Craig Na Mara (Southerness)

This holiday cottage enjoys a unique beachfront location right on the edge of the Solway Coast, just 50 yards from the Southerness beach with its Gulf Stream warmed waters, sand dunes and rocks.

Featured in the BBC's Coast series, Craig na Mara is a delightful double-fronted cottage which enjoys sweeping sea views from many of its rooms, right across to the hills of the Lake District, with Scotland's second oldest 17th century lighthouse just a stone's throw from the front door.

Sleeping eight, the spacious and beautifully decorated cottage featuring work by local artists, has a large living room with a cosy open fire, TV and DVD player, a dining room seating eight, a fully equipped modern pine kitchen. There is a large master bedroom with a king-size bed, an en suite bathroom with a bath and shower, two further twin bedrooms, a kids bunk room with two beds, and two additional bathrooms, both with a WC and one with a walk-in shower room. The property's pretty gardens have an outdoor seating area which overlooks the small beautiful meadow which lies between you and the beach.

Quality bed linen and towels are provided free of charge and ample off-road parking and secure storage facilities are available. You can pick up supplies in the village, where there are three traditional pubs, a well-stocked shop and a reliable bus service.

The surrounding area is blessed with a rugged coastline, miles of sandy beaches and acres of forests filled with wildlife, making this the perfect base for families and visitors who want to make the most of Scotland's great outdoors. At Mabie Forest you can enjoy excellent cycling and walking trails or head to Loch Ken to enjoy exhilarating watersports. Less than half a mile away from the property is the championship golf club which offers a challenging 18-hole links course overlooking the Solway Firth. For thrill seekers, nearby Dalbeattie Forest boasts one of the world-class 7stanes mountain biking centres and miles of woodland for quieter treks.