DESCRIPTION
GALLERY
MAP
FLOOR
PLANS
GUEST
COMMENTS
FAQs
Beautifully restored and carefully finished to an exceptionally high standard, this beautiful self-catering property retains many of its original features and is set within a designed landscape.
Ice House Cottage is situated close to the remains of the Victorian Ice House and is a short walk from the Home Farm and Lochinch Castle, which form part of the Lochinch Castle Heritage Estate.
Ice House Cottage is a picturesque single storey building with Farrow and Ball walls, Colefax and Fowler fabrics, luxurious White Company bed linen and a mixture of antiques and contemporary furniture. The Cottage enjoys a peaceful aspect overlooking an extensive garden and the picturesque hill known as Balker Brae and Balker Moor beyond.
The centrally heated Cottage has a sunny, comfortable living/dining room with a log burning stove, stylish fully equipped kitchen with a Belfast sink, two gorgeous bedrooms, a well-appointed bathroom, luxurious bed linen and large towels from the White Company, flat screen TV, wi–fi, a large garden, climbing frame, out-building, free fire logs, bikes and private car parking.
Guests are able to enjoy unlimited access to Castle Kennedy Gardens and the surrounding Lochinch Castle Heritage Estate, and all that they offer through-out the different seasons.
A welcome pack is provided for guests on arrival including a bottle of milk, bread, jam, butter, tea, coffee and fresh flowers from the garden (when in season). The cottage is well equipped with the general basics from washing-up liquid to bin bags and loo roll.
This is a perfectly peaceful haven for a special occasion or just to relax and unwind.
At a glance, Ice House Cottage offers:
- Sleeps – 4
- 2 Bedrooms (a double and a twin)
- 1 Bath (bath and shower)
- Log Burning Stove (logs provided)
- Cot and high chair available on request
- Large garden with climbing frame/swings, barbeque area and outdoor furniture
- All pets welcome with advanced notice
- Private parking area
- Kitchen Appliances: Gas hob, Electric Oven, Dishwasher, Microwave, Washer/Drier, Fridge/Freezer
- Entertainment: Flat screen TV, Freeview Box, DVD player, wi-fi, iPod dock
- The White Company bed linen and towels
- Selection of CDs, board games, classic films and books
- Pay phone and hair dryer
- Cycling – 2 adult and 2 children’s bikes included at own risk
Map and Location Information
Located on a private road close to the home farm, Balker Farms, Ice House Cottage is situated in a valley overlooking the Galloway Hills, approximately 3 miles from Stranraer.
Detailed Room Description
The front door opens to an attractive passage, which connects with the main living area, kitchen, bedrooms and bathroom.
The sunny and welcoming sitting/dining room has a wood burning stove and plenty of comfortable seating, TV, DVD and Freeview Digital receiver along with an ipod dock/speaker system and a midi sound system. . A selection of classic films, books and games should while away a few hours and a dining table that can seat up to 6 completes the room which overlooks the garden and surrounding wood in one direction and the fields and hills beyond in the other.
The stylish new kitchen is well equipped with a Belfast sink, dishwasher, fridge, freezer, clothes washer/dryer, breakfast area and a microwave, cooker and an oven.
The pretty first bedroom contains twin beds with comfortable mattresses and the second larger room has a superb quality king size bed. The bedrooms are prepared with the finest cotton bed linen and luxuriously indulgent soft towels from The White Company.
The bathroom contains a new, traditional white bath, sink and w.c. with a powerful over bath shower.
Outside, there is a large private garden that contains some beautiful flowering plants, a climbing frame with swings, an outside seating area area and a log store. An attractive traditional stone outhouse in the garden contains a barbeque, bicycles and garden furniture. There is ample private car parking at the side of the property.
What you need to know about this property
Does this property allow dogs?
Yes. We welcome all well-behaved dogs, and permit a maximum of two per property. They must be kept off furniture and be under proper control.
How is this property accessed?
Via an estate drive.
What is the nearest station and how far away is it?
Stranraer Station, 3 miles away
Is there a private car park?
Yes, adjacent to the property
What type of heating does this property have?
Central heating and an open fire
How can I get fuel for the open fire or stove?
Logs are provided at no additional cost
What are the kitchen facilities?
The kitchen is fully equipped with all plates, cutlery, and cooking implements. There is an electric hob and an electric oven, a dishwasher and a fridge freezer.
What are the bathroom facilities?
There is one bathroom with a bath and shower attachments.
Does this property have a staircase?
Yes. The Apartment is access via a staircase as it is located on the first floor.
Is linen provided?
Yes bed linen and towels are provided. All the beds will be made up prior to your arrival.
Will there be a mobile signal?
Mobile coverage can be patchy and intermittent. A payphone is available to use.
Is there WiFi?
Yes there is WiFi.
Is there a garden or outside space?
There is a private garden to the rear of the property for your use. Unlimited access is also given to Castle Kennedy Gardens and the surrounding Lochinch Castle Estate.
BOOKING AND PAYMENT
Will I need to pay a deposit?
If your stay starts more than two months from the date you make the booking a deposit of 50% is required at the time of the booking.
How can I pay?
We accept Maestro, Visa, MasterCard, direct transfer and sterling cheques drown on a UK bank. All payments must be made in sterling.
How do I pick up a key?
Our Housekeeper will be in touch with you the week before you arrive to confirm the arrangement.
How can I cancel or change my booking?
If you wish to cancel or change your booking please email housekeeping@lochinchcastle.com or call the Estate Office on 01776 702 024.
What if I arrive late?
Please let our Housekeeper know if you will be arriving late.
Do you accept payment in other currencies?
We only accept payment in sterling
How far in advance do I need to book?
It depends. Our properties can be booked up a long time in advance, but they can also be booked at short notice. It’s worth checking our availability list.
STAYING AT OUR HOLIDAY COTTAGES
Do you provide catering?
If required we can provide a tasty homemade meal ready to heat up, on arrival and/or breakfast ingredients for the following morning, particularly welcome if you are anticipating a late arrival. Wherever possible the above food items will be locally sourced. For more information email housekeeping@lochinchcastle.com.
Do you allow dogs?
We welcome all well-behaved dogs, and permit a maximum of two per property. They must be kept off furniture and be under proper control.
Insured if I break something?
We do not carry insurance for breakages. However we appreciate that accidents do sometimes happen. If you have a breakage during your stay, please let the Housekeeper know and if appropriate we reserve the right to withhold the deposit and to invoice you accordingly.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, our properties are perfect for children, with gardens to play in and secret places to discover. We positively encourage families to stay.
Is it accessible for people with disabilities or limited mobility?
Ice House Cottage is suitable for people with limited mobility. We recommend that you contact our Housekeeper to confirm specific requirements.
Can I get married there?
Yes, Lochinch Castle and Castle Kennedy Gardens are licensed to hold weddings.
Can I hold a big party there?
Our properties are perfect for gatherings of family and friends. You may invite an additional two guests to visit during your stay; however they must not stay overnight. This is important because our fire regulations specifically note the maximum number of people in any one building. In addition our properties are prepared, furnished and equipped for the number of people specified. Should this be ignored we will make a retrospective charge per person per day.
Guest Comments
Gallagher
December, 2019
Thank you for another luxurious stay at Ice House Cottage and for the second time over Christmas. Every single time we stay it gets better. Best care ever. Thank so much for the Fudge cake. Can’t wait to come back next time. We went to Tigh-Na-Mara in Sandhead, spent time in Stranraer with family, explored Portpatrick, visited the Crown, and just spent time on the Estate. One of our favourite things is the huge swing. Loved the stay. Thank you to all the staff and Estate for a very warm welcome and fab holiday.
Anson Family
November, 2019
Really enjoyed our first visit here with my cousin and her husband who have been many times. Extremely comfortable warm cottage with everything you could possibly require provided. The supplies in the fridge and the beautiful cake are a lovely touch. The garden is perfect for Meg the dog too. Many thanks for the extra hour to watch the rugby.
Wright Family
October, 2019
Our first visit and had an amazing time. We cycled up to the castle and walked back up the steep hill. We visited the Tearoom and did the Pumpkin Trail. We saw a frog and lots of pheasants. Thank you for the welcome pack. Please thank Fiona for the cake, it was delicious, as was the shepherd’s pie. We really enjoyed our stay and hope to come again.
Skinner Party
October, 2019
First holiday in Dumfries and Galloway and the layout of Ice House was supremely comfortable and has set the bar high for any future visits. The quality and level of comfort reflects the very considerable effort that has gone into establishing this beautiful and traditional building. The North & South Rhins is a gentle rolling agricultural area but encircled by a changeable sea and an accessible coastline. We loved it. Even in mid October the flora offers up. The estate is loved. That’s very clear to see. We shall plan a second visit.
The peace and privacy will be a lasting recollection for us both.
Wilding-Young
August, 2019
Our first stay at Ice House Cottage and hopefully not our last. The cottage is brilliantly placed and Jenson our dog has loved the fenced garden and running up and down the little hill on his long line. We loved days in the garden, visiting local beaches and of course many visits to Castle Kennedy Gardens. Had a lovely warm welcome every time and delicious cakes (thanks ever so much for the one in the welcome pack, scrumptious). The garden is a haven for birds and butterflies. Thank you for letting us have such a relaxing break.
Huntington
August, 2019
Welcome pack fab. Chocolate fudge cake was delicious. Cottage beautiful. Cosy with log burner lit. Places to visit: Sandhead beach, Portpartrick very pretty, Mull of Galloway spectacular. We had hoped to see Red Deer, we actually saw 20 plus on our first night here just outside the front door. Amazing.
Schwajda
July 2018
Had an amazing time here, filled with happiness. Weather was fantastic throughout the 2 weeks we stayed here. The gardens were fabulous. We walked 1-2 hours every day. The staff were very kind and helpful. The beaches in the area were absolutely stunning, and would recommend visiting Portpatrick and the beaches nearby. It was really hard for us to leave this beautiful cottage and gardens, but we will definitely be back. Thank you.
Brabyn Family
July 2017
What a beautiful place! We have enjoyed some lovely walks here with some wonderful views. Our dog Molly fell in love with the house as soon as we stepped through the doorway. A fantastic chocolate cake filled us up after our walk. The garden has been a fabulous play area for us and the dog. The first couple of things we saw were all the moves and the telly and the second thing was the 39 Steps. As soon as my Dad saw that book, he fell in love with it and we decided we had to read it before we went. We also loved the Scottish music! Thank you so much for everything! We will definitely be coming back!
Jennie, Paul, Rosie and Holly Godwin, Bakewell
June, 2016
Thank you. What a fabulous little cottage in a stunning location. We had sun all week and enjoyed New England Bay and Ardwell Bay (opposite side to Ardwell). Corsewall light house was a sunning location for a 5 star 5 course meal.
Castle Kennedy was the ideal place for biking to and from the cottage. The Ranger on Sunday was brilliant. My kids have some lovely leaf based art to take back home. Best welcome pack ever. Chocolate cake went down very well with kids, parents and visiting grandparents.
We are going home to decide where to put up a map in our house in the Peak District – Love this feature. Thank you to all the staff and Estate for a very warm welcome and fab holiday.
Peter & Claudia Gallaghan, Germany
May, 2016
We had a glorious week in a splendid cottage. The cake was yummy and the wine most welcome. We have travelled the area from Corsewall Lighthouse to the lighthouse at the Mull of Galloway and in between, and have seen everything including red squirrels.
Beautiful walks within the grounds with Miss Daisy (Border Terrier) and Ness (Labrador). Our thanks to all who made our holiday so good.
Ms Rachel Kilpin, Wigton
May, 2016
The Icehouse Cottage is beautiful. When my mum entered she was so taken aback by how beautifully furnished and clean it was, along with the stunning rhododendrons and well maintained garden, she fought back the tears. Thank you.
Mr and Mrs Brough & Freddie Brough (11 month old cocker spaniel)!
June 2015
Brilliant week, cottage was perfect, everything we needed was provided for. Great walks around the estate (with the occasional swim for the aforementioned spaniel).
Wildlife seen, pheasants, hares, heron, swans, geese, mallard ducks, buzzards, fox and a kestrel (out of the living room window).
On the Head Gardeners walk we also saw a field mouse and a bat. We’ll be back.
Frank and Jean Aldred
June 2015
The furnishings decoration especially the wall paintings appealed greatly – a Victorian gem so appropriate to its setting.
It has been a joy to drive through the magnificent scenery of Castle Kennedy and Lochinch and to explore the beauty of their gardens- finding so many new trees and flowers. What a beautiful place.
We felt very privileged to have visited it and thank you so much for the opportunity – it has been really breath taking – sorry we had to leave.
Martyn and Birgit Warnas, Holland
June 2015
Cottage exceeded expectations, lovely furnishings and everything we could possibly need and more.
Great walks around the estate, enjoyed the Head Gardeners Walk. Spotted a field mouse, buzzards, hares and pheasants. Around 9.30pm each evening, 3 red deer stags showed up just behind the garden fence. They would spend about 10 minutes enjoying the grass and move back into the woods. We were ecstatic the first night, and got to film them, take loads of pics and even shared the view with our family through FaceTime.
Recommend lunch at the Crown Hotel in Portpatrick and spending the afternoon at Mull of Galloway Lighthouse area.