Sympathetically renovated, and refurbished to an exceptionally high standard, Balker Lodge is one of the original gate houses on the Lochinch Heritage Estate and the single storey building maintains many original features alongside modern comforts and is extremely accessible. The lodge enjoys a peaceful aspect overlooking a river tributary of Black Loch, one of the two idyllic and unspoiled freshwater Lochs on the Estate.
The centrally heated lodge comprises a sunny, comfortable and cozy living/dining room with a log burning stove, a fully equipped kitchen, a quiet airy bedroom, a well-appointed bathroom, wi –fi and private car parking. This is a perfectly peaceful haven for a special occasion such as a honeymoon or just to relax and unwind in.
Lochinch Castle is part of Stair Estates. Situated at one end of Castle Kennedy Gardens (open to the public), the Castle is set between two large natural lochs which are a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest for breeding wader and wintering wildfowl, and surrounded by 75 acres of beautiful sculptured terraces, avenues and gardens.
Guests can enjoy free access to explore the gardens which offer a varied programme of regular events from children’s activities, to open air theatre, guided garden walks and annual festivals (visit http://www.castlekennedygardens.com). Our lodge guests can also enjoy special discounts in our Gift Shop and Tea Room. Fishing permits for both Lochs can also be arranged as can a number of seasonal activities within the Estate including: salmon and sea-trout fishing, Red deer stalking, duck flighting , pheasant shooting, private Estate Landrover Tours, walking and cycling.
The surrounding area is full of scenic treasures, including deserted sandy beaches, exotic gardens, rolling hillsides and open estuaries. The Southern Upland Way is located close by as is the River Luce which offers excellent fly fishing. Stranraer town is just three miles away with a wide range of pubs, restaurants, shops and activities including cinema, swimming and a museum. Other local attractions include a whisky distillery, Mull of Galloway Lighthouse, Wigtown Book Town and the picturesque sea-side village of Port Patrick where guests can enjoy excellent seafood restaurants, village stores and pubs.
For those who are interested in exploring further, there are numerous castles and historic attractions; book, music, food and art festivals as well as museums, visitor centres, and adventure playgrounds.
- Sleeps – 2
- Bedrooms – 1 Double
- Bathrooms - 1 bathroom with bath and shower
- Dishwasher
- Washer/drier
- Microwave
- TV, Video, DVD player
- Log Burning Stove
- Pay phone
- Cot and high chair available
- Rear garden with barbeque area and outdoor furniture
- Parking area
- Pets welcome with advanced notice
- Short breaks in off peak season
- Stranraer - 3 miles
- Airports - Prestwick 55 miles, Glasgow 87 miles
- Stations - Stranraer and Dumfries
- Pubs and restaurants - numerous close by
- Golf Courses: Stranraer 6 miles, Port Patrick 7 miles, Turnberry 30 miles
- Fly fishing on the fresh water lochs, salmon fishing on the River Luce
- Shooting and stalking available
- Bird watching on the doorstep
- Walking on the Estate and along the Southern Upland Way
- Cycling - bikes included at own risk
- Castles and historic attractions
- Museums and visitor centres
- Whisky distilleries
- Visit Scotland Rating - 4 star
Accommodation
A bright entrance hall leads to the main living area and bedroom.
The pretty double bedroom contains a superb quality king size bed with an elegant canopy above. The bedroom is prepared with the finest cotton bed linen and luxuriously indulgent soft towels from The White Company.
The sunny and welcoming sitting/dining room has a wood burning stove, plenty of comfortable seating, TV, DVD and Freeview Digital receiver along with an ipod dock/speaker system and a midi sound system. A cot bed and highchair are available if required. A selection of dvds, books and games should while away a few hours and a dining suite that can seat up to 4 completes the room which overlooks the river and fields beyond.
The stylish new kitchen has a dishwasher, fridge, freezer, oven, microwave and breakfast area and is equipped to satisfy the most accomplished cook!
The newly appointed bathroom contains a traditional white 3-piece suite with a powerful over bath shower and luxurious Egyptian cotton towels from the White Company.
Outside, there is a large, private rear garden with a patio area. A small wooden hut is located nearby which contains a supply of logs as well as patio table and chairs, a bbq and two bicycles. A laundry room can be accessed from the back patio, which includes a washer/dryer. There is ample private car parking at the side of the property.
Balker Lodge,Lochinch Castle is situated approximately 3 miles east of Stranraer on the A75. The road takes you up a small hill and on the left hand side is the entrance where there are large iron gates. On the opposite side is a church in some trees. (If you reach Castle Kennedy Village you have gone too far). Turn into the gates and follow the road for 2 miles until you reach Lochinch Castle. Directly in front of the castle turn left and head towards Black loch. Take the second turning left and drive alongside the loch. Balker Lodge is just past the loch on the left at the junction.
If approaching from the west take the A75 to Castle Kennedy Village. Shortly after the Village you will notice a long wall on the right hand side. Proceed until you reach large entrance gates on the right hand side, enter and proceed as above.
If approaching from the North, from the A77, when you are approximately 2 miles from Stranraer turn left onto the A751 (signposted Dumfries). After about 3 miles, at the junction with the A75, turn left. You will immediately drive up a small hill and on the left are the main entrance gates.
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