Secret Garden: Ultra Luxe Lodge on 2000-acre Seaside Estate

Surrounded by the aesthetic of Italianate cobblestone courtyard, the newly renovated lodge at Dunskey encourages leisurely afternoons sipping iced lemon grappa. Signs of splendour are plentiful at the historic Dunskey Stables Courtyard, where guests enter before stepping into the lodge, with its iconic chimney spires and paving stones underfoot.

Enjoy an invigorating start to the day with yoga on the lawn, while taking in birdsongs and sunlight dappling through the trees in the spacious garden. Practice your cartwheel, or nap here with your books among scented blooms, next to freshly brewed coffee supplied by Dunskey Estate. In the evening, light up the firepit for sizzling lamb chops, sprinkled with hand-picked rosemary from the garden, naturally. The outdoor bathtub is a dream come true with glasses of bubbles under a twinkling celestial dome.

On the ground floor, the light-filled living room is swathed in the colour of fading daylight. We proudly feature a wall mural by the artist Megan Elizabeth, whose creations evoke Dunskey sentiments of pastel coastline and watercolour sunsets. A sapphire velvet sofa will be a firm favourite throughout the holiday, particularly when cozied up next to the fireplace, underneath gleams of art-deco crystal wall sconces.

Continuing on the theme of old world grandeur, we invite you to brighten up your reading nook with crewelwork-embroidered, deep-set seat at the best arm chair in the house. A closer look at the Suzani-inspired medallions reveals the most delightful of Dunskey motifs: blooming flora, frolicking fauna, and novel palettes.

No holiday is complete with cooking up the most indulgent meals for absolutely no reason. The kitchen, flooded with lights, with views of the garden, will call out to the most reluctant chef. We take great pride in providing you with the most well-stocked kitchen you've ever seen in a holiday cottage, and always with sharp knives as well! If that isn't enough, relax in the dining area, decorated with oversized prints of glasshouses, and plot your next jungle-calling escape.

Perhaps the most exciting feature of the lodge is the equus bedroom, which has undergone spirited restoration, keeping fast hold of original architectural interests. Two outrageously comfortable single beds are nestled into the stable block. There's plenty of room for your evening reads (not doom scrolling) as we have kept the manger for shelf storage. Lit by an antler chandelier and furnished with pre-industrial style clothing valet, you'll have enough room to model all your holiday outfits.

Embrace the vibrancy of the Scottish garden beneath the dormer window that opens to standing height, and breathe in the wall of profusely blooming camellia from the second bedroom. Taking up the entire top floor, the master bedroom and adjacent bathroom with its underfloor heating may encourage you to stay forever. Thoughtful touches, such as velvet cuddle chairs, art deco crystal wall scones, and collector's item dressing table and bespoke chest of drawers, will enfold you in a gentle aesthetic. The oversized bathroom contains monsoon rain walk-in shower and a large bath to melt away any residual existential angst. A collection of travel books may help with the wanderlust as well.

FOR CANCELLATIONS:

Full refund for cancellations made within 48 hours of booking, if the check-in date is at least 14 days away.

25% refund for cancellations made at least 21 days before check-in.

No refunds for cancellations made within 21 days of check-in.

FOR BOOKING MODIFICATIONS:

A one-time complimentary change of date can be made if the check-in date is more than 90 days away. The cost of the nightly rate will remain the same as the original booking OR the cost of the nightly rate for the newly requested dates or newly requested property, whichever is higher.

If the check-in date is less than 90 days away, a 170gbp fee is applied to the modification request. The cost of the nightly rate will remain the same as the original booking OR the cost of the nightly rate for the newly requested dates or newly requested property, whichever is higher.

We are unable to accommodate any change of date or change of property if the check-in date is less than 21 days away.

We carry out a deep cleaning process for allergen removal for every booking with pets. The cost is 60gbp / stay for up to two pets. This is added to your guest bill that is sent to you upon departure.

Secret Garden: Ultra Luxe Lodge on 2000-acre Seaside Estate offers its guests a garden, laundry facilities, and local meal delivery service. The front desk is open around the clock.

This Stranraer cottage is smoke free.