Email Cormorant Cottage enquiries & reservations: bookscotland@madbookings.com
Other places to stay in and around Gretna
Self catering cottages near Gretna in a superb location on the Solway
shore, outstanding views, ideal for a restful holiday, birdwatching, touring
the Scottish and English borders, or a honeymoon!
Come for a tranquil holiday in a truly beautiful setting on the Scottish shore of the Solway Firth. They are located in the tiny Scottish hamlet of Browhouses, less than 4 miles (6 km) from Gretna and Gretna Green.
Our delightful traditional sandstone cottages were built over 150 years ago, as fishermen's cottages. They have been tastefully renovated to a high standard, and are very well equipped to provide a comfortable, convenient and restful "home from home".
They are located in the tiny Scottish hamlet of Browhouses, less than 4 miles from Gretna and Gretna Green. The cottages are situated right on the shore of the Solway Firth. This estuary is tidal, and from the lounge window of your cottage you can watch the ever-changing vista of sky, sea and wildlife. The cottages are named after the birds that can often be seen on the estuary at low tide.
Cormorant Cottage Accommodation
Each cottage can sleep up to four people and has its own garden with patio area and garden furniture. A barbecue is provided and free parking is available near to each cottage.
Cormorant Cottage has a double bedroom, and a second bedroom with twin beds. (Both bedrooms feature the original exposed stone walls)
Here's a brief outline of the facilities provided in each cottage:
The lounge includes a flat-screen digital Colour TV (FreeView), stereo radio/CD/tape unit, settee and/or easy chairs for four people, dining table and chairs, and a comprehensive selection of books, magazines, games and tourist information. The lounge in Cormorant Cottage also features original exposed stone walls.
Bedrooms are equipped with wardrobes, chests of drawers, bedside tables, bedside lighting, hair drier and radio/alarm clock. Bedlinen is provided free of charge (duvets).A cot and high chair is available in each cottage (please note that we do not provide bedding for the cot).
The modern fitted kitchen includes:
. Automatic washing machine/spin drier
. Full-size four-ring electric cooker
. Microwave oven
. Refrigerator/freezer
. Electric kettle, toaster, iron and ironing board
. A good supply of crockery, cutlery, pans, glasses, etc.
Cormorant Cottage has a bath and shower (over the bath), whilst Dunlin Cottage has a shower; each has a washbasin, WC, bathroom heater and heated towel rail. Electric storage radiators and electric fires provide heating. Electricity is included in the hire charge.
Each cottage has its own private garden, with patio area, garden furniture, and a barbecue. Ample free parking is available outside each cottage. Fresh flowers, and a complimentary bottle of wine, await your arrival at our delightful cottages!
Local Attractions
Gretna Green (4miles) is the traditional centre for romantic "runaway"
marriages, and it is still possible to renew your marriage vows "over
the anvil" if you so desire! Many couples have also stayed
at our cottages to get married "for real", either at the Gretna
Registry Office (3miles), or at one of several establishments
which now offer this facility in or near Gretna Green.
Golf
Full 18-hole golf courses are available at Carlisle, (16miles), Powfoot,
(10miles) and Dumfries, (22miles).
History
There are splendid castles at Carlisle (16miles), Caerlaverock (18miles),
and Drumlanrigg (38miles). At Carlisle can also be found the beautiful
cathedral , and the innovative and award-winning Tullie House
Museum and Gallery.
The course of Hadrian's Wall stretches from Carlisle to Newcastle, and there are several visible and maintained sections of the wall, some with Roman forts and visitor centres, along its length. The beautiful ruins of Sweetheart Abbey (25 miles) are a few miles beyond Dumfries, with an interesting Museum of Costume nearby.
For admirers of Robert Burns, there is an excellent centre in Dumfries (22 miles). The essayist and social reformer Thomas Carlyle's birthplace is at Ecclefechan (12 miles).
Nature
The Solway Estuary is literally on the doorstep, and is an internationally
important area, parts of which have been accorded SSSI status (Site of
Special Scientific Interest). In particular, the Estuary has a vital rôle
in supporting wintering populations of many waterfowl species.
Browhouses, where the cottages are situated, is reputed to be the best site on the north Solway for uncommon migrant waders in spring and autumn (Ruff, Greenshank, Spotted Redshank, Curlew and Sandpiper).
The nearby Caerlaverock Nature Reserve (18 miles) is internationally renowned for its wintering populations of Barnacle Geese and many other species. There is an RSPB wetlands reserve at Mersehead, near Southwick in Dumfriesshire.
Other activities
Various woollen mills, craft shops, and the like, are to be found in the
area, together with activities such as golf, fishing, walking, farm-buggy
rides, paint-balling, ten-pin bowling, go-karting, and even greyhound
racing at Gretna.
The City of Carlisle is just 16 miles away.
DIRECTIONS
Our holiday cottages are in the tiny Scottish hamlet of Browhouses, right
on the shore of the Solway Firth.
Although situated in such an idyllic and peaceful location, Browhouses is very easily accessible. It is just a few miles from the northern limit of the M6 motorway, and from the southern limit of the M74 motorway. It lies less than 4 miles west of Gretna and Gretna Green, and 6 miles east of Annan.
The city of Carlisle is just 15 miles away. The cottages are ideally situated for exploring both sides of the English/Scottish border.
The hamlet of Browhouses is just under a mile from the nearest bus-stop, and 3 miles from Gretna railway station. The nearest shops, restaurants and pubs are also 3 miles away. Some form of transport is therefore recommended (unless you are a keen walker!)
Email Cormorant Cottage enquiries & reservations: bookscotland@madbookings.com
