Crawfordston Cottage

These superb photos were sent by a guest who stayed with us last year. Sadly they had to cancel their spring holiday because of Covid 19 but intend to come back later when we are able to open again. Fingers crossed this could be on the 15th of July.

When we do re-open we’ll be deep cleaning between guests using a solution which kills viruses as well as bacteria. Some items, such as board games, will be removed as these are difficult to clean. Hand sanitiser will be provided and self-entry arranged. Full cleaning guidelines are to be issued which we will be following to the letter.

Although some attractions may not be open there are still many places to visit such as the isles of Arran and Cumbrae, beaches and coves, golf courses, fishing, cycling (both road and off-road), lochs and some serious hiking in the Merrick area of wild land. There’s binoculars to view the stars and wildlife and a barbecue to enjoy al freso meals.

A beautiful doe with her fawn in the field by cottage was photographed by a guest this summer.

Guests have also seen deer in the paddock at the front and in other fields nearby. A pair of buzzards have a nest in the woods by the cottage and their chicks can be heard squawking for food. The magnificent male bird sat for ages on a branch giving everyone ample opportunity to study it through the binoculars.

Our guests had a memorable evening star gazing at the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory recently. Due to snowy conditions they drove to the stables car park at Craigengillan where they joined others booked in for the evening session. They were met by staff who guided the group up to the Observatory by torchlight. An atmospheric walk along a snow covered track and trees laden with snow. They arrived suitably warmed up and ready to view the heavens.

Fortunately it was a crystal clear night with virtually no wind – perfect viewing conditions. The instructors were very knowledgeable, friendly and answered a myriad of questions from the group.

The main telescope was set up to view Orion’s nebula first, then Andromeda, the nearest major galaxy to earth and about two and a half million light years away. A couple of other interesting areas of the night sky were viewed through the telescope and then out to the raised deck area where various constellations were pointed out with a little mythology thrown in. The Milky Way was particularly spectacular against the inky black skies. Sadly the Aurora Borealis didn’t make an appearance.

Inside a short film was shown before the torchlight walk down the hill and back to the cars. A night to remember.

Learn to cook some delicious new dishes with Lindsay Guidi from Home Cook School and enjoy eating the results with friends and family.

Lindsay will work with you to improve your cooking skills and work accommodate your likes and dislikes. She delivers bespoke lessons to small groups either in the cottage or at the Home Cook School kitchen in Maybole.

Click here to view the website. For a 10% discount quote “cook1” and mention you’re staying at Crawfordston Cottage.

Bon appetite!

These brown and white Ayrshire cattle graze in the fields by Crawfordston. Their milk is used by Trisha Bey to produce the delicious Barwheys Cheese in the nearby dairy.

Later in the programme Nick Nairn uses the cheese to produce a tasty snack but it can be equally enjoyable by itself on some good crackers. You can get your hands on it locally at Jane’s Deli in Maybole and the community shop in Kirkmichael. Harrods and Waitrose also stock it.

Barwheys was originally featured on Landward over a year ago. It was repeated yesterday (21 February) and you can watch Episode 20 again by clicking here

©Peter Barby

Recently a guest spotted this magnificent hare just outside the cottage. Fortunately our guest was an expert photographer and caught the beautiful animal on camera. He also spotted several squirrels (sadly they were grey but there are red ones nearby) the buzzards which nest in woods by the cottage and a red kite among many other birds. On the stone walls he observed the tiny, but beautiful red wasps which have a nasty habit of laying their eggs in other insects!

©Peter Barby