Shelduck Cottage, Sandyhills
ID: S135614
- Bedrooms 2
- ・ Sleeps 4
- ・ Pets 2
Guests say
Shelduck Cottage offers a peaceful retreat in a stunning nature reserve, ideal for wildlife lovers and those seeking tranquillity. Guests praise the beautiful location, secure garden for dogs, and well-equipped kitchen. The cottage is warm and cosy, with friendly and helpful staff on hand. While some mention areas needing maintenance and occasional cleanliness issues, most find it comfortable and relaxing, with excellent walks and wildlife on the doorstep. The property is especially popular with returning guests and families, making it a delightful base for exploring the surrounding area.
Many guests found the cottage clean and fresh, but several reviews mention issues such as grubby furniture, dirty carpets, and the need for a deep clean. While most stays were satisfactory, a few guests experienced significant cleanliness concerns.
The location is consistently praised as idyllic, peaceful, and perfect for nature enthusiasts, with direct access to the RSPB reserve, beach, and beautiful walks. The only minor drawback mentioned is the access road flooding after heavy rain.
Guests frequently describe the cottage as warm, cosy, and comfortable, with good beds and a homely feel. Some mention the need for a new sofa or minor improvements, but overall comfort is rated highly.
The cottage is generally well-equipped, with a good kitchen, wood burner, and recent bathroom upgrades. Some guests note maintenance issues such as broken furniture, limited hot water, and minor appliance problems, but most find the facilities meet their needs.
Staff are frequently described as friendly, helpful, and attentive, especially during adverse weather. While some guests mention thoughtful touches like games and puzzles for children, gifts are not specifically referenced and cannot be guaranteed.
About this property
Discover the breath-taking scenery, wildlife, culture and history of Dumfries & Galloway whilst staying in a cosy cottage located in the heart of RSPB Mersehead Nature Reserve.
Shelduck is a semi-detached traditional stone farm cottage with off-road parking. A log burner keeps the cottage warm and cosy throughout the winter months. The perfect family destination, rspb Mersehead has a stunning beach and sand dunes just a short walk (1-mile) from the cottage, perfect for building sandcastles and driftwood lodges. In the large farmhouse garden, there is a playground with swings, slide, mud kitchen and badger tunnels providing hours of fun.
Located on the scenic northern shore of the Solway Estuary, the large skies and seascapes give a feeling of escape. RSPB Mersehead is an extensive wetland nature reserve internationally important for the population of wintering Svalbard Barnacle geese and wildfowl. In the spring, the evening air is alive with sound of displaying Lapwing and the distinctive chorus the UK's rarest amphibian, the Natterjack Toad.
A haven for wildlife, away from Mersehead there are an additional three rspb reserves to discover; Wood of Cree, Crook of Baldoon and at Scotland’s most southerly point, the Mull of Galloway. WWT Caerlaverock can be found just the other side of Dumfries and there are a number of Scottish Wildlife Trust and Local Nature Reserves to explore.
There are great rock pooling adventures to be found at nearby Rockcliffe or try crabbing from the quay at Kippford. In addition to the wonders of nature, a vast array of attractions will keep young families entertained for hours such as the Dino Park, Drummuir Farm Ice Cream Parlour, Mabie Farm Park and the Chocolate Factory. The Camera Obscura, installed in 1836, is on the top floor of the old windmill tower where you can see a fascinating panoramic view of Dumfries and the surrounding countryside.
Dumfries & Galloway is full of history waiting to be discovered. A wide moat, twin-towered gatehouse and lofty battlements make Caerlaverock Castle a medieval stronghold. Learn all about its turbulent history as a castle caught up in border conflicts or unravel the tale of devotion behind Sweetheart Abbey’s evocative name. On a wet day, there is plenty of opportunity to explore indoors. Discover the remarkable story of HM Factory Gretna and the Solway Military Coast at The Devil’s Porridge Museum. Visit the home of runaway weddings at Gretna Green, now a 5-star visitor destination or explore the Dumfries Aviation Museum.
For those looking for a fast-paced action holiday, rspb Mersehead is located just a short drive from two of the Scotland Forestry and Land 7-stanes mountain bike trails at Mabie Forest and Dalbeattie Forest. A little further afield are the trails in the Galloway Forest Park and the Ae Forest. The Galloway Activity Centre is situated on the banks of the stunning Loch Ken. A challenging links course, Southerness Golf Course is a Scottish Golf Championship Venue whilst Colvend Golf Course offers a parkland experience with panoramic views from the high cliffs.
rspb Mersehead is the perfect base from which to discover Scotland’s forgotten corner.
More information about rspb Mersehead Nature Reserve can be found at: https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/mersehead/
Postcode: DG2 8AH
Damage Deposit £150
Let weekly Friday to Friday
STL Licence: - DG01200F
EPC: D
For parties of 2 or less a £20 discount will be applied. A discount of £50 will be applied when 2 consecutive weeks are booked regardless of party size. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer
Accommodation for 4 on one floor: Lounge/dining room; kitchen, bathroom with shower over bath; one double bedroom; one twin bedroom.
Services: * Electric heating (cost included) *Multi Fuel stove with complimentary fuel provided * Bed Linen and Towels included * Hair dryer * Electric cooker & Microwave * Washing machine * Fridge/Freezer * TV with DVD * Wifi * Highchair and cot available on request * Enclosed garden with furniture * Private off road parking * No Smoking * Dogs: Maximum 2 well behaved dogs with own bedding, not to be left on their own or allowed on furniture or beds. Charges apply for the 1 dog, second dog free.
Additional accommodation is available next door in Barnacle.
Please note that the council road leading to the reserve is liable to flooding during periods of heavy rain.
Reviews (36)
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Linda Craddy
The Mereshead Reserve is a peaceful and beautiful walk, no matter the weather. We have been staying in Shelduck for 14 years and still love both the cottage and reserve. The sound of birdsong is a greeting every time you step outside the cottage and if you are blessed with a clear night sky then the stars will blow your mind. If I could live there...I would. Dumphries and Galloway is so beautiful, Rockcliffe and Kippford are beautiful places to walk and visit. Dalbeattie and Kirkcudbright are also lovely. Cannot wait to return.
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Confirmed Guest
Have stayed at Shellduck cottage on a number of previous occasions and it never dissapoints, lovely cottage, brilliant location, so peaceful in a world of its own, with the added bonus of wonderful bird watching at the RSPB reserve.
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Confirmed Guest
Have stayed in Shelduck a number of times. Cottage is in an excellent location & was warm & cosy when we arrived in Storm Amy. Prefer the old Saturday -Saturday changeover days, rather than Friday - Friday. Traffic is busier on a Friday & also anyone working full-time needs to take an extra day’s holiday.