the waterhouse

natural tranquility


waterhousekbt@aol.com
01557 331266




The Waterhouse beside water An area of garden beside water The Waterhouse with beautiful pink, purple and yellow flowers in the foreground A sunflower in The Waterhouse garden The Waterhouse pictured from rear An area of garden with archway A corner of the Waterhouse from garden Complimentary food and drink outside The Waterhouse The Boathouse beside water An area of garden

The Waterhouse retreat is a haven of peace and tranquillity set in beautiful "Bonnie Galloway", one of the quietest and least populated areas of Britain. Located in rural South West Scotland and only minutes away from a stunning coastline, secluded beaches and the jewel of the South, the Artists town and fishing port of Kirkcudbright, it is a place to gently unwind and discover the diverse beauty, natural wonders and cultural heritage of this often bi-passed gem of Scotland.

The unique, romantic ambience of The Waterhouse is an ideal romantic hideaway for honeymoons, anniversaries and birthdays, as well as a comfortable retreat for garden lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and naturists.

The Waterhouse and Gardens consist of 2 self-catering luxury lodges; The Waterhouse Lodge and The Boathouse, as well as the owners' cottage, set in one and a half acres of beautiful gardens.

The Waterhouse Lodge is a unique, hand crafted eco-wooden hideaway, built by the owners and with a living green roof. It nestles gently in a densely planted cottage garden, surrounding 3 ponds and a stream, heavily scented with roses, buddleia, clematis and honeysuckle.

It has a wrap-around south facing sun deck which overhangs a large pond. A lower deck contains a luxury Hot Tub - just one of the comforts of this romantic retreat.

2 refreshing drinks sitting beside the hot tub

The Hot Tub is heated and used all year round - a winter treat for watching the clearest skies in Britain, as well as relaxing (relatively insect free) on summer evenings. The deck also has a log fuelled fire pit, a portable barbecue, tables for eating, seats and sunbeds.

The Boathouse The Boathouse is a unique, glamping style wooden Wigwam which can ONLY be booked alongside the Waterhouse for larger group holidays. It is fully equipped self-catering accommodation with a double bed, kitchen/dining area, shower/W.C. The small outside deck has a table and 2 chairs. The Wigwam is a very comfortable alternative to The Waterhouse bunk beds for 2, or extra sleeping space to increase The Waterhouse capacity to 6 people.

A couple sit in the hot tub in winter surrounded by snowy landscape.

The secluded, natural garden setting of 1.5 acres allows guests to choose the freedom of being naturist/clothes optional in all areas and Lodges, especially the Hot Tub and is one of the few properties in Scotland to welcome naturism, either privately or with others. Of course, naturism is entirely optional but all visitors may (and usually do) take advantage of the luxury and comfort of using the hot tub, costume free, in complete privacy.

The Waterhouse has become a wildlife sanctuary and the beautiful gardens of this luxury retreat in Galloway are teaming with an abundance of bird species.

Swallows nesting under the eaves of The Waterhouse log cabin are commonly seen swooping across the water, along with bats, helping to keep the gardens remarkably MIDGE FREE! Deer and hares are often seen in neighbouring fields and red squirrels are reasonably common in the area. Red Kites are regular visitors over the gardens and large numbers can be seen at a nearby feeding station. The Galloway Wildlife and conservation Park is just 2 miles away.

Path leading to the hot tub and  sheltered seating area

The location of The Waterhouse, close to the Southern Uplands, The Galloway Forest Park and 7 Staines Cycling route, make them an ideal base for walking, cycling and nature loving family holidays.

Beautiful walks can also be enjoyed directly from the lodges, only minutes from woodland, lochs and moorland, all freely available to guests under Scotland's "Right to Roam" laws. Breeding swans, geese, ducks and moorhens are always present on the lochs and frequently fly overhead, along with circling buzzards.

The Waterhouse beside waterThe Waterhouse beside water

 Snow covered Waterhouse



"Simply the Perfect location for our honeymoon"



"Pretty much my idea of heaven"       "A unique experience"       "Just as good as it looks on the internet!! Amazing little hideaway"       "Thank you for creating this amazing place, exceeded all expectations"        "Fantastic weekend in the beautiful Waterhouse and gardens - Lovely hosts in Martin and Sharon. An excellent introduction into the world of naturism"       "A truly magicalstay, we had the delight of seeing the baby swallows, bats circling the pond, an owl perched at the bottom of the road and even the milky way from the hot tub!"        "Fantastic place - a little paradise in SW Scotland. Peace and tranquilty in abundance"       "When we arrived I couldn't believe it! The photographs online are wonderful but don't do justice to this amazing place"       "The gardens and pond are absolutely beautiful and show the tremendous amount of hard work and passion you have for nature"       
"What a fabulous place to stay! The best self catering accommodation we've ever stayed in"

more custommer comments >
The Waterhouse bedecked with beautiful flowers
The Boathouse
THE BOATHOUSE

The Boathouse is a unique eco glamping style chalet/log cabin which can only be booked alongside the Waterhouse for larger group holidays. Sleeps 2.

WILDLIFE WATCHERS!

Sparrow

Dumfries and Galloway is a wonderful Wildlife area. If you wish to see or photograph wildlife and landscape try - Caerlaverock Wildfowl and Wetland Trust Reserve (host to 2015s' "Autumnwatch" on the BBC) is only an hours drive from The Waterhouse.

Many guests photograph the many birds visiting the gardens from the comfort of the sunroom or the garden decks.

Infrared Night Vision Cameras used in "Autumnwatch" can be used by guests to The Waterhouse by taking a Nocturnal Wildlife Tour near Threave Castle only a 15 min. drive. Book in advance at www.wildlifetours.co.uk

Wildlife Hide Rentals in Kirkcudbright (also featured on Autumnwatch) www.photographyhides.co.uk

Or try Dark Skies photography with a group or 1 to 1 tuition

We hope to organise Astrophotography Workshop weekends over the winter.

If interested contact us or go to www.viridianskies.com There are many Wildlife events throughout the year. Go to www.wildseasons.co.uk

The Times
30 COOLEST PLACES TO LIVE IN BRITAIN

28 KIRKCUDBRIGHT

"Why is it so great?
This is a classic fishing village but what sets it apart is its colony of painters and craft workers drawn by its quaint atmosphere and wonderful light. Kirkcudbright's artistic bent is obvious the minute you walk its streets. Check out the summer festivities."- March 2013


1 Stockarton Cottage,    
Kirkcudbright.
DG6 4XS.