Guests say
Little Boreland is a much-loved, cosy cottage set in beautiful, secluded grounds teeming with wildlife, including red squirrels and deer. Guests consistently praise its peaceful setting, well-equipped kitchen, and proximity to Gatehouse of Fleet and local attractions. The property is ideal for families and nature lovers, offering plenty of outdoor space and charming walks from the doorstep. Visitors appreciate the comfortable, homely atmosphere and the attentive, helpful owner. While a few mention steep stairs to attic rooms and warm upstairs bedrooms in hot weather, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with many guests eager to return.
Multiple reviews mention the cottage being spotless and very clean on arrival, with no negative comments regarding cleanliness.
The location is highly praised for its tranquillity, beautiful grounds, abundant wildlife, and easy walking access to Gatehouse of Fleet and nearby attractions.
Guests describe the cottage as cosy, comfortable, and homely, with only minor mentions of warm upstairs rooms during hot weather and steep stairs to attic bedrooms.
The property is repeatedly described as well-equipped, with everything needed for cooking, maps, local information, wood burners, and cycling sheds. Some notes around the house are mentioned but do not detract from the overall positive impression.
Guests appreciate the owner's helpfulness and attention, and one review mentions prosecco on arrival. Please note that such gifts are not guaranteed for all stays.
About this property
A late 18th century former farmhouse located close to the coast, set within large gardens and woodland with hill walks from the door..
Ground Floor:
Living room: Smart TV, DVD Player, DAB Radio, Woodburner
Dining room.
Kitchen: Electric Cooker, Microwave, Fridge, Freezer, Dishwasher, Washing Machine
Shower Room: Cubicle Shower, Toilet
First Floor:
Bedroom 1: Double (4ft 6in) Bed
Bedroom 2: Double (4ft 6in) Bed
Bedroom 3: Single (3ft) Bed, (Also Accessed Via Bedroom 2)
Bathroom: Bath With Shower Over, Toilet
Second Floor:
Bedroom 4: 2 x Single (3ft) Beds
Bedroom 5: 2 x Single (3ft) Beds.
Oil central heating, electricity, bed linen, towels and Wi-Fi. Travel cot and highchair. Welcome pack. Lawned garden with patio, garden furniture and barbecue. Bike store. Private parking. No smoking. Please note: There is an unfenced pond and stream, 20 yards away. Couples, family bookings and holidaymakers only.. A late 18th century former farmhouse located close to the coast. Spectacular setting for wildlife, this cottage is a gem, with its own tranquil gardens and woodland on a hillside near Cardoness Castle, with walks directly from the door. Little Boreland, is full of character and is an ideal holiday retreat for all ages from which to explore the beautiful, unspoilt Fleet Valley National Scenic Area. It is within a short stroll, 1/2 a mile, of the conservation town of Gatehouse of Fleet, with shops, cafés, restaurants, local arts and crafts, and the Mill on the Fleet Visitor Centre.
In 1951, Glencairn Balfour Paul saw the house from the road and fell in love with it. His brother Ian, a keen bird watcher and elder of the Kirk, lived there for twenty years from 1990, following which other family members now maintain the house and its grounds through holiday lets. It has caught the eye of many passing artists who have depicted the house and adjoining wood, including early 20th-century local artists such as A R Sturrock and A M Hotchkis. The Balfour Pauls found Little Boreland just magical.
There are sandy beaches and rocky coves along the coast while the hillier countryside is good for walking. Nearby the Galloway Forest Park, known for its starlit dark skies, has excellent cycle paths. There is so much to see and do with castles, prehistoric sites and specialist gardens, thanks to Galloway’s mild climate. Activities for children include Cocobean at Tywnholm, Loch Ken Activity Centre, Red Kites feeding station at Laurieston. There are ample opportunities for fishing, horse riding and golf. Nearby are many attractive towns including Kirkcudbright, the artists’ town, offering boat trips and art and craft shops; Castle Douglas, Scotland’s food town with many specialist shops and nearby Threave Castle and Gardens; Wigtown, Scotland’s national book town, and Creetown featuring the Gem Rock Museum.
Please note: There are steep, spiral or narrow stairs at the property.
Tuesday start for Xmas and/or New Year
The four beds in the attic rooms are more suitable for children but are also fine for adults.
There are open, steep, spiral or narrow stairs at the property.
Families or couples only.
Holidaymakers only.
There is open water in the property grounds.
There are low ceilings, doors and/or beams within the property.
EPC Rating = F
Reviews (15)
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GARETH DAVIES
We had a lovely break,house is quiet with lovely views and is a magnet for wildlife, the birds in particilar, a nuthatch and great spotted woodpecket were daily visitors, we also saw 3 deers, a red squirrel and a fox, as well sd bats in the evening, Gatehouse of fleet is right next door with numerous castles close by including Threave where you ring a bell for the boatman to take you across the river, all in all chill relaxing time was had by all.
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Mandy Blackwell
It’s a lovely house with plenty of outdoor space. Very quiet, lots of wildlife. We had deer in the garden quite close to us. We saw red squirrels on the bird tables, we had a pine marten early one morning. Easy to walk to cafes/shop/pub. Walks from the door. We loved finding waterfalls not too far away that we could swim in, beaches not far away, it was a great holiday.
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Rachel Archibald
We had a lovely stay at Little Boreland with our daughter, son-in-law and two small grandchildren (4 and 1). In some respects it was unfortunate that the weather was sooo hot because the upstairs rooms were very warm and there was no fan. Everything else was really good - the wildlife was a big hit all round and we saw loads of birds and a red squirrel! The town of Gatehouse of Fleet is a 10/15 minute stroll away and has plenty of options for meals given it's small size. We found lots to do with the children both in Gatehouse and within a 30 minute drive. We would definitely like to stay again, the property was a lovely, comfortable, peaceful and private sanctuary to return to after our daily adventures.