DESCRIPTION
GALLERY
MAP
FLOOR
PLANS
GUEST
COMMENTS
FAQs
Beautifully refurbished to a very high standard, this luxury self-catering listed property retains many original historic features alongside modern conveniences.
Once home to the Stair family chauffeur, the apartment has three large airy bedrooms, an open-plan living area with an open log fire, central heating, a well equipped kitchen with laundry facilities, drying room, a newly equipped bathroom, a new shower room and additional cloakroom, flat screen TV, wi–fi and private car parking. This is the perfect place to relax and unwind.
The Apartment has stunning views overlooking the Victorian Stable Courtyard, the White Loch and the turreted Lochinch Castle. It offers a secluded, private garden area to the rear, perfect for summer barbeques.
Guests are able to enjoy unlimited access to Castle Kennedy Gardens and the surrounding Lochinch Castle Country Estate, with all that these offer through-out the different seasons.
A welcome pack is provided for guests on arrival including 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. Luxury bed linen and towels are also provided (The White Company).
At a glance, the Chauffeur’s Flat offers:
- Sleeps – 6
- 3 Bedrooms (1 super-king and 2 twin beds), 2 Bathrooms (bathroom and showerroom), additional cloakroom
- Open log fire (logs provided)
- Cot and high chair available on request
- Rear garden with barbeque area and outdoor furniture
- Parking area
- All pets welcome with advanced notice
- Kitchen Appliances: Hob, Electric Oven, Dishwasher, Microwave, Washer/Drier, Fridge/Freezer
- Entertainment: Flat Screen TV, Freeview Box, Video, DVD player, wi-fi, iPod dock
- Selection of CDs, board games, classic films and books
- Drying room
- Pay phone and hair dryer
- Cycling – 2 Adult and 2 Child bikes included at own risk
Map and Location Information
The Chauffeur’s Apartment is located in the Stable Courtyard at Lochinch Castle, which is situated in the heart of a traditional rural Scottish estate. Access is through large wrought iron gates and the main drive, located on the A75, east of Castle Kennedy village.
The Chauffeur’s Apartment, The Victorian Stables, Lochinch Castle, Stranraer, Galloway, DG9 8RT
Detailed room description
With its own private entrance and car park, the Chauffeur’s Apartment is located on the first floor of the Victorian Stable Courtyard. An entrance hall and staircase lead directly up to the Apartment. A large entrance hall leads to the main living area, bedroom 3, a newly equipped bathroom and a new shower room with power shower, cloakroom and airing cupboard.
Bedroom 3 is a large double/twin with TV and Victorian furniture. The spacious, light and airy open-plan sitting/dining room has an open log fire, 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 suite that can seat up to 6 completes the room which overlooks the Victorian Stable Courtyard and beyond to the turreted Castle and White Loch. The large, well-equipped kitchen has a dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer, fridge, freezer and a microwave oven.
Beyond the sitting room are two further bedrooms; a large double/twin is situated to the rear of the building and two large windows look out over attractive rhododendron trees. A cosier double/twin bedroom is to the front of the building and looks out over the Victorian Stable Courtyard, Castle and on to White Loch.
Outside, there is a car park and log store. Within the car park there is also a very useful shed containing a barbeque, 2 adult and 2 children’s bicycles, extra patio furniture and a sink. This area is perfect to clean and store any fishing/outdoor equipment you bring with you.
A garden to the rear of the building is surrounded with mature woodland and is a wildlife haven. A private picnic area nearby has an elevated view over Black Loch.
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 a gas hob and an electric oven, a dishwasher and a fridge freezer.
What are the bathroom facilities?
There is a bathroom and a shower room. The bathroom has recently been refurbished with a new bath and shower attachments. The shower room is a new addition and includes a power shower, sink and toilet. There is also an additional cloakroom
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?
The Chauffeur’s Flat is only partially suitable for people with limited mobility due to the staircase. 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
Thompson Family
September, 2019
From the moment we arrived we felt so at home in this lovely apartment. It is cosy and comfortable with everything you need for a fabulous holiday. A real home from home. If you, like us, have a dog and take it out for a late night walk you might be lucky. Walk a short distance to the bench nearby in the Gardens which overlooks the loch below. For several nights after dark we sat there and listened as a stag roared in the forest opposite and was joined by another. Each night was lit by moonlight which made the loch shine like silver. The more we looked the more stars appeared. Beautiful, amazing. This place is magical. We loved it.
Serota Party
August, 2019
It has been a pleasure and a privilege to stay in this lovely apartment and walk daily in the beautiful gardens and grounds. The view over the loch from the Giant’s Grave in the Gardens will long stay with us. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed exploring this corner of Scotland and fully intend to return again. Thank you.
Goble Family
August, 2019
Beautiful scenery and lots of wildlife, enjoyed walks and use of bikes. We saw hares, rabbits, female red deer, heron, cormorants, greylag geese, Canadian geese, buzzards and red squirrels. Thank you for the delicious cake and the bottle of wine, also for the staff at the Tearoom for their kindness.
Mrs Galatola, Lancashire
June, 2018
We had a lovely week staying at the apartment. The Gardens are absolutely beautiful and are splendid to walk in. Naturally the Belted Galloway cattle were greatly admired! Thank you so much for the delicious cake and wine. Everything was so comfortable and well equipped. We shall definitely be back very soon. Thank you!
Clare Family
June, 2017
We have had a wonderful stay at Lochinch. It was my daughter 21st birthday present and she is absolutely in love with the castle, grounds and apartment. Everything was beautifully clean and comfortable. A big thank you to everyone who has made our stay as amazing as it was, and we hope to be back soon!
Simon and Caroline Bowes Lyon, Hertfordshire
May, 2017
This is a marvellous time of year to come. Gardens are superb, with wonderful rhododendrons and embothium. The flat was perfect for us. Clean and comfortable and so well designed. We had excellent cooking for large number (Sally Hare 0787 653 6695).
A lovely holiday for all the family in two flats.
Nicola, Cheshire
April 2016
We have just completed a lovely family holiday. It has been a convenient spot to meet Granny form Northern Ireland and us from Manchester. The apartment is spacious and the fire is easy to light. The children also really enjoyed the activities held here in the gardens – Kite Making and Rocket Launching.
The wildlife – the estate is alive with action, nuthatch, roe deer, red squirrels, oyster catchers and bull finches. Absolutely lovely. Thank you!
Mrs McCaffery, British Columbia
September 2015
Our second time here. As usual, the apartment is sparkling, clean and welcoming. Especially nice was the cake left for us and the welcome pack.
Gardens looked well looked after and evening walk very enjoyable. Saw ospreys, buzzards, loads of deer, hares, bats, pheasants, red squirrels. Weather has been brilliant. Earl and Countess very friendly (met them twice) and the staff we met also friendly.
A true paradise in Scotland. We will be back.
Beverley and Graham Bulmer, Norfolk
September 2014
My husband and I stayed here for a week and the tranquillity and beauty of the gardens continued to hold us in awe on a daily basis.
The only exploration we did off the estate was a tour around the coast to Portpatrick and Port Logan, and down to the Mull of Galloway. Other than this we kept to daily walks (several) around the Lochs and gardens, the longest being around the Black Loch – highly recommended.
We look forward to visiting again. We take with us very fond memories and lots of photos.
Rabeiga Family
August 2014
We were the fortunate ones with nearly two weeks at this wonderful place! Still too short for us! We’re very sad that our holidays are over and but are sure to be back. We have spotted beautiful butterflies, birds of all kinds, pheasants and hares. Our dogs were very pleased with those as well. Ricardo the brave one had a swim in the sea on our way to the Mull of Galloway and even in the Loch.
Thanks to everyone, we felt very welcome!
The King Family
August 2014
This is a lovely place for a family holiday and really nice place to stay in with brilliant grounds to play in. Love from, Amelia and Alex King, Age 8 and 10 yrs old.
What a wonderful relaxing holiday in a place of outstanding beauty, the whole area of the Stair Estate is a real credit to the family and the team of people who work with them. There are so many lovely places to visit in the local area with nice beaches for children to play, particularly Ardwell Bay and Logan Bay. This is our first time at Lochinch Castle and would definitely come back again. The Apartment is warm and welcoming and a very comfortable place to stay, a big thank you for the welcome pack, this was very much appreciated and a kind gesture for a good start to the week.
Diana and Ron Merry and Samantha and Andy King, not forgetting Charlie and Toddy our 2 little Westies.
The Johnson Family, California
July 2014
During our (too short!) stay, we saw a red squirrel, numerous hares, pheasants and about six red deer! We made the drive over to Stranraer to see St John’s Castle and the Museum (great free activities). We also went to Portpatrick to eat and see the tide pools and the Dunskey Castle ruins (what a hike!). We also ate at the Craignelder Hotel; the food/service was excellent. The garden here onsite are very beautiful and picturesque. The apartment exceeded our expectations and we appreciated the hospitable welcome!
Sandra & Allan Hodges & Son Mark
June 2014
We can now appreciate my yearning to revisit Lochinch Castle after 62 years. I have vivid memories of my time spent here as a child (from 1948 – 1951). Sheer beauty and tranquillity. Thank you for everything including wine and cake. Must return in 2015.
The Dearden Family, Lincolnshire
May 2014
This last week has been a most wonderful holiday. The apartment is lovely and comfortable and the delicious chocolate cake and wine were appreciated, also the things in the fridge, thank you.
The gardens and grounds are stunning, you can never see enough, it must take so much work and time to keep them looking so good. We saw hares, woodpeckers and of course the geese and goslings. We would love to come again soon.
The Lay Family, Southfleet, Kent
May 2014
We have had a wonderful time, we went to all the suggested places – Ardwell Bay – was fantastic, a great beach, plenty of space to play and explore Mull of Galloway Lighthouse – really interesting. Port Patrick – lovely restaurants and walks, Castle Kennedy Gardens beautiful. The apartment has been a comfortable, spacious home for the week and we would thoroughly recommend the Estate Tour (we all learnt a lot) and the local fishing (thanks to Muriel for organising it all!).
The children will miss calling their holiday home a castle; we would love to come back.