beach was sandy and we walked, and walked and walked – tick The sea was salty and we swam (well the dogs did! ) – tick Fully functional holiday cottage with idyllic views and glorious peace and quiet, what more could you ask for?

Miss Goldie

December 2017

We loved it here! Everything was perfect! We went in December so is very remote and quiet which is just what we wanted and needed. We went with our two dogs who loved it! Too much too say about the place - was just like home from Home. Beautiful scenery, beach right on the doorstep. Hot tub in its own room facing the sea. Just absolute bliss. Booking for next year right now before it gets booked! Well done to the owners and whoever cleans as it was immaculate, warm and welcoming when we arrived.

Mr Thwaite

Very relaxing the beds were super comfortable and the cottage was warm .... Very relaxing the beds were super comfortable and the cottage was warm Seating in the tv room could be improved but overall a lovely place to stay

Mrs Otoole

November 2017

Lovely hideaway.. All creature comforts catered for; beautifully decorated and clean property, hot tub amazing, beach on your doorstep, beautiful views. Dog friendly ,would recommend getting your shopping before as nearest major supermarket 16miles from the cottage however would highly recommend this property if you are looking for tranquillity and a break from the hustle and bustle of city life

Mrs Mathieson

September 2017

Lovely holiday, quiet and peaceful.. Our two dogs loved the location, so near the beach. Definitely recommend it.

Mrs Weedon

July 2017

Absolutely lovely cottage it exceeded our expectations

June 2017

I rented this property direct off the owner, we have 4 dogs and found no places to rent that takes this amount, We walked onto the beach in 30 seconds the dogs loved the sea it is very shallow all of the time, once we opened the door of wagtail cottage on arrival, everything was spotless, The hot tub is in a room overlooking the beach, which is totally unspoilt and undeveloped. After having a long soak we sat in the conservatory looking out at the sea watching the world go by, i love looking at the stars so once the sun went down the stars lit up, no street lights to ruin this experience while my wife read one of the many books left, There is so much or little to do in this area, We never moved out of Wagtail once as the place felt so much like home, We even ordered our shopping to be delivered from tesco dumfries via the free wi-fi. I tried to book Wagtail cottage this year but found the dates i wanted were already booked, I have now booked later on in the year this is the first place we have booked in scotland, My wife and i loved it the dogs loved it and i know anyone going for a nice relaxing holiday will definitely have that. Trip Advisor has got the address wrong this is overlooking the beach in Southerness not near castle douglas

dizzyluvshols

We rented wagtail earlier this year. Two adults and one large dog! Wagtail is wonderful, it's spotless, comfy, fully equipped and a wonderful destination for a a totally relaxing holiday. Wagtail is very tastefully decorated with a nautical theme throughout, you can tell the owners spent a lot of time and love getting this cottage just right. We spent evenings sat in the conservatory relaxing with a drink or two watching the stars. The hot tub was a huge plus point for us and is fab, it overlooks the Solway Firth and is situated in a separate hot tub house which is great when it rains! Our lab loves the walks onto the beach which was so peaceful and a minute walk from the front door, it meant she didn't need to be on a lead the whole time we were away as traffic is minimal on the road outside. If it's peace and tranquility your looking for then you could not find a better place than wagtail. We are already booked for our next visit.

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Wagtail Cottage in Southerness, Dumfries and Galloway