Balcary Tower, Castle Douglas

About this property

Balcary Tower offers that once-in-a-lifetime holiday in a fabulous tower house set on a rock promontory overlooking Balcary Bay, as close as you can get to island living without the trouble of a ferry! The house has the most stunning views at all times of year over the sea to Hestan Island and on across the Solway Frith to the Lake District Hills, the setting makes it the perfect private retreat in a superb coastal setting that is just 30 minutes from Dumfries and only a bit over 1.5 hours to both Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Balcary Tower offers that once-in-a-lifetime holiday in a fabulous tower house set on a rock promontory overlooking Balcary Bay, as close as you can get to island living without the trouble of a ferry! The house has the most stunning views at all times of year over the sea to Hestan Island and on across the Solway Frith to the Lake District Hills, the setting makes it the perfect private retreat in a superb coastal setting.

Originally built in about 1860 the house now provides luxurious accommodation over three floors, ensuring space for all and not forgetting 150mpbs fibre internet. As you enter the light and airy Living room you are immediately drawn to it’s cushiony seating area and large picture window from which you can savour the view over the sparkling sea to Hestan Island, the perfect spot for a quiet relax after a day’s adventuring and exploring on the cobbly sandy beach. In winter you can enjoy the warmth of the wood burning stove as you look out at the stars. There are French doors out onto the balcony which is the perfect spot on a summer’s evening looking out over the lobster rock pool and the sea beyond, as dusk settles you can switch on the flood lighting to light up the pool for a truly magical experience.

The kitchen has all that you could need with granite worktops and modern induction hob and ovens, even a steam oven and wine fridge. There is all you need for preparing that special occasion dinner or just a light lunch; if you would rather have a dinner prepared for you then local caterers are happy to help. There is also a separate breakfast table so that you can enjoy the rising sun with your morning coffee.

The dining room has windows out to the sea and over looking rock pool allowing all guests to enjoy the views. The luxurious furnishings provide a comfortable atmosphere for guests to relax while enjoying their dinner, meal time conversations will swirl around the magnificent views and changing seascape.

Leading from the dining room, through an arch is the snug sitting room. The room has views of both the beach and estuary. There are french doors out on to the side terrace and these create a feeling and space and tranquillity. The furnishing and décor are perfect for just sitting and enjoying the views or cosying up in winter with the glow from the Clearview wood burning stove. If you really can’t leave work behind then there is a wood bureau, no need to loose concentration as the desk does not have a view!

All bedrooms have a sea view and en-suite bathrooms. Three bedrooms are in the tower and one is on the ground floor. All are spacious with individual distinctive furnishing and décor including seating areas and TVs so guests can enjoy privacy, if they are needing a quite relax . The first floor principal bedroom has a dressing area and it’s spacious bathroom has a sunken bath, twin sinks and walk in shower. The sunken bath is beside the large picture window overlooking the sea and out to Hestan Isle, making it a place of peace and tranquillity which you won’t want to leave.

Outside you are spoilt for choice on where to sit and enjoy the views. There is a large terrace to the side of the house with seating and fire pit. The setting is perfect for evening entertaining. Elsewhere along the drive and in the cliff terraced garden there are benches from which to enjoy the different views of the estuary that each vantage point gives.

The cliff garden area is accessed by rough uneven steps and there are unprotected edges by the path so care must be taken and all children supervised. The path winds peacefully through the trees and is worth exploring to discover the hidden pond and in winter and spring there are carpets of snowdrops, daffodils and bluebells, in all there is about 12 acres of grounds to enjoy.

Please note that due to the steep access down to the Sea Rock Pool together with the large steps into the natural rock pool, it should not be seen as a swimming pool. Access to it is only available by separate arrangement.

Despite its secluded setting, the house is conveniently located just a 10-minute drive from Auchencairn, a charming small village that exudes rustic charm. Here, you will find a Post Office, a quaint shop, and a delightful tea room offering local produce when available. For dining and leisurely strolls, the Balcary Bay Hotel and scenic coastal walks are approximately a 10-minute from the property.

Additionally, the attractive and historic towns of Kirkcudbright and Castle Douglas are within easy reach and well worth exploring. These towns offer a variety of cultural attractions, shops, and restaurants, enriching the living experience with their vibrant local communities and rich histories.

In essence, this house provides an idyllic living environment and combines the best of natural beauty, privacy, and convenience. It is a rare find for those who dream of a tranquil coastal retreat with easy access to local amenities and charming towns.

postcode: DG7 1QZ

Balcary Tower accepts short breaks throughout the year with arrival days on Friday, Saturday or Monday for a minimum of 2 nights

damage deposit - £450

STL Licence: DG000639F

EPC: G

Accommodation for 8 over three floors in a Tower House:

Ground floor: Level access to rear Porch and Vestibule; Cloak room with WC; Utility room with door to Cliff garden path; Open plan Family sitting room/ Breakfast/dining area for 6 and Kitchen, all with views to Hestan Isle and the Lake District, wood stove in sitting area (wood fuel NOT included), French doors to balcony overlooking sea rock pool and with views to Hestan Isle and the Lake District; Hallway to Tower accommodation with stairs to Tower bedrooms and front door to terrace seating area; Ground Floor Double bedroom with en-suite, shower room with door to hallway, Store cupboard with wine storage, formal Dining room; 2 steps up to Drawing Room with wood stove (Wood fuel Not included) and french doors with 2 steps down to terrace.

First floor: Stairs up from Hall to Landing; 1 small step up to each bedroom and stair to second floor; Principal Bedroom with King size bed, dressing room, en-suite bathroom with glass wall viewing out to Hestan Isle and the Lake District from the bath, walk in shower and double wash basins; Double bedroom with walk in wardrobe and en-suite bathroom including over bath shower.

Second floor: Double bedroom with wardrobe; 2 steps up from landing to Bathroom including over bath shower.

Outside: Terrace seating with views to Balcary Bay; Wild cliff side garden with small pond; Garage with space for kayaks, golf clubs etc, dog wash and drier; Parking for three cars.

Services: Oil Central heating * 2 Wood Stoves (Wood Fuel not provided)* Bed linen & Towels included * Washing Machine * Drier * Dishwasher * Fridge * 2 Freezers * Microwave * Wifi * Mobile reception variable outside * Sky T.V.* TVs in all bedrooms High chair * Travel Cot* Bicycle/Kyak storage * Balcony and Terrace with furniture * Terrace Fire pit/BBQ* 2 dogs welcome (please note dogs are not allowed on the carpeted floors but are allowed in the Kitchen/living area).

Please note there is a pond in garden and the paths to the cliff garden have rough steps; low walls and in some places no wall with steep drops away from the path, the path is also rough and uneven so care is required and children must be supervised . There is no guest access to the sea rock pool due to the rough and steep steps down to it, the pool also has hidden rock outcrops under the water so is not safe for swimming. Access is only available by separate arrangement.

Extras:- Charges apply for dogs