Detached house for sale in Ferryboat Cottage, Mossdale, Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire DG7

Original ferrymaster’s cottage overlooking Loch Ken with private jetty and slipways.

Description
Nestled in one of the most enchanting areas of southwest Scotland, Ferryboat Cottage stands as one of the oldest and most distinctive properties in the locality. This original ferrymaster's cottage is situated on around half an acre of beautifully sheltered, south-facing lawned gardens that offer private access to the serene Loch Ken. The cottage has fabulous access to the water, allowing for almost any type of water activity. There are two slipways - one grass for launching lighter boats, swimming, canoes etc and one hardcore for heavier powered craft, which is accessed via the double doored boathouse, allowing launch, retrieval and storage.

In addition, the substantial rise and fall deep water jetty means that all the water-based activities are available within the cottage garden at any time. The cottage also has riparian rights, giving the owners fishing rights on the loch – meaning a complete array of water-based hobbies can be enjoyed directly from the property. This traditional Galloway cottage is surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of southwest Scotland, with convenient access to the Solway coast and a wide range of outdoor activities including horse riding, golfing, sailing and water-skiing. The gardens are a haven for wildlife, featuring areas of European ssi and adjoining the rspb nature reserve with the renowned Red Kite Trail. Loch Ken is celebrated for its fishing, swimming and private launching for small crafts, all of which can be enjoyed from the floating jetties at the garden’s edge.
The accommodation begins with a welcoming entrance hall with dining room off, exuding character with its cosy wood-burning stove and vibrant modern colours. A fascinating historical touch is the hidden safe behind the winding stairs, where the ferrymaster once kept his day's takings. The traditional oak kitchen is well equipped with a range of floor and wall mounted storage, inbuilt appliances and views over the garden and loch. A handy wet room and utility room are located off, as well as a stylish main bathroom with three piece suite.

The spacious sitting room is a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary, featuring a ClearView wood-burning stove, solid oak floor and sandstone feature fireplace, ideal for cosy evenings with views of the gardens and loch beyond. The conservatory is particularly well-situated at the front of the house and allows for year-round enjoyment of the garden, offering panoramic views over the patio to the River Dee and the adjacent nature reserve. Two light and airy double bedrooms with lovely views over Loch Ken complete the first floor accommodation with a WC and attic space off.

Location
Ferryboat Cottage is beautifully tucked away between the Galloway Forest Park (chosen as the preferred location of Scotland's third national park) and Laurieston Forest, just a short distance from the small settlement of Mossdale. The nearby market town of Castle Douglas (10 miles distance) has a good range of shops, supermarkets and other services. The regional capital of Dumfries (about 25 miles away) offers a wider range of shops and services including the recently opened Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary. There are water sports and sailing on nearby Loch Ken as well as on the Solway, along with excellent hill walking in the nearby Galloway Hills. Communications to the area are very good, with a regular daily bus service from the town, and railway stations in both Dumfries and Lockerbie. The M74 motorway is about 50 miles distant, allowing easy access north and south. Regular domestic and international flights depart from Prestwick Airport, which is 45 miles to the north. Both Glasgow and Edinburgh airports are around 90 miles distant.