Secluded Cottage in Historic Village close to the sea

Hilltop Cottage, dating back some 170 years, is located in a secluded spot on a hillside at the edge of the historic village of Kirkoswald, South Ayrshire.

The accommodation offers a compact kitchen, 2 bedrooms (one double bed, one king bed), bathroom with over-bath shower and lounge with log burner (new Sept 2022). Heating and hot water are provided by an air-source heat pump (Nov. 2021). Please note we hope to have an ensuite shower room installed and a refurbished bathroom in March 2023.

The original part of this single storey building, constructed of sandstone and granite, is built in traditional style with a slate roof (once it would have been thatched like some buildings in the village). There is a small 1980's extension to the rear. We have fallen in love with our little cottage and the beautiful local area over the last 2 years; we are steadily making changes to update the facilities to make our visits, and those of family, friends and guests, as comfortable as possible.

Access is by a little-used farm track known as Ashpad. It is believed that, in days gone by, the Lord and Lady from Culzean Castle came along this route by carriage to worship in the village church. Ash was scattered to help the horses and wheels to grip, hence the name. There is one other cottage lower down the track, and at the bottom the A77 leads north and south close to the coast.

Behind the cottage are raised fields - cows sometimes pop their heads over the fence and look down into the kitchen, though there have not been any offers to help with the washing up as yet!

Arriving at the cottage, there is space for 2 cars close to what is actually the back door, which itself opens into the fully equipped kitchen. New units were installed just before Christmas 2022; there is an electric oven, hob, microwave, warming drawer, dishwasher, washer-dryer and fridge-freezer. There is still a little snagging to complete, as the most recent photographs show, but this is on the To Do list!

There is a large, south facing garden at the front which gets the sun all day, with some hard standing and outdoor furniture. The garden is a 'work in progress', but there are mature flower beds and grassy spaces as well as areas which are left to encourage wildlife. Views extend down into the village and to the hills opposite.

About the location

Located only a few minutes by car from the beautiful west coast, the adventure starts in the village itself. At the bottom of Ashpad is the Old Churchyard containing the baptismal font of Robert the Bruce, First King of Scotland, and the graves of family and friends of poet Robert Burns, some of whom inspired characters in his writings. The influence of Robert Adam can be found in the ‘new’ Parish Church, as well as the pew used by President Eisenhower.

Although there are no regular shops for supplies at the moment, simply cross the road for a meal or ice cream from Souter's Inn. A glass maker and The Whisky Experience are but a few steps away. A few minutes by car will take you to the small seaside resort of Maidens; gaze across the Firth of Clyde to the Isle of Arran or stroll along the beach and up into the Country Park of Culzean Castle. Drive a couple of miles in the other direction to the main entrance to the spectacular clifftop castle itself. Sunsets from this whole coastline can be breathtaking any time of year.

Four miles to the south is the village of Turnberry, home of the Trump Turnberry golf course. There are numerous other courses within easy driving distance. Further south is the port of Stranraer/Cairnryan with links to Northern Island. Head north, either via the main road or the stunning coast road towards the seaside town of Ayr, looking out for the Burns Birthplace Museum at Alloway en route. Glasgow is about an hour away, and Edinburgh about a further hour. The Galloway Dark Skies Park is also within reach.

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