Lochhouse Tower

9.8Moffat, Dumfriesshire, Scotland

Exclusive Use

You can have the venue to yourself, sleeps 6 guests in 3 rooms.

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Scottish Borders tower with its own private loch

Built in 1536 by the Johnstone Clan, this self-catering tower castle sits beside its own private loch, amongst the beautiful rolling hills of the Scottish Border region. It's just a short stroll from the popular tourist town of Moffat, conveniently situated in between Carlisle (35 miles) and Glasgow (50 miles).

A mecca for hikers and lovers of all things outdoors, what better way to spend your days than exploring the great Scottish outdoors before unwinding in your own hot tub, overlooking your own loch, before retiring to your own castle?

Lochhouse Tower

Sleeping up to six overnight guests, Lochhouse Tower sits amidst six acres, beside its own loch, in rural Dumfries and Galloway. Built in 1536, Lochhouse is a truly unique example of classic Border Peel Towers that are found throughout this region.

The castle comprises the following…

Ground Floor - As you enter the castle through the cloakroom, you’ll pass the utility room before entering the kitchen/dining room.

Set in the vaulted basement of the castle is a traditional country-style kitchen with an island hob, oven, fridge-freezer, dishwasher and microwave amongst other necessities. The oak dining table seats six people comfortably.

First Floor - The original great hall is now an impressive lounge area with historic features that will make you feel like you’re truly the king/queen of the castle! Ample seating, 60” TV, DVD player, Hi-Fi, stove/open fire, selection of board games and Wi-Fi.

Second Floor - Accessed via the original spiral staircase, this floor houses one double bedroom, one twin bedroom and the main bathroom.

All bedrooms have TV, hairdryers and fresh towels/linen.

Third Floor - Here you will find the master bedroom, along with shower room and dressing room.

Outside - Exclusive use of six acres of private grounds, including a hot tub overlooking the private fishing loch.

History

Lochhouse Tower as we see it today was built in 1536 by the Johnstone Clan, but records suggest it was built on a much earlier site.

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The classic Border Peel Tower came to be during a prime time for ‘Border Reivers’ - clans who lived in the Anglo-Scottish border territories and survived by raiding, raping and pillaging.

A Johnstone of Lochhouse referred to a hoard of gold and silver buried in a coffer at Lochhouse in his will, dated 1566. Perhaps stolen from some unfortunate soul during a reiver raid?

John Johnstone of Lochhouse, who lived in the tower, became a parson but in true Border Reiver fashion was executed in 1603 for robbery and murder.

The tower remained in the Johnstone family’s hands until 1879 when it was sold to a Sir William Younger, whose first son restored the tower in 1930. The tower changed hands a few times before being bought by current owners Andy & Jan in 2012. A full top to bottom refurbishment, both inside and out, was carried out before the tower was opened as a self-catered holiday let.

Leisure

Just a short stroll from Moffat, the area surrounding Lochhouse is a great choice for the whole family - whether you’re looking to spend the day exploring Scotland’s greatest asset, it’s natural landscape, or on cultural experiences such as museums, galleries, shops and restaurants.

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Historic sites of interest - The Devils Beeftub, Moffats Templar Chapel, Frenchland Tower, Gretna Green, Drumlanrig Castle, Troqueer House, Carlaverock Castle, Carlisle Castle, Hadrian’s Wall and King Robert The Bruce’s Cave are all within easy reach.

Family sites of interest - Cream o' Galloway, Dumfries Museum and Camera Obscura, Dalscone Farm, Mabie Farm Park, Hetland Dino Park, Farmers Den, Walby Farm Park and Wanlockhead Lead Mining Museum are all a short drive away from the castle.

Prices

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Location

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Lochhouse Tower sits just a short stroll from Moffat, a bustling market town popular amongst tourists for its warm Scottish welcome. Just 35 miles from Carlisle and 50 miles from Glasgow, the tower offers great accessibility to the renowned Scottish Border region.

Reviews

9.8

Philip, UKWonderful place to stay, very clean, warm and comfy beds. The kitchen was superb.
Private GuestThe nicest place I've stayed in Scotland, I've been based up here for 8 years and this is the best by far.
Christopher, United KingdomExcellent stay, the property is very historic but also very well furnished and equipped, so we had the best of both worlds. Easy walk or drive into Moffat, close for the A74 but not so close as to have noise issues. Highly recommended.
Diana, United KingdomA great place to stay. It has been extensively refurbished and looks very authentic, retaining original features and also providing all "mod cons". Very central to get around as it is a mile outside moffat and near the M74. Hot tub is ready for use, although it would benefit from a canopy and some lights around it.

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