Girls weekend away for my sisters 30th Birthday.

It was a surprise that me and my mum had booked over seven months ago, and managed to keep quiet!….how I really don’t know!

I rounded up some of our family, nine of us in total.

I picked the Waterhouse because my sisters favourite place is the Lake District. She loves the countryside, the openness of the fields and the fresh air.

She often goes to the lakes so I wanted to make sure she was getting to visit somewhere new, but that would have the feel of her favourite places.

I chose Kirkcudbright in Scotland not far from Dumfries. A secluded retreat I found online called “The Waterhouse”. Owned by Martin and Sharon who have turned the site from drab to fab it’s a real hidden gem (you can see their history of the site in their photo albums in the lodges).

Off the beaten track up a farmers road is the site, comprising of three possible places to be accommodated. The Waterhouse, the Boathouse and the WestWater Lodge. We booked all three, so the site was ours for four days.

The Waterhouse and Boathouse are the most recent additions, built around ten years ago.

Now I will just get one thing out of the way….here naturism is optional! Although naturism wasn’t for us, if that’s something your into, it is welcomed here.

The Waterhouse and Boathouse must be booked together, the Boathouse cannot be booked on its own. The reason for this is that they are very close together, but also because the hot tub is situated in front of the Waterhouse besides the pond.

The west water lodge is a traditional cottage with open fires and a large garden and parking.

On arrival you will be greeted by the hosts, and shown your accommodation and the grounds.

Each lodge has a welcome pack of locally sourced produce including bread, wine, pickle,  chocolates and cheese.

Me, Mum and my sister stayed in The Waterhouse. With an open fire, fuelled by electric and wood pellets, the lodge is toasty within minutes….perfect for when your running straight from the hot tub outside……careful not to slip!.. Like I did!
Each lodge is also equipped with towels and dressing gowns. Tea and coffee is also in supply here.

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Kirkcudbright and Castle Douglas are the two nearest village.

Kirkcudbright is an artists town with plenty of picture opportunities and galleries to see.
Scotland is generally nippy so wrap up.

Wellingtons are essential here! I won’t lie this didn’t cross my mind, and I totally forgot mine!

If you are anything like me and my family we love nothing more than a good old brew and if were feeling a little naughty a slice of cake or a scone too. You will find some lovely cafes in both of the local towns. In Kirkcudbright ( pronounced kir cubrie) you will find a lovely café called ‘Mullberies’. The American hot chocolate is a must! you wont find anything but luxury chocolate here…..non of the chocolate powder mixes, topped with cream, marshmallows and of course a flake.

The lodges are all equipped with board games, and card games. The waterhouse also has a fantastic sound system, so for those summer months when you could be barbequing on the deck, your chosen music can follow.
There isn’t any phone signal here, and there is only wifi in the west water lodge, so be prepared for zero communication with the outside world. Great if your on your phone all of the time and are looking for seclusion and peace!

Local amenities

• Tesco (in Kirkcudbright) for your shopping essentials
• Chinese, Indian and fish and chip takeaways (in Kirkcudbright) if your not feeling like cooking.

So if your looking for a weekend hideout, give these guys a shout.

Tips

• Take Wellingtons (even in the summer months)
• Walking shoes for exploring
• warm clothes
• swimwear for the hot tub (although Martin will explain this is optional)
• some fridge essentials (milk, eggs etc)

Please note their website is in need of a little update, but Martin is happy for anyone to email over any questions. Check them out.

http://www.waterhousekbt.co.uk

For more pictures check out my Instagram Snuglyfe.

Thankyou for reading, over and out…Sarah Xx