Email
Airds Farm Self Catering enquiries & reservations: bookscotland@madbookings.com
Other places to stay in and around Castle Douglas
A
superb self-catering holiday at Airds Farm. Leave the crowds, traffic,
pollution and stress behind and re-invigorate your life with a long or
short stay in one of our comfortable houses.
Just the two of you? Airdside will suit your needs at cost you can afford. A group of eight friends? You'll want Airdsmill, with four bedrooms. Both houses are centrally heated and are well-equipped, but different.
Airds Farm Self Catering Accommodation
Airdsmill
Large and Comfortable Self Catering House sleeping 8. This 4 star property
now available for parties of up to 8, with 2 double bedrooms and 2 twin
rooms. Airdsmill has tiled floors throughout its ground floor comprising
lounge, kitchen with dining area, utility room, shower room with facilities
for disabled, separate bathroom with shower and 3 bedroom.
The master en-suite bedroom is on the first floor. The house has underfloor heating powered by a ground source heat pump which also provides domestic hot water. A whole-house ventilation system ensures a constantly fresh atmosphere. For off-season bookings the ambience of a log stove can be enjoyed.
The house features:-
· Double glazing
· Ground source heating & whole-house ventilation system
· Large lounge with 32" widescreen digital TV
· Kitchen with, fridge-freezer, dishwasher, range cooker, microwave
& spacious dining area
· Large shower room with facilities for wheelchair access
· Utility room with automatic washing machine & clothes drying
area
· Bathroom with shower
· Master double bedroom with en-suite shower room & walk-in
wardrobe
· Large twin bedroom
· Double bedroom
· Twin bedroom
· All bed linen & towels supplied
· Free parking for 3 cars (more by agreement)
· Garden with sheltered sitting out area
· All power/heating included in price.
Airdside
Airdside self catering cottage has 1 double, 1 twin and 1 single bedrooms,
sleeps 5.
The house features:-
. Double glazing
. Oil fired central heating with thermostatic valves to radiators
. 28" Widescreen Colour TV with remote control & DVD player
. Fully fitted kitchen with cooker & microwave, fridge & automatic
washing machine
. Bathroom with separate bath & shower
. Master bedroom with wardrobes
. Twin bedroom with wardrobe
. Single Bedroom
. Fitted carpets to all bedrooms and lounge
. All bed linen & towels supplied
. Free parking for 2 cars (more by agreement)
. Use of guesthouse garden & terrace
. All power included in price but heating oil is extra, charged at current
rates per litre by meter.
Size and Make up Of Party
The accommodation is suitable for up to 5 adults. One extra child may
exceptionally be allowed by agreement. Additional persons are not permitted
to use the accommodation.
Bed Linen
The cottage is equipped with duvets and freshly laundered duvet covers
and pillowcases are provided for each person in the party. Towels are
not provided, but can be made available on request for a small extra charge.
Arrival and Departure
The time of arrival on the day of entry shall be 3.00pm or later. Please
do not arrive before that time because due to the need to service and
maintain the property, it will not usually be possible to permit occupation
before that time.
If your booking is out of the main season and is not booked the previous week we will normally advise you in advance that an early occupation is possible. Departure must be made by 10.00am on the day of leaving to allow the owner to service the accommodation.
Bookings over one week in duration
Where booked for a period in excess of 1 week a change of bed linen is
included each 7 days. Making up beds & servicing of the property will
not be carried out unless requested in advance and is subject to an extra
charge.
Transfer of accommodation to parties other than those declared at the outset during the booking is not permitted without prior agreement.
Smoking Policy
Smoking is not permitted within the guest house.
Pet Policy
Dogs (or other pets) may be brought to Airds but are not allowed within
the house (except guide dogs). Where dogs are brought the following conditions
must be met.
1. They should be well behaved and under control at all times and do
not represent a risk or annoyance to the proprietor and his staff, other
customers and visitors.
2. Dogs should be kept on a lead and under control within the steading
and within the proximity of poultry or other animals.
If there is any likelihood that dogs left in vehicles or trailers overnight may bark due to unfamiliar surroundings, presence of persons or other dogs (including the proprietor's dogs) or any other reason, the vehicle or trailer in which they are housed should be parked in the lower car park to avoid disturbance to other customers.
Areas of open land and woodland are available in the near vicinity upon which dogs may be allowed to run, subject only to a duty of care in respect to stock that may be present in adjacent fields.
Safety
Airds Farmhouse is situated within the Airds Farm steading and although
many of the buildings are no longer used for agricultural purposes, farm
activities are still carried out to a limited extent. The garden to the
house that is available for customers' enjoyment, is steep in places and
includes steps and a pond.
For safety reasons the following rules should be observed: -
· Children should be kept under supervision at all times.
· Buildings, barns sheds etc. must not be entered.
· Where tractor operations are in progress keep well clear of the
area.
· Where stock handling operations are in progress ensure a safe
distance is kept.
Keep well away from cattle in fields unless you have experience of farming. In particular dogs must not be allowed to run free around stock of any sort. Cows with young calves at foot are a particular hazard and must not be approached.
It is entirely the customer's responsibility to ensure that he/she and all members of his/her party are aware of these risks and the Owner shall not accept any liability for loss or injury occasioned by failure to observe the foregoing.
Disability Legislation
Pre-existing conditions, such as winding stairs and narrow passageways,
however, do not allow us to cater for all types of disabilities. It is
the responsibility of the customer to notify the proprietor of any special
access or other needs so that they may be advised of any unavoidable limitations
or restrictions affecting their stay. The proprietor will make every effort
to provide whatever assistance and support is required by customers.
Activities and Attractions
Visitors of all types are welcome at Airds. 6 acres of woodland
and grass are available exclusively for recreation by guests while a further
53 acres are let to adjacent farms for grazing of cattle and sheep.
Red kites can be watched wheeling in the sky while you enjoy a hearty breakfast or with luck, our regular visiting greater spotted woodpecker may be seen.
Interested to learn a bit about farming? See how cattle and sheep are raised and managed in the adjacent fields. Watch the spring lambs and new calves playing as the evening gathers in. Learn how silage is produced during the summer for winter cattle feed. Alan & Tricia can answer all your questions (or know a man who can!)
How about a winter break?
Enjoying the outdoors is possible except in the most extreme
weather (rare in this coastal south-westerly location). Winter days are
crisp and bracing and the landscape has its own special beauty. A walk
in the Galloway forest, or one of the well-marked local trails will feed
your soul.
Back to the warmth and comfort of your holiday home for a well-earned meal and relaxing evening in front of a log stove (if you've booked our 4 star house). Clear nights are great for star-gazing. If you're used to town life you'll never have appreciated how bright with stars the night sky can be. You may even see a meteor streak across the sky!
Group bookings
We can help organise an unforgettable experience by arranging transport,
meals and entertainment at local venues. Groups of up to 8 to 10 people
can enjoy a holiday in the farmhouse and up to 13 persons can stay in
our two self-catering houses adjacent, all subject to availability.
Meals can be arranged just a short distance away in our local public house, the Thistle Inn, whose resident chef Nicos will provide traditional Scottish or Greek food to delight your palate. Alternatively, a wide choice of cuisine can be found in Castle Douglas (Scotland's Food Town), or one of the outlying towns or villages.
Why not take advantage of the scenic countryside and quite roads in this under-appreciated part of south west Scotland, to de-stress and celebrate with your friends or relatives? Early booking is advisable, however.
Walks
A sunlit track somewhere in the Galloway forest near Bennan viewpoint
is typical of the many hundreds of miles of forest roads to be found in
the region.
Deer, a common sight if care is taken to walk quietly. Red Kites are also frequently seen and occasionally, a golden eagle. Most of the forest trails are not way-marked, but are freely accessible to walkers.
One can walk for many miles through forest and over cleared land without meeting a soul, so do keep some emergency provisions with you. A small torch, some chocolate or other sustenance and a compass are recommended. Suitable clothing is also essential.
Genealogy
As part of our service to visitors, we offer assistance to those who are
in the process of tracing their ancestors where there is a connection
with Airds or Crossmichael. The following information is available free
of charge to our guests:-
· Details of local organizations which are able to provide advice
and assistance
· Locations of reference documents useful in tracing family history
· Contact information for others known to be researching related
subjects
· Details of known occupants and owners of land of Airds at Crossmichael
The church
The Parish of Crossmichael is recorded as far back as the 12th century.
A building was believed to be present prior to 1547 as the earliest tombstone
in the churchyard is dates thus. The present building dates from 1751,
but includes the round tower of earlier date.
Some evidence suggests that the round tower was built around 1611 by Sir Robert Gordon of Kenmure. The date on the bell (1611) tends to confirm this.
Biking trails
Dalbeattie is only a 15 minute drive from Airds Farm and is becoming recognized
as one of the foremost mountain biking courses in the UK. All grades of
skill are catered for, from relaxed to suicidal.
We can provide secure storage for your bike plus washing facilities. The nearest gardens to airds farm is Threave gardens just outside Castle Douglas.
Gardens
Logan Botanical Gardens in the Rhins of Galloway, near Port Logan include
many species of semi-tropical plants. Warmed by the Gulf Stream, the gardens
enjoy a mild and temperate climate.
Castles
Threave Castle sits on an island in the river Dee about 2 miles from the
town that bears its name. The castle, which is owned by Historic Scotland
is reached only by boat. Caerlaverock Castle is situated south of Dumfries
and is well worth a visit.
Dumfries Museum and Camera Obscura
A treasure house of history, Dumfries Museum tells the story of the land
and people of Dumfries and Galloway. Look out for fossil footprints left
by prehistoric animals, the wildlife of the Solway, tools and weapons
of our earliest people, stone carvings by Scotland's first Christians
and the everyday things of the Victorian farm, workshop and home.
The Camera Obscura, installed in 1836, is on the top floor of the old windmill tower. From it you can see a fascinating panoramic view of Dumfries and the surrounding countryside. A unique experience. Museum trails and fun activities, visitor information and shop with unusual and nostalgic toys, gifts and pocket money buys.
Dalbeattie Museum
Another most interesting museum is the voluntary-run Dalbeattie Museum
which holds many items of Victorian origin. The story of the town's connection
with the RMS Titanic is also covered.
Aviation Museum
Kids of all ages will enjoy a visit to the Dumfries Aviation Museum which
has an interesting collection of aircraft and aviation artifacts.
DIRECTIONS
You're two minutes away from relaxing in comfort after a long
journey when you see our sign on the A713 just north of Crossmichael,
3 miles out of Castle Douglas.
WARNING SAT-NAV Users should note that when travelling from Gretna their equipment is liable to route them via minor roads adding to their journey time. We recommend that an intermediate destinations such as Dumfries is programmed in, bearing in mind, however, that the town is bypassed by remaining on the A75T.
Getting there from the Information Centre:
Starting from the car park, exit into King Street, turning left. Passing
through the town centre, turn right at clock tower into A713 signposted
Ayr.
Continue for 3.5 miles passing through the village of Crossmichael then take the farm road first on right, about 500m after leaving the village. Follow the farm road until the second cattle grid is crossed. You are then within the farmstead.
Getting There by Car:
From the A75T Gretna to Stranraer road take the turn-off adjacent to Castle
Douglas on to the A713, following the signs for Ayr. . Continue for 3.5
miles passing through the village of Crossmichael then take the farm road
first on right (B&B sign), about 500m after leaving the village.
Follow the farm road until the second cattle grid is crossed. You are then within the farmstead. When arriving from the north via the A713, pass through the village of Parton, then continue for about 4 miles when the farm road will be seen on the left, signed Airds Farm B&B.
Getting There by Railway:
To Dumfries station.
Getting there by Aeroplane:
To Glasgow Prestwick or Glasgow International.
Email
Airds Farm Self Catering enquiries & reservations: bookscotland@madbookings.com
