Rennaldburn is a seventeenth-century farmhouse, the self-catering half of which sleeps seven to eight. If there are only one or two of you, though, individual rooms can also be rented ~ see tarriff below ~ and I can provide a veggie breakfast and supper if required.
Sitting surrounded by pastureland about twelve miles north of Langholm and a couple of miles south from Samye Ling Tibetan Centre, Rennaldburn is reputedly the first house built by Thomas Telford under the apprenticeship of a master stonemason in his early teens. It's secluded in three and a half acres, part of which is a wooded ravine with a beautiful waterfall running through it.
The farmhouse has been lovingly refurbished in a rustic, earth-friendly way, with many unique features inside - from organic woodwork to original art, antique shrines and hand-printed prayer flags. I hope each time you visit Rennaldburn you’ll see something new to inspire you; I see it as an ever-evolving artwork!
There are two large bedrooms upstairs, each with a double and single bed in them, both facing West towards the river Esk which winds through the valley, with a view of the nearby ancient Loupin Stanes, one with an antique French woodburner and supply of mini-logs to stoke it with. Also upstairs is the sunny bathroom, with curved bath, stained-glass and mosaics.
Half-way down the stairs, there’s also a cosy single painted with rich blue earth pigment, with a skylight to the stars and sunrise and and its own ‘secret room’ entered through a giant mousehole!
The sitting room is home to an extensive and varied library, including many books of a spiritual and esoteric nature ~ and also has an open fireplace, with a supply of wood and coal. (The farmhouse also has central heating, though.) There is also a music system, DVD player and wide selection of DVDs, broadband access and pedal organ... but no TV reception.
The kitchen has a table which (just!) seats seven, as well as a washer-dryer and all cooking facilities ~ including basics such as oil, tea, spices and eco-washing liquid. It has a door leading to the front garden and meadow.
My son, Sati, and I live in the back of the house, but there are no 'shared areas'; the front door, and all the living areas mentioned, are exclusively for your use.
Since we're Buddhists and revere all life, sorry but we can’t accommodate hunters and fishers.
We are child-friendly, though, with cot, high chair and child safety gates available if required, crafts and games, a big trampoline, homemade table-tennis table (with strictly improper proportions!) and bikes to borrow.
We’re also pet friendly, as long as any canine visitors don’t chase our cat, Tashi, or surrounding sheep!
There’s plenty of room for parking, and barns for keeping bikes undercover.
Please get in touch if you'd like to know more!
