Swift Cottage was lovingly converted in 2014 from McMurdoston's old granary. It's a perfect base from which to explore the hidden gem of Dumfries and Galloway - an area packed with history, wildlife, unspoilt beaches, stunning views and acres of wilderness. We're a 15 minute drive from Dumfries (you'll find eateries, supermarkets, independent shops, an ice bowl, cinema and leisure centre) but Swift Cottage feels as though it's in the middle of nowhere - with dark skies and genuine peace.
The space
Swift Cottage is a great place for walkers, bird-watchers, cyclists and nature-lovers to stay. Dumfries and Galloway is also rich in history, whether you're researching family background or discovering the numerous local castles. Peaceful local lanes make driving a pleasure, so you can travel distances from the cottage in ease, returning at the end of the day to a warm, cosy space, well-equipped for all your everyday needs.
Other things to note:
Coming from the South
Take the A76 North from Dumfries for just under 5 miles. Keep a look-out for a turning left to Irongray but ignore this and turn next left at the sign for Merkland. Follow the lane, called Coldside Road, gently uphill for a mile and a half. You will pass a white farmhouse on the right called Milliganton after a mile, then a cottage on the left called Stonybrook and another to your left called Monkland (sat navs sometimes take you here but ignore this and drive on). After a sign on the left to McCubbington Farm take a sharp right by some trees, where you’ll see a sign in the hedge for McMurdoston House. Just before you get to the next cottage on the left called The Dinning, (only about 20 yards) take a sharp right again into our drive where you'll see signs for McMurdoston and for Swift and Swallow Cottages and drive down between the two conifers at the black metal gate. Leave the house on your right and drive into the yard where the cottages are ahead of you.
Coming from the North
Take the A76 South from Thornhill for about 5 miles to Auldgirth. Turn right and follow signs to Dunscore for just over a mile. When you see the postbox at the staggered crossroads go straight ahead and climb uphill for just over half a mile. Ignore a rough track off to the right signed for Springhill and then a left signed for McCheynston Farm. Keep going up the hill and turn a sharp right-angle corner to see a white cottage (called The Dinning) on your right. Now look out for the signs at the top of our drive saying McMurdoston House and Swift and Swallow Cottages, turn left and drive between the two conifers at the black metal gate. Leave the house on your right and drive into the yard where you'll see the cottages ahead of you.
Guest access
Swift Cottage is all yours, with access to parking in the yard and a large deck out at the back. The cottage is semi-detached from an identical one but you are completely separate.
Other things to note
Coming from the South
Take the A76 North from Dumfries for just under 5 miles. Keep a look-out for a turning left to Irongray but ignore this and turn next left at the sign for Merkland. Follow the lane, called Coldside Road, gently uphill for a mile and a half. You will pass a white farmhouse on the right called Milliganton after a mile, then a cottage on the left called Stonybrook and another to your left called Monkland (sat navs sometimes take you here but ignore this and drive on). After a sign on the left to McCubbington Farm take a sharp right by some trees, where you’ll see a sign in the hedge for McMurdoston House. Just before you get to the next cottage on the left called The Dinning, (only about 20 yards) take a sharp right again into our drive where you'll see signs for McMurdoston and for Swift and Swallow Cottages and drive down between the two conifers at the black metal gate. Leave the house on your right and drive into the yard where the cottages are ahead of you.
Coming from the North
Take the A76 South from Thornhill for about 5 miles to Auldgirth. Turn right and follow signs to Dunscore for just over a mile. When you see the postbox at the staggered crossroads go straight ahead and climb uphill for just over half a mile. Ignore a rough track off to the right signed for Springhill and then a left signed for McCheynston Farm. Keep going up the hill and turn a sharp right-angle corner to see a white cottage (called The Dinning) on your right. Now look out for the signs at the top of our drive saying McMurdoston House and Swift and Swallow Cottages, turn left and drive between the two conifers at the black metal gate. Leave the house on your right and drive into the yard where you'll see the cottages ahead of you.
Registration details
DG01042F
