Chaff House Darvel

Chaff House is outside Darvel in Ayrshire. It's one of two on the site, a converted farm building I think. It sleeps four, with two bedrooms and one bathroom. It's a 4 Star place, so it's comfortable. It's all on the ground floor which is handy.

The main thing is the location. It's right next to Whitelee Windfarm. That sounds industrial but it's not. It's a massive forest with over 130 kilometres of trails for walking, cycling or horse riding. You can step straight out onto it.

The owners live on site and run a small farm with goats, alpacas, a donkey. You can book sessions to meet the animals if you want to. It's a working farm so there are tractors and things about sometimes.

Galloway Forest Park is about half an hour away by car. It's huge. Good for walking and wildlife. It's also a Dark Sky Park, so if you're into stargazing it's a proper dark spot. The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory is in Dalmellington, not far from there.

The coast is about 18 miles away. Ayr, Prestwick, Troon. Sandy beaches, views over to Arran. You can get a ferry to Arran from Ardrossan if you fancy a day trip.

Locally, you've got the Ayrshire Coastal Path for walks. There's golf if that's your thing, including Turnberry. Culzean Castle is worth a visit, it's run by the National Trust for Scotland. Robert Burns was from this area, so there are museums and sites related to him if you're interested.

Facilities: It has parking, a patio, WiFi, a TV. Bedding and towels are included. There's a washing machine. It's wheelchair accessible and has a wet room. There's a cot and highchair if you need them. You can bring up to two dogs.

The shop is nearly three miles away in Darvel, and the pub is about three and a quarter. So you'll want a car.

You can book it together with the other cottage next door, The Hayloft, if you're a bigger group.