Croftjane is a 300-acre farm on the Duke of Buccleuch’s Queensberry Estate in Dumfriesshire, SW Scotland and is home to Michael & Claire Halliday and their two sons. Mike is a second-generation tenant, following his father, who took on the farm tenancy in 1967. The Cottage has previously been home to stockmen and shepherds working at Croftjane.
The Cottage sits in an elevated position on the approach to the Farmhouse and steading, with spectacular views down the Nith valley towards the Solway Firth. On a clear day, Skiddaw and the northern Lake District Fells can be seen. We are at the edge of the Galloway Dark Sky Park, with fabulous star-gazing on clear nights. Occasionally, the Northern Lights are visible.
There are excellent walks and cycle rides from the cottage, with bike hire available from Rik’s Bike Shed at Drumlanrig Castle & Country Park. Deer, rabbits, hare, pheasants, partridge and other wildlife can be seen in the fields around the cottage. Walking, cycling, horse riding, fishing and golf are all available nearby.
The village of Thornhill is two miles away, which boasts the popular Buccleuch & Queensberry Hotel and Thornhill Inn with bar and restaurants, shops selling groceries, a chemist, tea rooms, takeaways, boutique clothes shops, bank, a traditional ironmongers and an art gallery at Thomas Tosh.
The cottage makes a good base from which to explore SW Scotland and there are plenty of activities available locally, from relaxed strolls in the countryside to adventurous activities suitable for thrill seekers.