It's selfish i know, but i almost don't want to tell you how awesome this place is so that i can get in when i go back!
From the minute you arrive, Hilary and Tim (and Ted the terrier) make you feel like an family friend, rather than a paying customer. You get real fresh milk, Hilary's yummy shortbread, and filtered water in your room every day. As long as you give fair warning, Hilary will cook you a yummy dinner and Tim will follow you with the wine bottle. Instead of hiding in your room with a wee telly, you can sit in their lounge with stunning views of the sea, Mull of Galloway and sunset and watch a big screen tv, or talk to mein hosts and cuddle Ted. Watching their verbal "sparring" or Ted with his toys is just as entertaining! Each room has it's own "climate control" and rooms are really well-appointed and very clean indeed as is the spacious bathroom if you're not "ensuite". As a (mostly) single traveller, i appreciate there being a single room at a very good rate instead of having to fork out for a double or twin. Breakfast is as big or as little as you like, and Tim is quite good with the bacon( private joke).
Dumfries & Galloway seems to be off the tourist radar for a lot of people. More fool them, as it's a stunningly beautiful area of southwest Scotland, with heaps to see and do. Because the Gulf Stream hits the Scottish coast there it has milder weather than lots of Scotland. There was only 1 day in the week there that i had "mizzle" (that very Scots mix of mist and drizzle that insidiously soaks you to the bone), and apparently back at the ranch the sun had been out anyway! Your room at Hawthorn House has an info folder with hordes of holiday ideas in it.
I think the fact that Tim & Hilary respond to every review on here tells you about the level of service they provide. I personally am looking forward to heading back there next year as long as everybody else hasn't pinched my place! Thanks again guys you really are the bestest.
Niki
