Experience

The Buchan

Immerse in History, Nature & Sustainable Living

footage: Martin Webb

Property Details

Introducing The Buchan

Nestled under the shadow of Bruce’s Stone, The Buchan bears witness to over 700 years of Scottish history.

The Buchan name appears in 1260 when Alexander Comyn is recorded as the ‘Earl of Buchan’.

In 1307 Robert the Bruce had his first victory in his campaign for the Scottish throne, in the battle of Glentrool, on the hillside opposite the house.

Bruce's stone
Vista of Glen Trool with hills in the distance

The Buchan offers a serene retreat that accommodates up to 7 adults and one child under 12. The interior is thoughtfully arranged to maximize comfort and convenience.

Upstairs, you'll find a master bedroom complete with an ensuite bathroom, a twin room featuring a pull-out bed for a child, and a single room, all complemented by an additional shower and WC.

Master bedroom with a fireplace and double bed
Downstairs twin bedroom

Ground-floor amenities include a twin bedroom, shower room with WC, and a conservatory equipped with a hot tub. A back hall offers practical coat and boot storage, along with a large fridge/freezer and washing machine.

The ground floor houses a fully-equipped kitchen that includes an Everhot cooker, a back-up gas cooker, and a dishwasher.

Large kitchen with dining table, oven and microwave
Cosy dining room with a table ready for dinner

The adjacent dining room leads to a cozy sitting area where a wood-burning stove, a curated book and video library, and a games cupboard await. Entertainment is also available through a TV/DVD player, despite the absence of TV reception.

Sitting room with large fireplace and comfortable sofas

Connectivity is intentionally minimal to foster a closer connection among guests. Mobile reception is sporadic, and there's no Wi-Fi. However, a landline is available in the house.

This limited connectivity invites you to indulge in the present moment, whether you're soaking in the hot tub, enjoying local delicacies, or exploring Glentrool and its surroundings.

Picnic table in the garden
Hot tub and seating in the conservatory overlooking the garden

The spacious conservatory not only houses the hot tub but also serves as a vantage point for panoramic views and local wildlife, offering an enjoyable experience regardless of weather conditions.

Being close to nature means some resources are finite. During dry spells, water and power may need careful management, and temporary restrictions may apply.

View of conservatory and plants in the garden

Plan your Stay

From Weekends to Extended Stays

Our flexible range of booking options for your stay

  • – Long weekend (Friday to Monday) –
  • – Mid-week (Monday to Friday) –
  • – Whole week or longer (from Monday or Friday) –

General enquiries: [email protected]

For comprehensive rate details and available dates visit our trusted booking partner, Discover Scotland.

Book now at Discover Scotland

Reviews

Words from our Guests
Sarah / JUL 2023
Unwind

Beautiful accommodation, a unique experience with lots of lovely walks and wildlife about.

Highly recommend to anyone wanting to unwind from the busyness of life. Good communication from both Discover Scotland and the carers of the property.

Gina / Dec 2022
Fantastic

Our recent stay at Glentrool was fantastic. It is such a beautiful and unique place. We had some challenges with the house on arrival but these were soon sorted thanks to the wonderfully proactive management team.

The location really is something else - there are excellent walks straight from the front door, with waterfalls, plunge pools and incredible views. The house was warm and cosy, showers were hot and powerful.

I found the Everhot oven a little tricky to use but finally got the hang of it after reading the manual and have a mess around with it. Fantastic for the dogs - they had the full run of the fenced garden including the stream!

Erica / FEB 2023
Warm and welcoming

My partner and I have fallen in love with The Buchan and are already looking at booking our next trip. We got married at Bruce's Stone during our stay so it will always hold a special place in our hearts - the hill the house looks out to is simply stunning.

The house was very comfortable, spacious, warm and welcoming. We didn't struggle with the electric or keeping it warm. We visited in February so maybe it's harder when the water supply isn't as strong.

We loved being so remote and not having internet or phone signal. We also met the neighbours from the property down the road and they were very friendly and welcoming!

Debbie / Jul 2022
Unique property

We had a wonderful stay at The Buchan, beside Loch Trool. The location was lovely, quiet and remote.

Quite a unique property with its own mini hydro system to run the house. Loads to do in the area even from the door.

Ben / JUN 2023
Fairytale location

Stunning views in a fairy tale location, and Barry the caretaker was excellent.

Louise / DEC 2022
Fantastic

Quirky, quaint house. Wished we had longer to get to know all the house better.

Location was perfect and just what we wanted to be able to escape the technology rat race, and pick up a book.

Location

Escape to Natural Beauty

Untamed Acres

The Buchan sits within 2.5 acres of private land, with woodland, burn and meadow.

Our guests also have direct access to the whole of the glen, including down to the loch, beautiful woodland, burns and waterfalls, and extensive walking and cycle routes, from gentle to demanding.

Advice on local routes is provided at the house, and in the nearby Visitor Centre.

The forest with hills in the distance and low hanging winter fog
View of the house from the garden on a summer's day
Footpath leading through the rolling hills
Man riding a mountain bike through trails

Cyclists can enjoy the renowned 7Stanes mountain biking trail which passes the house.

In 2009 the Park was designated the UK’s first ‘Dark Sky Park’, and on clear nights the view of the night sky from the house is stunningly beautiful.

Hundreds of stars above the Buchan
Local flora

paradise for nature-lovers

The moths, butterflies, ferns, mosses and lichen are exceptional, and rare plants including orchids and sundew are widespread on the hills.

Wild deer, sheep and goats live in the surrounding hills, and we have over 50 bird species have been in and around the grounds. The area has populations of frog, toad, newt, mice, red squirrel, pine martin, hare, otter, mole, weasel, fox, badger, bats, lizard, slow worm, and adder.

A family of wild sheep walking across the property wall
Glen Trool with low hanging fog on a warm morning

Winter in Glentrool

Experience the silent majesty of a Glentrool winter, for many people their favourite time of year.
Depart from the Buchan to discover a wild, sleeping landscape. Cold, frosty winter weather adds to the beauty and drama of the Forest Park. After a bracing day outside, the house creates a special atmosphere during long, dark evenings, around the fire or in the hot tub.

Frost on the hills in winter
Pink skies over the loch
Glen trool in the summer

summer Beauty

Experience the warm embrace of a Glentrool summer at the Buchan. Lush meadows and melodious birdsong create a natural sanctuary. Wander leisurely along river banks or through centuries-old
woodland, or take on the challenge of the hills – it is your choice.
The lochs and rivers offer wild swimming, canoeing and fishing. As evening arrives, gather round the kitchen table or soak in the hot tub to share stories.

A view from the surrounding hills taken from a hilltop
Reflections of the hills in Glen Trool

Local Amenities

Sourcing Local for a True Taste of Galloway
If one lives in Galloway, one either fishes or paints.
'Either’ is perhaps misleading, for most of the painters are fishers also in their spare time. To be neither of these things is considered odd and almost eccentric.
Dorothy L. Sayers

The region of Dumfries and Galloway in South West Scotland is a treasure trove of gourmet experiences, featuring organic and sustainably-sourced specialties.

If you're a fan of spirits, consider visiting the Crafty Distillery near Newton Stewart or Bladnoch Distillery for award winning tours and experiences.

We are in the process of forming partnerships with local businesses, offering guests the opportunity to order a hamper of locally-sourced produce during their stay at The Buchan.

To make this possible, please contact us at least one week prior to your visit to discuss your preferences.

Bladnoch brewery building
Crafty distillery

The area is also rich in charming towns, each with its own unique flair.

Wigtown is Scotland's designated Book Town, Castle Douglas is renowned as the Food Town, and Kirkcudbright is known as the Artists' Town.

All are within an hour's drive, along with an extensive variety of outdoor adventures and attractions.

Local historical ruins
Local historical buildings

Explore sandy beaches, dense forests, rolling hills, and winding rivers. For the more adventurous, options like mountain biking and canyoning are available, as well as an array of gardens, castles, and historical landmarks to discover.

History & Eco

Sustainability at Heart

A farm has existed here since 1400, and Buchan Forest can be traced back to the 15th Century when it was declared a Royal Hunting Reserve.

The present house probably dates from the 17th Century.

However, in 1852 its destiny took a turn when it was transformed into a hunting lodge by Randolph the Ninth Earl of Galloway, reputedly to escape from female company in the nearby Glentrool Lodge!

Buchan bridge plaque showing the date A.D. 1851

In 1947 it was acquired by the Forestry Commission as part of the Galloway Forest Park, and was operated as a farm until the 1970s.

It was famous for its pack of Ramasites, a rare cross-breed of Labrador and fox shown here in 1959.

An old scanned photo of the property in disrepair taken in the 1980's, broken roof and rubble

In the 1980s it became an outward-bound centre, but unfortunately fell into disrepair until it was discovered in 1996 by the present owners.

A view of the newly renovated house from outside beneath blue skies

We carried out a three-year renovation programme which included the complete restoration of the house, installation of the hydro-electricity system, and planting the woodland.

All systems operate without the need for any external energy. The house has been designed to achieve zero-carbon living with no pollution and in harmony with the natural world.

The house in springtime
The waterfall which powers the house

The hydro-electric power supply provides electricity for regular use, with any surplus feeding into the central heating.

The water supply flows from the burn into the house – filtered mineral water literally on tap.

Glen trool

The wood-burning stove uses our own, well-seasoned timber grown on the premises.

The forest in the surrounding area

Walls, roof and floors are well insulated with vapour barriers, creating a low-energy house with high thermal mass.

The main innovation is a large conservatory on the south side of the house. This acts as an efficient solar collector, storing heat in the granite walls, and provides a large and beautiful living space for much of the year.