Holly Tree Cottage is situated in the heart of the conservation village of Straiton, close to the tea room, pub, shop, village hall, church and playpark. Two double bedrooms (one downstairs), large open fire in the sitting/dining room, which also has Sky TV, DVD, CD, games and books. There's a well-equipped kitchen containing electric cooker with ceramic hob, microwave, dishwasher and washing machine (full size fridge and freezer in the pantry). The shower room has a generous sized cubicle. Outside is a south facing patio (not enclosed) and garden furniture to enjoy al fresco meals or relax with a good book. Other features include free WiFi, travel cot, comfortable single chair-bed, binoculars and star charts.
The cottage is the ideal base to explore the area. Straiton is close to the Dark Sky Park with its Observatory offering an extensive programme of events. The Galloway Forest Park is also very close with miles of tracks to walk or cycle. The Ayrshire Alps Road Cycling Park offers great opportunities for road cycling along quiet roads with some testing ascents. The village is also within the Biosphere; an area with special natural properties.
There are several signposted walks starting from the village and many more a short distance away. Cornish Hill walk is superb at any time of the year as is the gorge walk at Ness Glen, leading to Loch Doon. The Roundhouse Cafe owner has thoughtfully provided a web cam for visitors to view the Ospreys resident from April to October. Longer walking trails include the Ayrshire Coastal Path and River Ayr Way.
Fishing for trout and sallmon is available on a stretch of the river Girvan which flows past the village, permits are sold in the shop and are very reasonable, the season runs from March to October. The shop also sells tickets for various nearby lochs stocked by the Forestry Commission. Horse riding centres offer rides along the beach at Maidens. Golfers are spoiled for choice with Turnberry and Royal Troon along with many excellent municipal courses. A trip to Arran aboard the Waverley paddle steamer is a great way to take in the glorious coastline. Glasgow with its shops and museums is only an hour away. Closer to home are Crossraguel Abbey near Maybole, the Maritime Museum in Irvine, Robert Burns Cottage & Birthplace Museum, magnificent Culzean Castle and majestic Dumfries House.
After an enjoyable day out, sit back with a drink and relax in front of the open fire.
