The Bothy, Auchencastle

About The Bothy, Auchencastle

The Bothy, Auchencastle

The Bothy and Kennels Cottage were built in 1860 for the gamekeeper of General Johnstone, who built nearby Auchen Castle in 1849. The Johnstones remain Lords of Annandale, though the castle is now an award-winning exclusive wedding venue. 10 minutes walk from The Bothy are the ruins of an earlier Auchen Castle, built in 1220, and about 45 minutes walk away is the motte and bailey of the first Auchen Castle, inhabited in the 11th century. History and nature surround the Bothy, whether you explore on foot, by bike or car.

The Bothy has been upgraded since 1860, but it is still full of character. There is a log burner to keep you cosy, as well as modern central heating and double glazing. A stack of machine-washable throws are provided for you to snuggle under, or so you can have the dogs with you on the sofa or bed without stressing about any risk of damage. The kitchen was refitted in 2024 with electric oven and hob, dishwasher, washing machine, fridge-freezer, airfryer and everything else you could need to turn the fabulous local produce into delicious meals. In Moffat there is a butcher, a delicatessen, two bakers and small supermarket. Once a month there is a farmers' market at the town hall, and on other weekends you can visit the farmers market in Dumfries, Langholm, Kirkcudbright or Annan.

So many guests report that they have never slept so well as they do at the Bothy. Both bedrooms have good quality mattresses with toppers, thick curtains and cosy duvets. Moffat is a "Dark Sky Town" to enable the stars and planets to be seen clearly, and this also helps with good sleep. For younger guests there is a travel cot with mobile, changing mat and wireless video monitor than can be set up in the large Garden bedroom.

The Bothy is popular with participants in the Moffat Classic Car Rally as the courtyard gives room for trailers carrying precious vehicles to park and turn. Drivers of more modern vehicles also appreciate The Bothy's EV charging point.

The porch, with its wipe-clean leather sofa and boot rack, is appreciated by outdoor enthusiasts and dog owners. There is plenty of room to hang up muddy kit, and dry off soggy dogs with the dark towels provided. The Bothy is surrounded by miles tracks and paths for exploring, linking onto the nearby Southern Upland Way and the Annandale Way for hikers and runners, and so many mountain biking routes, including 7Stanes and Drumlanrig, and the new Pump Track at Moffat. If you are feeling a little more civilised, the porch is also delightful spot to relax with a drink and read a book.

Many children and pets have so much fun playing in The Bothy gardens - nearly an acre, with 2 ponds, 2 patios, fish, frogs, rabbits and pheasants, and two footbridges over the wee stream. The main patio has a table and chairs for outdoor dining, using the BBQ provided, or just watching the sunset with a glass of something delicious. Five minutes drive away, Moffat has the fabulous Station Park with an 18 hole putting green, picnic benches, Moffatasia (an interactive water and sand play area with a water jet sneakily operated by jumping on a metal step), and a boating lake where you can hire boats and pedalos in the Summer.

You might not think that a rural cottage in Southern Scotland could be described as heaven for shopping fans, but it definitely is! Moffat is full of gorgeous independent shops selling top quality knitwear, handmade pottery, jewellery, art and so much more. Thornhill has the most adorable hardware shop that literally extends from room to room as far as the eye can see, selling everything from a nail to porridge spirtle, a teapot to bucket. There is also Thomas Tosh, a thoughtfully curated book shop and gift shop that has a cafe serving fine coffee and scrumptious cakes. And then, when you think the shopping can't get any better, there is the Designer Outlet at Gretna Green, selling Ralph Lauren, Le Creuset, Lindt, M&S, Next, Calvin Klein, Clark's, Kate Spade, and many more brands. Some guests come back to The Bothy each autumn to start their Christmas shopping in a relaxed style.

Whatever you look for in a perfect holiday, you are sure to enjoy your stay at The Bothy, Auchencastle.