Harbour Row - Jura

Harbour Row is a substantial stone cottage standing metres from the shore in Drummore, Scotland's most southerly village. Built to face the sea, it catches the light across Luce Bay and sits within easy reach of the beach—a proper seaside base rather than a retreat hidden inland. The cottage suits families or groups of six, with three bedrooms (one double, two pairs of singles) and a bathroom upstairs, while the ground floor opens out through French doors onto a lawned garden with seating and views across the water.

The main living space centres on an open fire, with a kitchen that has what you need to cook properly—electric cooker, dishwasher, microwave. A Freeview television and DVD player are there if the weather turns. Bed linen, towels, Wi-Fi and electricity are covered in the rent, along with initial fuel for the fire. The property has its own parking for two cars and sits just a short walk from a convenience store, post office, café serving seafood, and three pubs.

The Rhins of Galloway rewards exploration. Mull of Galloway Nature Reserve draws birdwatchers in spring and summer; the area also supports seals, otters, dolphins and red squirrels. Logan Botanical Gardens and several other gardens nearby merit a visit. Cairnryan, five miles north towards Stranraer, handles ferries to Ireland. Smoking is not permitted; one pet is welcome.