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Old Sawmill Cottage

(Ref. 944953)

Bridge of Urr near Castle Douglas, Ayrshire and Dumfries & Galloway Show on map

4.9

Sykes rating

  • 2 Guests

  • 1 Bedroom

  • 1 Bathroom

  • Pets Yes

Features

  • Off road parking
  • Ground floor bedroom
  • Open fire
  • Garden / Patio
  • Washing machine
  • Dishwasher

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing
Cleanliness
Comfort
Facilities and Maintenance

51 Customer Reviews

  • "A thoroughly delightful cottage."

    Well maintained, comfortable, quality kitchen equipment, very clean and beautifully decorated. Would highly recommend. Hope to visit again

    Reviewed by Gillian5.0Sep 2023

  • "Lovely, comfortable, well-equipped cottage in a superb location."

    Thank you.

    Reviewed by Julia5.0Sep 2023

  • "This is a lovely cottage in a fabulous location."

    Right on the river’s edge, you could not ask for better views. Comfortable inside, and within easy reach of Castle Douglas. A great base for anyone exploring the Dumfries and Galloway area. Lots of places to visit in the area. The dishwasher was out of action during our stay sadly. No Wi-Fi so that impacts any streaming services available , and the mobile signal was poor in the area so could not access a hotspot.

    Reviewed by Sharon4.1Aug 2023

  • "A really lovely cottage that sits right on the river bank."

    There's plenty of outdoor seating and a sun canopy for when it's hot outside. The garden isn't enclosed so just be aware if taking dogs that like to wander. The setting is idyllic and a very relaxing place to be. There's no WiFi and the network signal is very hit and miss. The Cottage itself has everything that could be needed during a stay and the bed is I think the most comfortable I've ever slept in.

    Reviewed by Jo4.7Jul 2023

  • "The property was welcoming and very comfortable if a bit rural, we made the most of the wildlife over the river which sadly was too low for fishing during our stay nevertheless we enjoyed the peace and quiet."

    A lovely well restored, well equipped cottage.

    Reviewed by Elizabeth5.0Jun 2023

  • "Absolutely cracking place"

    Reviewed by Archie5.0Dec 2022

  • "Very nice property with lots of space and comfortable in every way."

    Could not be more relaxing.loved the view from the windows to the river outside.will and have recommended to friends and family.

    Reviewed by Ellen5.0Nov 2022

  • "Spacious and beautifully appointed cottage in a lovely riverside location."

    Reviewed by Lynda5.0Sep 2022

  • "Holiday property was great BUT Sykes were useless."

    I had to phone twice to try to get any directions at all and on the second occasion was told that the agents could not help me and I would have to phone the owner direct. Why pay an agents fee when they are so unhelpful and incompetent ???

    Reviewed by Catharine5.0Aug 2022

  • "Cottage is superb, everything we could have wanted ."

    Setting is beautiful by the river . Cottage was so clean & comfortable &owners friendly & helpful . Would love to go back .

    Reviewed by Barbara5.0Aug 2022

  • "We have never stayed in such a luxurious property."

    The beds were amazing and the shower was heavenly. It was so peacefully situated.

    Reviewed by Hedley5.0Jul 2022

  • "An absolutely perfect holiday ."

    ..immaculate property, lovely decor, practical and so peaceful. Owners were friendly and available if needed, we would love to return one day.

    Reviewed by Tina5.0Apr 2022

  • "Beautiful property."

    Great facilities and will definitely return. Neighbours around are really helpful and friendly. Fridge/freezer was an added bonus (only shows fridge on description - which is also there). Could spend all day watching the river and the birds. Beautiful area. Shame no WiFi, provided as is available within the area. Would help with watching Netflix/nowtv etc on the TV which includes all the apps.

    Reviewed by Stuart4.7Oct 2021

  • "Great place for a break and a fabulous house."

    ..but need to get skylight in bathroom sealed as it leaks...second time at this place and still great...

    Reviewed by John4.4Oct 2021

  • "The holiday cottage was lovely Everything you needed was there Beautiful location Would definitely go back"

    Reviewed by Helen5.0Sep 2021

  • "The Old Saw Mill is an amazing place to stay in a tranquil setting, will definatley be returning"

    Reviewed by Keith5.0Sep 2021

  • "The cottage was lovely and would of scored higher except for a few areas."

    1. Oven was visibly dirty on the glass door and inside. 2. Cobwebs in bedroom, raises questions about overall cleanliness, although nothing else seemed amiss. 3. Lack of comfortable seating\lounge facilities over looking the river is a missed opportunity, it is a lovely setting crying out for an area to fully relax and enjoy the scenery for an hour or two, camp-chairs just doesn’t cut it. Having said that we did have a lovely week, the points above didn’t spoil our enjoyment, if addressed the property would have scored excellent.

    Reviewed by Kevin4.1Jul 2021

  • "Peace and Tranquility at the Cottage Pictures did not do it justice, inside and out it was brilliant."

    Would not hesitate to go back

    Reviewed by Peter5.0Jun 2021

  • "Best short break ever."

    ..never been in that particular are of Scotland before and the house was way beyond our expectations..it had everything you would expect from Sykes and a whole lot more..beautiful house,countryside and location a little gem...

    Reviewed by John5.0May 2021

  • "Lovely cottage."

    Just right for the two of us and our little terrier. Everything we needed was provided. The bed was really comfortable. Only a few minutes drive into Castle Douglas for provisions but we were in the peace and quiet of a small hamlet beside a river. Really enjoyed our stay and hope to be back soon.

    Reviewed by Graeme5.0Apr 2021

  • "A beautiful cottage as detailed in your listing."

    It was so quiet. It had everything we required and would have no hesitation in returning.

    Reviewed by Debra5.0Oct 2020

  • "The Old Sawmill exceeded expectations and had everything we needed for a quiet, relaxing few days."

    The view was fabulous and in easy reach for the forests and beaches so we could walk the dog with fantastic scenery. We would definitely book again.

    Reviewed by Terri5.0Oct 2020

  • "A perfect cottage in a perfect location for exploring the area."

    Set on the banks of the River Urr, it was lovely to sit in the garden and watch the birds and wildlife in peaceful surroundings. The cottage itself had everything you could wish for, it was spotlessly clean, had a log burner in addition to central heating, a well equipped kitchen and an extremely comfortable bed. The original water wheel could be seen through a patio door at the side of the living room. Not far from Castle Douglas, with its restaurants, cafes and shops, or from the coast and unspoilt beaches. We would highly recommend this cottage and will definitely return.

    Reviewed by Maureen5.0Oct 2020

  • "Everything exceeded our expectations, the standards achieved in all respects was just right."

    I would recommend the addition of some handrails within the property, for the more elderly of us, eg the two sets of steps and in the shower. We will return. Thank you.

    Reviewed by Ian5.0Sep 2020

  • "The cottage was beautiful very well equipped and in a fabulous setting so close to the river."

    Reviewed by Edwin4.7Aug 2020

  • "Location of cottage great, everything very nice."

    We had a problem with the shower - it was very hot and even when turned on cold it did not cool down.

    Reviewed by Mary5.0Aug 2020

  • "The lovely cottage, garden on riverside with wild flowers beautiful spot ."

    Very relaxing even on a wet day .

    Reviewed by Anne5.0Jul 2020

  • "Beautiful cottage conversion in gorgeous riverside location."

    Everything anyone could hope for in a cottage rental was supplied. The only downsides were neighbours returning in the early hours speeding past the cottage and twice setting off our car alarm and unfortunately owing to Scotland being behind England in lockdown we were unable to eat out at the lovely restaurants recommended.

    Reviewed by Marianne5.0Jul 2020

  • "This is the most beautiful, comfortable cosy cottage I have stayed at."

    The pictures online do not give it justice. The cottage is much bigger than it looks in the pictures. You can see the river by sitting on the single chair by the window. You can see the trees and fields on the other side of the river by sitting on the big sofa. The best view of the river is if you sit on the window sills. There is a laundry room which is lovely and warm, brilliant to dry clothes after a muddy rainy walk.Stayed here during Storm Ciara. The river was almost bursting its banks and the sound was lovely to sit and listen to. There is no wifi but I was able to switch the hotspot on my phone on and connect it to the smart tv so we were able to watch Netflix and catchup without any buffering. I am on Vodafone. Few things I would change if I could - - Add an outside light by the river and a table. - Close the entrance area from the car park area to the bedroom and have it closer to the wheel so the french doors can be left open on a nice day giving some privacy from the road directly to the bedroom. - Put some comfy cushions on the windowsills so sitting there is more comfortable. - Shut off the garden by the river with a little fence so its secure for the dog. My favourite days were a drive along dalveen pass and mennock pass. It took almost a full day but so beautiful, worth every second. And secondly, a walk along balcery bay, on the cliffs. Beautiful views across the solway to england and isle of man. A little mention about the bed, which by the way is lovely to sleep on, the sheets are really good quality and having an electric bed is fun!! Lovely to be able to raise the bed up and sit up with a cup of tea. The only thing is though, because it's two single beds attached together it's not the most comfortable for any romance, if that makes sense lol I rarely give full marks for a cottage but I cant not for this one, I could stay there forever.

    Reviewed by Nicola5.0Feb 2020

  • "Beautiful, peaceful location."

    Castle Douglas and Kirkcudbright both interesting places to visit and not too far from the cottage.

    Reviewed by Roy5.0Sep 2019

  • "This cottage is beautiful and situated in a stunning position overlooking the river."

    The cottage is spacious and beautifully fitted out, with a modern but characterful kitchen, a fabulous modern bathroom with a great shower, and the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in! It's well situated to get to lots of lovely places, and we visited Castle Douglas and Kirkcudbright easily. There is no wifi, and we could seldom get a mobile phone signal, which may not suit everyone. It's nice to get away from it all, but we missed having access to the internet and phones. The dog loved the river, and enjoyed lots of swimming. The only drawback for us was that there were no off-road footpaths to walk the dog, and the roads around the cottage a quite narrow, so we were dodging cars and diving into the hedges quite often, although most drivers were courteous and gave us a wave when we did so. There is refurbishment going on in the adjacent property, which did detract from what is usually a very quiet and peaceful setting. If you want a lovely situation away from everywhere, this is perfect (or will be when the building work is done!)

    Reviewed by Deborah5.0Aug 2019

  • "Had a fabulous holiday."

    Thank you.

    Reviewed by Suzanne5.0Jun 2019

  • "Beautiful well furnished tastefully decorated comfy cottage to relax and view ..."

    Beautiful well furnished tastefully decorated comfy cottage to relax and view lovely view of river and bird watching Just The One thing I have to say sorry Sykes but you give us the wrong key number fortunately our hosts were there to greet us

    Reviewed by Joan5.0May 2019

  • "Surrounding area not suitable for walking dog"

    Reviewed by Eddie5.0Apr 2019

  • "This cottage is in a beautiful location and immaculate condition with everything you could need inside."

    We were very happy during our stay there and would thoroughly recommend it.

    Reviewed by Rachael5.0Apr 2019

  • "This was a lovely cottage for 2 people and our dog."

    I cannot fault the accomaodation at all. Ideally we hoped we could walk from the cottage with our dog, but the narrow roads and no obvious footpaths locally, meant it wasn't to be, but we found a couple of lovely walks especially from Balcary point.

    Reviewed by Caroline5.0Mar 2019

  • "Cottage, fantastic."

    Location, tranquil. Parking, easy. A brilliant place for a relaxing week with just the sound of the river & the birds to accompany your morning coffee.

    Reviewed by David5.0Mar 2019

  • "Lovely Riverside setting and dark skies perfect for star gazeing on clear nights."

    Very comfortable.

    Reviewed by Philip5.0Mar 2019

  • "Superbly refurbished property with top quality fixtures and fittings in an idyllic location."

    Ideally positioned for discovering the beauty of Dumfries and Galloway. Wonderful birdlife and wildlife in the immediate vicinity of this lovely property. Excellent communications from an exceptionally friendly and helpful owner. Could not fault nor recommend highly enough. Will definitely look to stay again in the future.

    Reviewed by Sue5.0Nov 2018

  • "Old Sawmill Cottage is beautiful."

    The restoration has been completed with care and attention to detail. The view of River Urr from the Cottage's windows is magnificent. Birds fly close by. I believe otters are in the river, but we didn't see them. Everything you would need is here in this cottage. Situated in a quiet, out of the way small location with a few cottages, it is so peaceful and beautiful that the world doesn't intrude and it is possible to mentally recharge. I highly recommend this wonderful accommodation and if I could win the lottery and get my dog to come with me from Australia, I would buy this property and live here. Thank you for sharing.

    Reviewed by Elizabeth5.0Sep 2018

  • "This is a beautiful cottage in a unique setting."

    It was comfortable and very warm and cosy. We were glad to have the log burner during a four hour power cut due to hurricane Ali and remained snug and safe! There is no wi-fi in the cottage or phone signal, so if this is important to you, you might need to consider this. On the plus side the bed is amazing, electric and probably the most comfortable we have ever slept in.

    Reviewed by Jeffrey4.4Sep 2018

  • "Fabulous cottage in a beautiful location."

    The owners have done a fantastic job in renovating such an old and unique building. So much to do and see in area - beautiful beaches and so unspoiled.

    Reviewed by Graeme5.0Sep 2018

  • "The cottage was light, airy and well."

    Presented. The location was perfect , right next to the riverbank with easy access to the surrounding towns. A perfect place for a relaxing holiday and for exploring the surrounding area. Will definitely stay there again. The owner lives next door and was very helpful and friendly.

    Reviewed by Beverley5.0Aug 2018

  • "We have to say that this property displays wonderful quality internally (whoever originally renovated this property had exceptional ideas and standards) and it's location is quite idyllic - the only suggestion we would have for improvement is the grass bank area beside the river."

    Watching the wildlife activity on the river from here is absorbing - particularly the Dippers and the Heron! We would certainly use this property again!

    Reviewed by Ronald5.0Apr 2018

  • "The cottage was ideal for a relaxing break & there was a woodburner fire if required as well as the central heating."

    Never before have we had adjustable beds in a holiday cottage & they were so comfortable, & the whole place was tastefully decorated. Just watching the river as well as the wildlife from the windows was just so relaxing & the weather was quite reasonable also, which allowed us to explore some of the surrounding area. There were plenty leaflets & information about things to do & places to visit. The whole experience was really enjoyable, considering we booked at such a late stage. Booked on the Friday & there on the Monday. I would recommend the cottage for any couple but would say it's not really suitable for young children due to the closeness of the river & there are no railings or gates to stop them getting down the side of the cottage to the river. Another fascinating item to look at through a locked glass door is the old watermill at the side of the cottage & it can be lit up at night while sitting enjoying the peace & quiet. The owner was extremely helpful & we could contact him by telephone if there were any problems & was pleased to hear we had enjoyed our stay when he came to chat to us before we left.

    Reviewed by Peter5.0Apr 2018

  • "We really enjoyed our stay."

    It is extremely comfor table and the views of the river were really relaxing. We enjoyed watching the birds up and down the river and nearby Castle Douglas had everything we needed locally. We'll definitely return again.

    Reviewed by Roger5.0Apr 2018

  • "Cottage is fantastic with the benefit of a quirky history."

    Reviewed by John5.0Mar 2018

  • "Warm welcome on arrival."

    Superb location with stunning views. Cottage is warm and cosy and peaceful. Good base to explore the surrounding countryside.

    Reviewed by Tara5.0Mar 2018

  • "The Old Saw Mill cottage ticks every box."

    The owners have thought of everything to make a comfortable and enjoyable stay. A lovely setting by the river provided lot of opportunity to look at the wildlife and a short drive takes you to Castle Douglas. A great base to explore this part of Scotland. We are looking forward to coming back.

    Reviewed by Thomas5.0Jan 2018

  • "Fantastic cottage with first class facilities and furnishings."

    The owners are very attentive and friendly, greeted on arrival with a warm welcome. The waterwheel is a lovely feature as is listening to the flowing river. Plenty to do in the surrounding area, Castle Douglas is nice with lots of shops and food outlets. We fully recommend this accommodation. Unfortunately we had to leave hastily one day early due to family illness, all ended well though! Brian, Kathie and Lucy (our Jack Russell) Stayed Christmas 2017

    Reviewed by Kathie4.8Dec 2017

  • "The Old Sawmill cottage is beautifully presented, kitted out to a very high standard, warm and cosy, and made for a very relaxing break."

    The owners were there to greet us and show us around, and were very friendly and helpful. Would definitely stay here again!

    Reviewed by Bev5.0Dec 2017

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Summary

  • All ground floor
  • One super king size bedroom (zip/link, can be twin on request)
  • Shower room with basin and WC
  • Kitchen
  • Sitting room with a woodburning stove.
  • Oil central heating with woodburning stove
  • Electric cooker, fridge, dishwasher, washing machine
  • TV, radio
  • Fuel, power and starter pack inc. in rent
  • Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
  • Off road parking for 1 car
  • Rear patio with furniture
  • Salmon and trout fishing on the River Urr
  • One well-behaved pet welcome
  • Shop and pub 3.5 miles
  • Note: There is open access to river bank from garden, children to be supervised
  • Note: There are steps to access the property and steps within the property, may not be suitable for those with limited mobility
  • Note: The property does not have WiFi

The property

This is a wonderfully converted sawmill based near the town of Castle Douglas in Dumfries and Galloway.

Old Sawmill Cottage comes in an idyllic riverside location, it is ideal for a peaceful couples' break.

Step down towards the cottage and enter into the stylish, wooden furnished kitchen, offering the essential equipment that you'll need during your stay.

This leads onto the alluring sitting room, a cosy space with comfortable leather sofas, an excellent woodburning stove and a TV to create the ultimate relaxing spot for a rainy day.

The windows offer splendid views of the nearby river with opportunities to see all sorts of wildlife.

Heading through the house, there is a contemporary shower room with a double walk-in shower, which leads onto the spacious ysuper king size bedroom, with original wooden beams adding great character.

Why not head out to the seating area to the back of the house, and enjoy a morning coffee or an evening glass of wine whilst watching and listening to the river in front of you?

Salmon and trout fishing on the River Urr, right on your door step.

Castle Douglas is a great place to base a holiday, it offers a wide variety of shops, pubs and restaurants.

It also offers great access to the Solway Coast, an area providing incredible beaches and fishing villages waiting to be explored.

Old Sawmill Cottage is a delightful property in a truly stunning location.

EPC Rating: Band C

View on map

About the location

CASTLE DOUGLAS

Dalbeattie 6 miles; Kirkcudbright 9.5 miles; Dumfries 18 miles.

The attractive country town of Castle Douglas is nestled in the southwest of Scotland, in the Dumfries and Galloway region. Castle Douglas is known locally as the 'Food Town', playing host to a large selection of independent food shops, as well as a range of wonderful pubs and restaurants. The town provides access to the picturesque Solway Coast, with its miles of beautiful beaches and scattering of pretty fishing villages. Carlingwark Loch lies just south of the town, a large, freshwater lake, great for coarse fishing and sailing. Enthusiasts of water sports need look no further than Loch Ken and The Galloway Activity Centre. It offers sailing, windsurfing, powerboating, kayaking, canoeing, and a wobbly water park. Less than half an hour’s drive on the A713, it is an ideal place for a family or groups. Hop aboard a boat and venture to Threave Castle, perched on an island in the River Dee, and explore its glorious gardens elsewhere on the estate, open to the public all year round. Dumfries and Galloway is an area renowned for its outdoor activities including bird watching, mountain biking, fishing, star-gazing and golfing. Practise your swing on the 18-hole golf course situated in the grounds of the former 18th Century country mansion, Cally Palace. Pull on your walking boots and go hiking across west Scotland’s inspiring landscape, or sail along its wonderful coastline. Whatever you fancy for your holiday in Scotland, Castle Douglas is the perfect base for experiencing it all!

Please note - Adjacent to the property there is a grade 1 listed Mill that is currently being restored by Scottish heritage - Noise is at a minimum.

This property offers the following short breaks:

  • Winter
  • Off-season
  • Last minute
  • Christmas