Applegarth House and Cottages

About Applegarth House and Cottages

"We were treated like Royalty at Applegarth when we stayed on our way to Caelaverock Castle" ...7th July 1300 Edward "Longshanks" Plantagenet.

Andrew and Kirsteen like to imagine that Edward 1st said that as he passed through! There is evidence he did come to Applegarth and was the guest of Sir Humphrey de Gardine. Applegarth and its surroundings are full of history. Here is the original seat of the Jardine Clan and at the end of the garden is a 12th century Motte which was part of the ancient defence of the Clan against the English enemy! Applegarth is rather more peaceful these days.

Applegarth House, former Georgian Manse to the quaint Applegarth Church next door, is a luxurious Bed and Breakfast situated near Lockerbie. The house is in a rural setting, and so quiet and peaceful yet very easy to access from the M74. It is perfect for stopovers as well as longer stays. Andrew and Kirsteen love to entertain and welcome visitors to their lovely home. As well as bed and breakfast, dinner is offered, so once guests arrive, they don’t need to go anywhere else. A menu is provided before arrival for guests to choose from and a bottle of wine is included. Kirsteen is happy to cater for all dietary requirements. The Michell’s like to treat guests like friends and invite them to join them for a complimentary drink before dinner. Not obligatory of course!

Millie and Phoebe, two Labradors and Ozzie the Whippet are happy to welcome other friendly dogs but by prior arrangement. There is a warm and comfortable playroom where they can sleep, unfortunately dogs cannot go upstairs. The Michell’s dogs are kept away and do not go upstairs or enter any of the guest areas so pose no trouble for anyone who has allergies or does not care for dogs.

There are two beautiful double bedrooms – Annan has an en-suite, the other, Dryfe, a private bathroom as well as small single rooms for children. The rooms have fabulously comfortable beds with super soft pillows and crisp Egyptian cotton sheets and thick fluffy towels are warm from the heated towel rail. The rooms have TV and WIFI is available.

The playroom in the basement, where dogs can sleep, has gym equipment, TV and Table Tennis and a PlayStation with lots of games. The house is surrounded by a beautiful garden where fruit and vegetables are grown as well as a chicken pen.

Applegarth House is bright, homely and very welcoming. In the warm and summer months, guests are welcome to sit and enjoy the garden. There is a decking to the west side of the garden with views of sheep and cattle and the Annandale Hills beyond. A lovely spot to watch the sun go down. Alternatively, in the winter months enjoy a drink and a cosy meal in front of a roaring fire.

Sparkling home-made elderflower cordial is offered on arrival, alternatively there is coffee or tea. Vegetables are sourced from the garden or locally as is the meat. Applegarth is surrounded by farmland, with grazing sheep and cattle and pigs not far away. There’s a choice of Continental or full Scottish breakfast, eggs coming from Applegarth chickens and bacon and sausages from pigs just up the road. The enticing smell of fresh coffee and tea as well as homemade bread and marmalade will surely lure guests downstairs in the morning.

WALKS

Applegarth is on the Annandale Way which has been designated by Scotland Heritage as one of Scotland’s great trails. The River Annan starts in the hills of Moffat and meanders 90 kilometres (56miles) down to the small town of Annan and the Solway Firth. This is a beautiful and varied walk and can take 4-5 days to follow the entire trail.

Dumfriesshire is a goldmine of lovely walks and all very different. Other than walking the valley of the Annan, you can walk the Galloway Hills, the wild Lowther Hills which surround the magnificent Drumlanrig Castle and the stunning coastal paths beyond New Abbey towards Kirkcudbright.

A short drive too, is Eskdalemuir, where The Samye Ling Tibetan Centre is situated, the most important Buddhist site in Britain and largest Buddhist temple in Western Europe.

ACTIVITIES

There are bicycles to hire, and fishing permits can be arranged for guests to fish on the Applegarth beat of the River Annan and other beats too.

Close by is the moving Lockerbie disaster memorial for visitors to pay their respects and for contemplation. It is a place of peace and tranquillity just outside Lockerbie.

Further afield is the magnificent Drumlanrig Castle near Thornhill and in Dumfries, the new Peter Pan Centre at Moat Brae – a must for children. For adults, visit the Dalton Gin distillery, Ninefolds Rum Distillery also near Dalton and the Annan Whisky Distillery.

THE BELL STORY

Kirsteen loves to recount the story of the submarine bell – her father’s, who was once a submarine commander during the 2nd World War. The bell was stolen but through clever detective work, was thankfully recovered. The story was recounted on Radio 4.