OneWorld Travel - BALGREEN LODGE

The surrounding countryside makes it clear why the Duke of Portland decided to build this lovely country house among the gently rolling hills of Ayrshire, Scotland, close by the River Doon.

Originally built as the farmhouse for the Duke's model farm in 1882, Balgreen has been beautifully refurbished to become the perfect woodland retreat. The house boasts very comfortable accommodations for ten, with large dining and drawing rooms, bedrooms and baths, a roomy, farm-style kitchen, and even an old-fashioned billiard room.

Located at the edge of the village of Dalrymple, six miles from Ayr and the southwest coast of Scotland, Skeldon is one of the few estates in Scotland still being run as it was originally designed. Farming, gamekeeping, forestry, gardening and fishing departments are kept in perfect working order by the house and grounds staff who live on the 850-acre estate. You can arrange a personal tour or wander in the formal gardens and greenhouses on your own. On a clear day you can see the peaks of the Isle of Arran over nearby fields.

While at Balgreen, you have your choice of retreat or recreation. Horseback riding, tennis, golfing, sea and loch fishing, shooting, stalking, clay pigeon shooting and even a course on gardening can be arranged.

Beds and Baths: Sleeps 10 comfortably in two double bedrooms and two twin bedrooms upstairs, one twin bedroom (with color TV) downstairs. Two large baths upstairs and one bath downstairs, all with tub and hand-held shower.

Living Space: Elegantly furnished and carpeted throughout. The dining room and billiard room are on the ground floor, while the living room with cozy fireplace and color TV is on the second floor.

Outdoors: The entire Skeldon estate is at your disposal, with activities including tennis, horseback riding and fishing available. The estate also boasts beautiful formal flower gardens and greenhouses that are not open to the public but that may be enjoyed at any time by Balgreen renters.

Essentials: Large, well-equipped modern kitchen with electric stovetop and two ovens, microwave, refrigerator/freezer and dishwasher. Utility room includes washing machine and drying facilities. Central heating.

Details: Children welcome. Property is not handicapped-accessible. Smoking permitted. Phone in house for renters' use.

Nearby:

Supermarket in Ayr, 20 minutes away. Small convenience store in Dalrymple, three minutes away.
The championship golf courses at Royal Troon and Prestwick are each half an hour away. Twelve smaller courses are within an easy drive.
Excellent fishing on the River Doon, which runs through the estate. Loch and sea fishing can be arranged by the estate manager.
Lovely tennis court on the estate.
Cycle through pleasant and relaxing scenery (with not too many demanding hills). Bike rentals nearby in Ayr.
Shooting, stalking and clay pigeon shooting can be arranged by the estate manager, as can a gardening course at the estate's gardens and greenhouses.
Culzean Castle, the most visited castle in Scotland, is 15 minutes away. Built in 1777, it is surrounded by a deer park, swan pond, walled garden and aviary.
The poet Robert Burns was born in nearby Alloway, and a number of sites and museums dedicated to him and his work are in the area.
Special: A cook can be arranged with advance notice. Price available upon request.

Transportation:

Glagow and its airport are one hour away by train and car.
The nearest train station is 20 minutes away in Ayr.

Rates:

Rates include gas and electricity, all linens, cleaning service after departure, and heat (when necessary).
Extra cleaning during stay can be arranged for a fee.
Security deposit required.

Note: Rentals begin on Saturday after 4:00 p.m.

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