Minnow Cottage

Minnow Cottage is a single-storey terraced property on the edge of Newton Stewart, set in a quiet courtyard within the village of Old Minnigaff. Everything happens on the ground floor: a living and dining space with a woodburner and large window overlooking the river, a kitchen with electric cooker and washing machine, one bedroom with a king-size bed, and a shower room with heated towel rail. The essentials—electricity, heating, bed linen, towels and wifi—are included. A courtyard with garden furniture and private parking for one car complete the setup.

The property's main draw is the garden, which borders the River Cree itself. It's a place for sitting out to watch kingfishers and otters, or simply to take in the light across the water; the woodburner and picture window mean the outlook remains appealing even in wet weather. One thing to note: there is an unfenced river ten yards away. The cottage suits two people and allows one pet to stay free of charge.

Newton Stewart is within walking distance of pubs, restaurants and shops, while Galloway Forest Park—Scotland's first Dark Sky Park—lies nearby with forest trails, rolling glens and the chance to encounter red deer and wild goats. For cyclists, the 7stanes mountain bike centres at Glentrool and Kirroughtree are close by. Wigtown, Scotland's National Book Town, is 7 miles away and home to numerous independent bookshops and Wigtown Bay, Britain's largest Local Nature Reserve. The coast is 7 miles distant; Kirkcudbright, Gatehouse of Fleet and Castle Douglas are all accessible day trips.