footage: Martin Webb
Nestled under the shadow of Bruce’s Stone, The Buchan bears witness to over 700 years of Scottish history.
The Buchan name appears in 1260 when Alexander Comyn is recorded as the ‘Earl of Buchan’.
In 1307 Robert the Bruce had his first victory in his campaign for the Scottish throne, in the battle of Glentrool, on the hillside opposite the house.
The Buchan offers a serene retreat that accommodates up to 7 adults and one child under 12. The interior is thoughtfully arranged to maximize comfort and convenience.
Upstairs, you'll find a master bedroom complete with an ensuite bathroom, a twin room featuring a pull-out bed for a child, and a single room, all complemented by an additional shower and WC.
Ground-floor amenities include a twin bedroom, shower room with WC, and a conservatory equipped with a hot tub. A back hall offers practical coat and boot storage, along with a large fridge/freezer and washing machine.
The ground floor houses a fully-equipped kitchen that includes an Everhot cooker, a back-up gas cooker, and a dishwasher.
The adjacent dining room leads to a cozy sitting area where a wood-burning stove, a curated book and video library, and a games cupboard await. Entertainment is also available through a TV/DVD player, despite the absence of TV reception.
Connectivity is intentionally minimal to foster a closer connection among guests. Mobile reception is sporadic, and there's no Wi-Fi. However, a landline is available in the house.
This limited connectivity invites you to indulge in the present moment, whether you're soaking in the hot tub, enjoying local delicacies, or exploring Glentrool and its surroundings.
The spacious conservatory not only houses the hot tub but also serves as a vantage point for panoramic views and local wildlife, offering an enjoyable experience regardless of weather conditions.
Being close to nature means some resources are finite. During dry spells, water and power may need careful management, and temporary restrictions may apply.
Our flexible range of booking options for your stay
General enquiries: info@thebuchanglentrool.co.uk
For comprehensive rate details and available dates visit our trusted booking partner, Discover Scotland.
Beautiful accommodation, a unique experience with lots of lovely walks and wildlife about.
Highly recommend to anyone wanting to unwind from the busyness of life. Good communication from both Discover Scotland and the carers of the property.
Our recent stay at Glentrool was fantastic. It is such a beautiful and unique place. We had some challenges with the house on arrival but these were soon sorted thanks to the wonderfully proactive management team.
The location really is something else - there are excellent walks straight from the front door, with waterfalls, plunge pools and incredible views. The house was warm and cosy, showers were hot and powerful.
I found the Everhot oven a little tricky to use but finally got the hang of it after reading the manual and have a mess around with it. Fantastic for the dogs - they had the full run of the fenced garden including the stream!
My partner and I have fallen in love with The Buchan and are already looking at booking our next trip. We got married at Bruce's Stone during our stay so it will always hold a special place in our hearts - the hill the house looks out to is simply stunning.
The house was very comfortable, spacious, warm and welcoming. We didn't struggle with the electric or keeping it warm. We visited in February so maybe it's harder when the water supply isn't as strong.
We loved being so remote and not having internet or phone signal. We also met the neighbours from the property down the road and they were very friendly and welcoming!
We had a wonderful stay at The Buchan, beside Loch Trool. The location was lovely, quiet and remote.
Quite a unique property with its own mini hydro system to run the house. Loads to do in the area even from the door.
Stunning views in a fairy tale location, and Barry the caretaker was excellent.
Quirky, quaint house. Wished we had longer to get to know all the house better.
Location was perfect and just what we wanted to be able to escape the technology rat race, and pick up a book.
Untamed Acres
The Buchan sits within 2.5 acres of private land, with woodland, burn and meadow.
Our guests also have direct access to the whole of the glen, including down to the loch, beautiful woodland, burns and waterfalls, and extensive walking and cycle routes, from gentle to demanding.
Advice on local routes is provided at the house, and in the nearby Visitor Centre.
In 2009 the Park was designated the UK’s first ‘Dark Sky Park’, and on clear nights the view of the night sky from the house is stunningly beautiful.
paradise for nature-lovers
The moths, butterflies, ferns, mosses and lichen are exceptional, and rare plants including orchids and sundew are widespread on the hills.
Wild deer, sheep and goats live in the surrounding hills, and we have over 50 bird species have been in and around the grounds. The area has populations of frog, toad, newt, mice, red squirrel, pine martin, hare, otter, mole, weasel, fox, badger, bats, lizard, slow worm, and adder.
Winter in Glentrool
Experience the silent majesty of a Glentrool winter, for many people their favourite time of year.
Depart from the Buchan to discover a wild, sleeping landscape. Cold, frosty winter weather adds to the beauty and drama of the Forest Park. After a bracing day outside, the house creates a special atmosphere during long, dark evenings, around the fire or in the hot tub.
summer Beauty
Experience the warm embrace of a Glentrool summer at the Buchan. Lush meadows and melodious birdsong create a natural sanctuary. Wander leisurely along river banks or through centuries-old
woodland, or take on the challenge of the hills – it is your choice.
The lochs and rivers offer wild swimming, canoeing and fishing. As evening arrives, gather round the kitchen table or soak in the hot tub to share stories.
If one lives in Galloway, one either fishes or paints.
'Either’ is perhaps misleading, for most of the painters are fishers also in their spare time. To be neither of these things is considered odd and almost eccentric.
The region of Dumfries and Galloway in South West Scotland is a treasure trove of gourmet experiences, featuring organic and sustainably-sourced specialties.
If you're a fan of spirits, consider visiting the Crafty Distillery near Newton Stewart or Bladnoch Distillery for award winning tours and experiences.
We are in the process of forming partnerships with local businesses, offering guests the opportunity to order a hamper of locally-sourced produce during their stay at The Buchan.
To make this possible, please contact us at least one week prior to your visit to discuss your preferences.
The area is also rich in charming towns, each with its own unique flair.
Wigtown is Scotland's designated Book Town, Castle Douglas is renowned as the Food Town, and Kirkcudbright is known as the Artists' Town.
All are within an hour's drive, along with an extensive variety of outdoor adventures and attractions.
Explore sandy beaches, dense forests, rolling hills, and winding rivers. For the more adventurous, options like mountain biking and canyoning are available, as well as an array of gardens, castles, and historical landmarks to discover.
A farm has existed here since 1400, and Buchan Forest can be traced back to the 15th Century when it was declared a Royal Hunting Reserve.
The present house probably dates from the 17th Century.
However, in 1852 its destiny took a turn when it was transformed into a hunting lodge by Randolph the Ninth Earl of Galloway, reputedly to escape from female company in the nearby Glentrool Lodge!
In 1947 it was acquired by the Forestry Commission as part of the Galloway Forest Park, and was operated as a farm until the 1970s.
It was famous for its pack of Ramasites, a rare cross-breed of Labrador and fox shown here in 1959.
In the 1980s it became an outward-bound centre, but unfortunately fell into disrepair until it was discovered in 1996 by the present owners.
We carried out a three-year renovation programme which included the complete restoration of the house, installation of the hydro-electricity system, and planting the woodland.
All systems operate without the need for any external energy. The house has been designed to achieve zero-carbon living with no pollution and in harmony with the natural world.
The hydro-electric power supply provides electricity for regular use, with any surplus feeding into the central heating.
The water supply flows from the burn into the house – filtered mineral water literally on tap.
The wood-burning stove uses our own, well-seasoned timber grown on the premises.
Walls, roof and floors are well insulated with vapour barriers, creating a low-energy house with high thermal mass.
The main innovation is a large conservatory on the south side of the house. This acts as an efficient solar collector, storing heat in the granite walls, and provides a large and beautiful living space for much of the year.
