Lochside House

Lochside House comes fully equipped for a group escape. The kitchen has a gas hob, electric oven, dishwasher and all the essentials for cooking; the five bedrooms—including two super-kingsize and two zip-and-link beds that convert to singles—spread across two floors with three bathrooms between them. Wi-Fi, heating, bed linen and towels are included, and one dog can stay free of charge.

The ground floor opens onto the garden through bi-fold doors, where a private heated outdoor pool, hot tub for six and summerhouse create the main draw. There's a gas barbecue, parking for six cars, bike storage and an electric car charging point. The second living room and Smart TVs in several bedrooms give flexibility if the group wants to split up. Smoking is not permitted. Castle Douglas and the surrounding Dumfries and Galloway countryside lie within reach for exploring, though the property itself provides most of what a group might need for several days.