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The minimum stay for this property changes depending on the dates selected
Rental Home
Traditional Victorian Schoolhouse, recently refurbished to provide excellent accommodation for up 8 guests, with uninterupted views of Luce Bay and the Galloway Hills beyond. Situated less than 30metres from 7 miles of Sand.
Accommodation - ground floor - Lounge, diningroom, kitchen,utility and shower room
First floor - double bedroom, family bedroom, both with stunning sea views, twin room, shower room and bathroom
Sandhead is situated on the more sheltered East coast of the Mull of Galloway peninsula, with sand as far as the eye can see. Along the road is Tigh na Mara Hotel which serves good food and has a friendly public bar with open fire, there is also a well stocked local shop, Tearoom and children's playpark in the village - so plenty to do without having to drive anywhere.
This amazing find is basically next to the beach where you can safely paddle and swim. Location is just amazing - lucky we had fantastic weather. Sat outside the front door from morning until early evening and watched the world go by!
The house has everything and more that is needed for a weeks stay. Plenty towels, bedding, kitchen was fully equipped.
Having a toilet and shower downstairs was such a great addition and means no need to go upstairs during the day.
Rooms exceptionally warm and cosy. Sit in the dining room and watch the sunrise and sunsets each day.
Small shop, hotel and resturant/take-away just a couple of minutes from the front door. Happy Holidays
Certainly a place we will return to in the future.
Visited August 2022
Written October 20, 2022. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BackPacker447353
Thank you very much for taking the time to post such a lovely review of Auld Schoolhouse on Trip Advisor, it is very much appreciated as it gives future guests an idea of what to expect of the property and surrounding area from a visitor's point of view. I am glad that you enjoyed your stay and hope to welcome you back sometime in the future.
Kind regards, Elspeth
Written March 13, 2023. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
EJ
1 contribution
The Auld School House
Super house with an amazing outlook. House warm, cosy, welcoming and very well equipped. An excellent location for exploring Dumfries and Galloway and a joy to return to after a day out and about.
Visited October 2022
Written October 15, 2022. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BackPacker447353
Thank you very much for taking the time to post a review on Trip Advisor, it is very much apprecated as it gives future guests an idea of what to expect of the property and surrounding area from a visitor's point of view. I am glad that you enjoyed your stay and hope to see you again sometime.
Kind regards, Elspeth
Written November 21, 2022. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Missmoo1108
Bury, United Kingdom21 contributions
Perfect pet friendly house and location
The Auld Schoolhouse is a regular holiday home for us and it never fails to disappoint. Excellent value for the number of people it sleeps, spotlessly clean on arrival, well equipped and very comfortable. The owners keep on top of decorating and facilities in general every time we visit. Very friendly people. Homemade shortbread and fudge to greet us too - delicious.
The location is amazing, with the beach right across the road, Tigh Na Mara pub/restaurant excellent food, The Lighthouse Bar at the caravan park is also worth a visit and McKenzies shop literally has everything you would need. It’s our ‘happy place’ 😁
Visited August 2022
Written August 21, 2022. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BackPacker447353
Thank you so much for visiting Auld Schoolhouse again and for taking the time to post such a complimentary and comprehensive review of the property and surrounding area including suggestions for eating out. It is very much appreciated as it gives future guests an idea of what to expect from a visitor's point of view.
I am glad that you enjoyed your stay and look forward to seeing you again next year.
Kind regards, Elspeth & Hugh
Written September 28, 2022. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Laura young
1 contribution
Brilliant stay
Stayed with family and grandchildren beautiful house loads of space for everyone,the view of the beach was amazing, great walks when tide is out and plenty of walks to be had in the surrounding areas, can't wait to stay again
Visited July 2022
Written August 7, 2022. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BackPacker447353
Thank you very much for visiting Auld Schoolhouse and for taking the time to post a lovely review on Trip Advisor.
We are glad that you enjoyed your stay and look forward to seeing you again.
Kind regards, Elspeth & Hugh
Written September 28, 2022. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sightsee59254808658
1 contribution
Auld School house
The superb location is the first thing noticed when arriving. Quickly followed by the character of the lovely house. The facilities and cleanliness are great and very suitable for our six adults with dogs. The beach across the road was ideal for walking and the dogs loved being in the sea. Elspeth had treated us to Scottish shortbread and tablet which was delicious. The hotel down the road serves excellent meals and takeaways at the weekends and the local shop is well stocked. Well recommend.
Visited June 2022
Written July 24, 2022. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BackPacker447353
Thank you very much for visiting Auld Schoolhouse, we are glad that you enjoyed your stay. Also thank you for taking the time to post a lovely review of the property, the beach and local village, this is very much appreciated as it gives future guests an idea of what to expect from a visitor's point of view. Hope to see you again sometime.
Kind regards, Elspeth & Hugh
Written August 22, 2022. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Anne E
1 contribution
Heaven on earth
This was our second visit to The Auld Schoolhouse and an obvious choice after two years of the pandemic. The house is so well equipped and comfortable for a family gathering of all ages, You will just want to sit and look at the view across the bay it's so beautiful and calming. The village has everything you need and if you want to explore further there are so many interesting places to visit all within a short drive. Truly a little bit of heaven on earth.
Visited May 2022
Written July 22, 2022. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BackPacker447353
Thank you very much for visiting Auld Schoolhouse again, we are glad that you enjoyed your stay. Also thank you for taking the time to post a lovely review of the property and the surrounding area, this is very much appreciated as it gives future guests an idea of what to expect from a visitor's point of view. Hope to see you again sometime.
Kind regards, Elspeth & Hugh
Written August 22, 2022. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
harryspotter
Glasgow, United Kingdom15 contributions
Fantastic accommodation, fab weather
I think the title says it all, fantastic accommodation, fantastic weather what is there not to love.
Our second visit to the Auld Schoolhouse and it was great to be back. Even better is the tablet and shortbread when you arrive.
For us being able to accommodate the dogs is ideal and with the beach over the road exercising is never a problem.
Elspeth popped into check everything was ok, but everything was great.
Just trying to work out a date for next year.
Visited June 2022
Written June 16, 2022. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BackPacker447353
Thank you so much for taking the time to post such a lovely review of Auld Schoolhouse, I am glad that you enjoyed your stay and hope to see you again sometime
Kind regards
Elspeth
Written August 5, 2022. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Compass
Stockton-on-Tees, United Kingdom8 contributions
Amazing, pet friendly location
Another fantastic week in South West Scotland with this beautiful, grand house as our base. Warm, welcoming extremely clean and comfortable with everything we could possibly need for a self-catering holiday. Many modern comforts including a glimpse of it’s Victorian heritage. From the entrance porch with it’s internal leaded glass door, to the beautiful, original floor tiles from the entrance through to the hallway then continuing into the kitchen, the huge doors with their chunky handles and the sunlight cascading down the stairs through the coloured skylight all contribute to retaining some of the original character of the house, absolutely stunning.
Ample off road parking and garden space within the plot the house stands on and an extra walled garden directly across the road. Our two working cocker spaniels instantly made themselves at home, as did we.The double seat at the front of the house is ideal for relaxing with a morning coffee or evening drink. The view across the sea is mesmerising and totally relaxing, even the dogs chilled and watched the world go by.
We ate out at the Tigh na Mara (Tig) in the village. Dogs are allowed in the beer garden, bar and snug.The use of the bar or snug when eating out with dogs is a bonus if you want a bit of comfort or the weather is unpredictable. We also ate at the Gallie Craig on the Mull, the tea room at Glen Whan gardens and Agnew park cafe in Stranraer, these three only allow dogs at outside eating areas.
As Sandhead is situated on a peninsular if the weather is windy/unsettled on one side a 10-15 minute car journey will take you across to the other side where it will often be calmer.
We highly recommend Sandhead and Elspeth’s house for a sea-side holiday or as a base for exploring further afield.
Our two young Granddaughters and parents spent a week in Sandhead and the surrounding area a couple of years ago on our recommendation. They are desperate to return one day as they had such an amazing time.
Thank you Elspeth for the opportunity to enjoy yet another great holiday at Sandhead in such a beautiful house and for the delicious shortbread and tablet.
See you in July when we visit Beach cottage and look forward to visiting the new places you recommended to explore on our return.
Visited April 2022
Written May 3, 2022. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BackPacker447353
Thank you very much for taking the time to post such a comprehensive and complimentary review of Auld Schoolhouse and the surrounding area, this is extremely helpful for future guests as it gives an idea of what to expect from a visitor's point of view. Thank you for visiting and it was lovely to catch up again this year at Beach Cottage in July. I am glad that you enjoyed your stay and hope to see you again sometime.
Kind regards, Elspeth
Written August 5, 2022. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JohnS
2 contributions
Superb stay
Once more our holiday to one of Hugh and Elspeth Little's holiday homes did not disappoint. Stunning sea views from the Auld schoolhouse and surprisingly spacious inside. Everything needed was supplied. Very dog friendly although when you have a dog who is beach mad and thinks he's Steve McQueen in the Great Escape you need to be alert as the wall at the front didnt stop him going to the beach on his own on arrival. That said the house was very dog friendly and great for their humans as well. Thanks again to the Little family for a great stay in Sandhead. Iain and Karen Scott and family.
Visited September 2021
Written October 6, 2021. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BackPacker447353
Thank you very much for taking the time to post such a lovely review of the Auld Schoolhouse on Trip Advisor, we really appreciate it as it gives visitors an idea of what to expect. We are glad that you enjoyed your stay and hope to see you again sometime.
Kind regards, Elspeth & Hugh
Written October 28, 2021. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sharron K
Winshill, United Kingdom94 contributions
Perfect
Fantastic stay in a secluded location, directly opposite a dog friendly, vast and clean beach. The house was spotless and well equipped, very warm and plenty of space to spread out. The garden at the Back is small but with an abundance of birds to watch. A bigger, walled garden lies to the front of the residence, over the road near the beach. Both perfect for keeping pets from roaming. Location is perfect for exploring Dumfries and Galloway and the supermarkets are in hi Stranraer if you need it although the local shop, down the road stocks most things.
On a clear day, you can see the Isle of Man and if you venture slightly further up the coast you can see Ireland. The waters are quite warm when you get in and surprisingly, no jellyfish around, dip your toe in even if you don’t go for a swim.
Elspeth (the owner) was on hand if you need anything and was very warm and welcoming. I would highly recommend a visit for either couples or families and like many others, we will be looking to book again.
Visited September 2021
Written September 29, 2021. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BackPacker447353
Thank you very much for taking the time to post such comprehensive and complementary review of Auld Schoolhouse and the surrounding area, it is very much appreciated as it give future guests an idea of what to expect from a visitor's point of view. We are glad that you enjoyed your stay and look forward to seeing you again sometime.
Kind regards Elspeth & Hugh
P.S. Thank you for recommending the property to your friends, they have booked for 2022.
Written October 28, 2021. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
In the Stranraer area there is an abundance of stunning Scenery from the Moorlands and Galloway Hills to a variety of Coastal Features.
The Auld Schoolhouse is situated in the Village of Sandhead, and looks out onto at least 7 miles of sand. It is located on a peninsula which has a varying and enchanting range of coastal features from the sandy beaches on the East coast to a variety of cliffs, rocks and sandy coves on th West the most famous of which are the delightful village of Port Logan and the picturesque fishing village of Portpatrick, with its variety of pubs and restaurants, most of which have fresh fish on their menus.
The climate here is warmed by the Gulf Stream, hence the area is renowned for its gardens which are open to the public, namely Logan Botanic, Logan House, Ardwell, Castle Kennedy, Dunskey and Glenwhan - all well worth a visit.
The area is the ideal destination for walkers as the Southern Upland Way commences in Portpatrick, it hugs the coast for some time before heading to the moorland near New Luce. There is also the newly opened(2012) Coastal Path which starts at Loch Ryan (Stranraer) and ends at the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse - ap 24 miles in total. There are also several circular walks based on this Trail from ap 1.5 to 8 miles.
The Mull of Galloway is not only the most southernly point is Scotland it is also home to the RSPB Reserve. It has web cams to nesting sites and seal breeding grounds - it is a must for nature lovers and bird watchers.
There are plenty of quiet country roads for driving or cycling along and taking in the scenery or for the more energetic cyclist there is the 7Stanes Mountain Biking Trail in the Galloway Forest Park.
Golfing is another hobby that is well catered for in this area with 4 Golf Couses within a 10minute drive from Sandhead.
Access
Car advised
How to get there
Please contact owner for directions if necessary
Activities nearby
Fishing NearbyThere Is A Golf Course Within 30 Mins Drive
Cancellation Policy
100% refund within 24 hours after booking (provided the stay is at least 60 days away).
50% refund* if you cancel at least 4 weeks before check-in
No refund available if you cancel thereafter
Enter your trip dates to see an exact cancellation policy.
*Booking fee is excluded from refund amount
About this property
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