10/10 Excellent
Graeme C.
4 July 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Short break away
Graeme C.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Entire home
Charming South Ayrshire cottage - Peaceful family retreat, dogs welcome!
Photo gallery for Charming South Ayrshire cottage - Peaceful family retreat, dogs welcome!
Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 491 sq m
Popular amenities
Explore the area
Ballantrae, Scotland
- Pebbles Spa16 min drive
- Cairnryan Stena Line Terminal21 min drive
- Cairnryan Port24 min drive
- Glasgow (PIK-Prestwick)69 min drive
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)
Bedroom 1
2 Single Beds
Bedroom 2
1 Double Bed
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden
About this property
Charming South Ayrshire cottage - Peaceful family retreat, dogs welcome!
Welcome to Tig Cottage, your peaceful retreat in beautiful South Ayrshire! Nestled in the tranquil hamlet of Heronsford, this charming cottage offers the perfect base for families looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
INSIDE THE COTTAGE
Step into a cozy home-away-from-home where modern comfort meets countryside charm. The living room invites you to unwind after a day of exploring, with two comfortable sofas gathered around an electric stove-effect fire - all the charm of a traditional log burner with none of the work! The Smart TV comes equipped with streaming services - perfect for family movie nights.
The separate dining room offers a lovely space for family meals, with a table that seats four, a comfortable reading chair, and a selection of books and board games for evening entertainment.
The kitchen, though compact, is well-equipped with everything you need for holiday cooking, including a coffee machine and quality pots and pans. Upstairs, peaceful nights await in two bedrooms - one with a comfortable double bed, the other with twin single beds, perfect for children or friends. The modern family bathroom (on the ground floor) features both a bath and separate shower, plus toilet and sink.
A NATURE LOVER'S PARADISE
Your garden is a delightful spot where you might spot visiting wildlife - from cheerful birds to curious rabbits. As evening falls, watch for pipistrelle bats playing in the twilight sky. The Water of Tig flows behind the cottage (note: the garden has steep steps to the water, so please supervise children).
One of Tig's most magical features reveals itself after dark - thanks to our wonderfully dark skies, on clear nights you can often see the Milky Way stretching overhead. It's an unforgettable experience for children and adults alike!
PERFECT FOR DOGS
We love welcoming four-legged family members! Your dog will find comfortable beds and bowls waiting, along with special treats to start their holiday right. We provide dog towels and cleaning supplies for muddy paw emergencies. While the garden isn't fully enclosed, there are wonderful walks right from your doorstep.
EXPLORING THE AREA
You're perfectly positioned to explore South Ayrshire's treasures:
- Just 5 minutes to Ballantrae's beach and village shops
- 20 minutes to Girvan's sandy beach, harbor, and family-friendly amenities
- Easy access to the magnificent Culzean Castle with its historic stately home and extensive grounds
- Close to the Galloway Forest Park for family walks and mountain biking (as well as more challenging walks for seasoned hikers!)
- Excellent base for visiting attractions like Turnberry Golf Course and various historic sites
PERFECT FOR DAY TRIPS
Fancy bigger adventures? You're well-placed for day trips to:
- The stunning Galloway Forest Park (Scotland's first Dark Sky Park)
- Beautiful beaches along the Ayrshire coast
- Historic towns like Newton Stewart with its charming cinema or Wigtown with it's famous bookshops
- The ferry to Belfast for an exciting day in Northern Ireland
- Ayr, Edinburgh and Glasgow for shopping and city attractions
LOCAL AMENITIES
Everything you need is within easy reach:
- Local shop and post office in Ballantrae (5 minutes)
- Larger supermarkets in Girvan (20 minutes)
- Range of family-friendly restaurants and cafes nearby (Girvan and around)
- Local pubs serving food (Girvan and around)
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Although built in 1840, the cottage has all modern amenities, including:
- Modern heating system with smart controls
- Well-equipped kitchen for family catering
- Washing machine available
- Quality furniture and comfortable beds
- Free parking right outside (no electric car charging please)
- Smart TV with streaming services (bring your own login)
- Wifi and good 4G signal throughout
PLEASE NOTE
- The cottage uses a septic tank system (we provide detailed guidance)
- The garden has steep steps to the Water of Tig - please supervise children
- The garden isn't fully enclosed for dogs
- Check-in 4 PM, check-out 11 AM
Whether you're planning to explore the region's attractions or simply want to unwind in peaceful surroundings, Tig Cottage offers the perfect setting for your family holiday. With space to relax, amenities for comfortable longer stays, and plenty to see and do nearby, you can create wonderful memories together in this special corner of Scotland.
INSIDE THE COTTAGE
Step into a cozy home-away-from-home where modern comfort meets countryside charm. The living room invites you to unwind after a day of exploring, with two comfortable sofas gathered around an electric stove-effect fire - all the charm of a traditional log burner with none of the work! The Smart TV comes equipped with streaming services - perfect for family movie nights.
The separate dining room offers a lovely space for family meals, with a table that seats four, a comfortable reading chair, and a selection of books and board games for evening entertainment.
The kitchen, though compact, is well-equipped with everything you need for holiday cooking, including a coffee machine and quality pots and pans. Upstairs, peaceful nights await in two bedrooms - one with a comfortable double bed, the other with twin single beds, perfect for children or friends. The modern family bathroom (on the ground floor) features both a bath and separate shower, plus toilet and sink.
A NATURE LOVER'S PARADISE
Your garden is a delightful spot where you might spot visiting wildlife - from cheerful birds to curious rabbits. As evening falls, watch for pipistrelle bats playing in the twilight sky. The Water of Tig flows behind the cottage (note: the garden has steep steps to the water, so please supervise children).
One of Tig's most magical features reveals itself after dark - thanks to our wonderfully dark skies, on clear nights you can often see the Milky Way stretching overhead. It's an unforgettable experience for children and adults alike!
PERFECT FOR DOGS
We love welcoming four-legged family members! Your dog will find comfortable beds and bowls waiting, along with special treats to start their holiday right. We provide dog towels and cleaning supplies for muddy paw emergencies. While the garden isn't fully enclosed, there are wonderful walks right from your doorstep.
EXPLORING THE AREA
You're perfectly positioned to explore South Ayrshire's treasures:
- Just 5 minutes to Ballantrae's beach and village shops
- 20 minutes to Girvan's sandy beach, harbor, and family-friendly amenities
- Easy access to the magnificent Culzean Castle with its historic stately home and extensive grounds
- Close to the Galloway Forest Park for family walks and mountain biking (as well as more challenging walks for seasoned hikers!)
- Excellent base for visiting attractions like Turnberry Golf Course and various historic sites
PERFECT FOR DAY TRIPS
Fancy bigger adventures? You're well-placed for day trips to:
- The stunning Galloway Forest Park (Scotland's first Dark Sky Park)
- Beautiful beaches along the Ayrshire coast
- Historic towns like Newton Stewart with its charming cinema or Wigtown with it's famous bookshops
- The ferry to Belfast for an exciting day in Northern Ireland
- Ayr, Edinburgh and Glasgow for shopping and city attractions
LOCAL AMENITIES
Everything you need is within easy reach:
- Local shop and post office in Ballantrae (5 minutes)
- Larger supermarkets in Girvan (20 minutes)
- Range of family-friendly restaurants and cafes nearby (Girvan and around)
- Local pubs serving food (Girvan and around)
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Although built in 1840, the cottage has all modern amenities, including:
- Modern heating system with smart controls
- Well-equipped kitchen for family catering
- Washing machine available
- Quality furniture and comfortable beds
- Free parking right outside (no electric car charging please)
- Smart TV with streaming services (bring your own login)
- Wifi and good 4G signal throughout
PLEASE NOTE
- The cottage uses a septic tank system (we provide detailed guidance)
- The garden has steep steps to the Water of Tig - please supervise children
- The garden isn't fully enclosed for dogs
- Check-in 4 PM, check-out 11 AM
Whether you're planning to explore the region's attractions or simply want to unwind in peaceful surroundings, Tig Cottage offers the perfect setting for your family holiday. With space to relax, amenities for comfortable longer stays, and plenty to see and do nearby, you can create wonderful memories together in this special corner of Scotland.
Property manager
Victoria Paterson
Languages
English
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Parking available
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10.0 out of 10, (2 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Garden may be unsafe for unsupervised children.
Events
No events allowed
Pets
Pets allowed: dogs and cats (limit 2 total)
If your pet has an accident, please clean it up.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
About the area
Girvan
Located in Girvan, this cottage is in a rural area and on a river. Cairnryan Port and Pebbles Spa are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Girvan Community Garden and Louisa Park. Scottish Maritime Museum and Gkenwhan Gardens are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Ballantrae, Scotland
What's nearby
- Ayrshire Coastal Path Trail Head - 16 min drive - 14.3 km
- Pebbles Spa - 16 min drive - 13.8 km
- Cairnryan Stena Line Terminal - 21 min drive - 21.1 km
- Girvan Beach - 23 min drive - 23.0 km
- Cairnryan Port - 24 min drive - 23.2 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- The Azalea - 14 min drive
- Pebbles Spa - 15 min drive
- Craigiemains Coffee Shop - 11 min drive
- David's Snack Bar - 10 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
10/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Andy I.
14 April 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A gem
Andy I.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023
10/10 Excellent
Raluca N.
9 August 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing location
Raluca N.
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
Hetty M.
26 April 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Leuk en compleet huis
Hetty M.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
About the host
Hosted by Victoria Paterson
As someone who deeply values both history and tranquility, I fell in love with Tig Cottage the moment I saw it. There's something magical about a place that has been welcoming people home since the 1840s - from craftsmen to artists, including the renowned Robert Sinclair Thomson who found inspiration painting in our garden.
What brings me the most joy as a host is helping others discover this special corner of Scotland. Whether it's sharing local walking routes, recommending the best spots for stargazing, or ensuring our four-legged guests feel as welcome as their humans, I love helping families create their perfect Scottish escape.
I'm particularly passionate about preserving the delicate balance between modern comfort and historic charm. While Tig has all the amenities modern travelers expect, we've been careful to maintain its character and connection to nature. The cottage sits in harmony with its surroundings - from the Water of Tig flowing behind to the pipistrelle bats that dance in our dark skies at dusk.
What brings me the most joy as a host is helping others discover this special corner of Scotland. Whether it's sharing local walking routes, recommending the best spots for stargazing, or ensuring our four-legged guests feel as welcome as their humans, I love helping families create their perfect Scottish escape.
I'm particularly passionate about preserving the delicate balance between modern comfort and historic charm. While Tig has all the amenities modern travelers expect, we've been careful to maintain its character and connection to nature. The cottage sits in harmony with its surroundings - from the Water of Tig flowing behind to the pipistrelle bats that dance in our dark skies at dusk.
Why they chose this property
South Ayrshire captivates me with its remarkable ability to feel both wild and welcoming. Here, where the rolling hills meet the dramatic coastline, you'll find a landscape that changes with every shifting cloud, yet somehow remains timelessly Scottish.
What I love most about this area is its authenticity. While tourists flock to the Highlands, South Ayrshire maintains its genuine character. In Ballantrae. Girvan, and Ayr, you'll find real Scottish towns rather than gift shops - places where people live and work, where the local shop still serves as the heart of the community, and where you're as likely to chat with a farmer as a fellow visitor.
The location is perfect - remote enough to see the Milky Way on clear nights, yet well-connected enough to enjoy day trips to everywhere from Belfast to Edinburgh. You can spend the morning watching gannets dive at Ballantrae beach, the afternoon exploring Culzean Castle, and the evening watching bats swoop against a sunset sky.
But what truly makes this area special is its layers of history and nature intertwined. Every walk tells a story - from the ruins of Ardstinchar Castle built by Hugh Kennedy (who fought alongside Joan of Arc) to the ancient oak woodlands that shelter red squirrels. The hills here were shaped millions of years ago by the Southern Upland fault, and people have been living in this valley since before the historic records began.
What I love most about this area is its authenticity. While tourists flock to the Highlands, South Ayrshire maintains its genuine character. In Ballantrae. Girvan, and Ayr, you'll find real Scottish towns rather than gift shops - places where people live and work, where the local shop still serves as the heart of the community, and where you're as likely to chat with a farmer as a fellow visitor.
The location is perfect - remote enough to see the Milky Way on clear nights, yet well-connected enough to enjoy day trips to everywhere from Belfast to Edinburgh. You can spend the morning watching gannets dive at Ballantrae beach, the afternoon exploring Culzean Castle, and the evening watching bats swoop against a sunset sky.
But what truly makes this area special is its layers of history and nature intertwined. Every walk tells a story - from the ruins of Ardstinchar Castle built by Hugh Kennedy (who fought alongside Joan of Arc) to the ancient oak woodlands that shelter red squirrels. The hills here were shaped millions of years ago by the Southern Upland fault, and people have been living in this valley since before the historic records began.
What makes this property unique
Tig Cottage offers something increasingly rare in today's world - a chance to step out of the rush and into a gentler pace of life, while still enjoying all the comforts of home. It's a place where you can truly experience the rhythm of nature - from misty mornings to star-filled nights.
What makes Tig special isn't just what it has, but what it doesn't have. There's no traffic noise - a busy day means seeing ten vehicles pass. There are no street lights to dim the magnificence of the night sky. The only sounds you'll hear are the burbling of the Water of Tig, the whisper of wind in the trees, and the cheerful conversation of birds.
Yet despite this peaceful seclusion, Tig doesn't ask you to abandon comfort. The cottage harmoniously blends its 1840s character with thoughtful modern amenities. The electric stove gives all the ambiance of a traditional fire with none of the work. The smart heating system keeps you cozy whatever the weather. The WiFi and 4G keep you connected (though many guests tell us they end up using their phones mainly for photos!).
Every room has its own charm. The dining room, with its sturdy table and comfortable reading chair, becomes a natural gathering place - perfect for everything from family board games to remote working. The living room's soft sofas invite you to relax with a book or watch a movie. Upstairs, the bedrooms offer peaceful nights under dark skies, while the ground floor bathroom gives you the choice of a relaxing bath or refreshing shower.
What truly sets Tig apart though, are the magical moments it offers. Watching pipistrelle bats swoop through the twilight. Seeing the Milky Way stretch across a truly dark sky. Finding a comfortable spot in the garden and seeing how many different birds you can spot. These are the experiences that our guests remember long after they've returned home.
What makes Tig special isn't just what it has, but what it doesn't have. There's no traffic noise - a busy day means seeing ten vehicles pass. There are no street lights to dim the magnificence of the night sky. The only sounds you'll hear are the burbling of the Water of Tig, the whisper of wind in the trees, and the cheerful conversation of birds.
Yet despite this peaceful seclusion, Tig doesn't ask you to abandon comfort. The cottage harmoniously blends its 1840s character with thoughtful modern amenities. The electric stove gives all the ambiance of a traditional fire with none of the work. The smart heating system keeps you cozy whatever the weather. The WiFi and 4G keep you connected (though many guests tell us they end up using their phones mainly for photos!).
Every room has its own charm. The dining room, with its sturdy table and comfortable reading chair, becomes a natural gathering place - perfect for everything from family board games to remote working. The living room's soft sofas invite you to relax with a book or watch a movie. Upstairs, the bedrooms offer peaceful nights under dark skies, while the ground floor bathroom gives you the choice of a relaxing bath or refreshing shower.
What truly sets Tig apart though, are the magical moments it offers. Watching pipistrelle bats swoop through the twilight. Seeing the Milky Way stretch across a truly dark sky. Finding a comfortable spot in the garden and seeing how many different birds you can spot. These are the experiences that our guests remember long after they've returned home.
Languages:
English
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