When you live in or near Ayr, you know you're on to a good thing when it comes to stunning scenery and a quick escape to the countryside. You can be in top class accommodation on a real working farm in no time - check these suggestions out so the next time you want to check yourself out, you know exactly where to head to!
11 miles: Pant Farmhouse
Pant Farm is in the heart of Robert Burns’ Ayrshire countryside, near the River Ayr Walk – with lovely walks from the doorstep in the surrounding countryside.
This farmhouse was renovated in 2017 after 50 years in disrepair and offers a huge space for a large family or friends gathering. It sleeps 12 and the rooms are spacious with views out to the open countryside.
With an enclosed garden safe for pets and a timber hot tub with views to fields and Pant Wood beyond – it’s a great place to bring friends and family together.
16 miles: Pirleyhill Farm & Pods, Ayrshire
Pirleyhill Pods offer a vibrant new glamping pod experience in one of the most scenic parts of Scotland. From the luxury of your own private pod, you’ll be able to enjoy stunning views across the Irish Sea towards Arran, Mull of Kintyre, Ailsa Craig and even Northern Ireland.
Situated in the heart of a busy beef and sheep farm, the pods are warm and luxurious with modern fittings and a high-end feel. Each pod is fitted with contemporary on-suite and kitchen facilities, as well as its own private and relaxing hot tub.
As part of the overall experience at Pirleyhill Farm, guests can see a genuine farm in action. This means that, depending on the time of year you visit, you could be lucky enough to see the birth of a lamb or calf, sheep being clipped or various other authentic farm events.
20 miles: Cleeves Cabins, Ayrshire
Cleeves farm is a traditional North Ayrshire livestock farm raising sheep, cattle and forestry making it a beautiful setting for a one of a kind lodge accommodation. The farm has the perfect balance of being completely away from it all yet close to local amenities and Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow, is on the doorstep.
At Cleeves Cabins you'll find luxury, peace & tranquillity and sustainability. All lodges feature a private wood fired hot tub for the ultimate in relaxation with amazing views, sunsets and night sky. The focus sustainability aims to reduce impact on the environment.
23 miles: Mid Wellwood Bothy, Ayrshire
Mid Wellwood is an upland beef and sheep farm owned by the Borthwick family and located near Muirkirk in East Ayrshire.
Mid Wellwood Bothy is a two bedroom cottage which, sleeps 4/5 guests. Facilities include a wood burning stove, hot tub and free wifi. The property is dog friendly for up to two well behaved pooches and offers a chance to experience life on a working farm and embrace countryside living, including the chnace to bottle feed lambs if you visit in the springtime.
37 miles: Creeside Escape Shepard's Hut
This award winning, off-grid Shepherd's Hut offers the perfect base to escape, get back to basics of life and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.
When they off-grid, they mean it! The shepherd’s hut sleeps 2 in a comfortable double bed. There is an en-suite eco WC, but no shower facility and no Wi-Fi, no phone signal and no hot tub but what you do have is books, cards, board games and a radio to keep you entertained. There is a wood burner and a basket of logs. A gas stove with kettle and complimentary tea and coffee.
45 miles: Craigmaddie Roundhouse, Glasgow
Craigmaddie Muir offers a unique self catering experience in a beautiful glass fronted wooden roundhouse. The roundhouse is nestled in a silver birch woodland, sitting high on a hillside and it is the most idyllic romantic hideout. 180 degrees of this circular building comprises floor to ceiling glass, allowing you to enjoy the stunning views. The luxurious interior creates a boutique hotel feel, whilst its seclusion allows complete privacy. A hot tub can be enjoyed under the stars.
Craigmaddie Muir is a private farming estate lying 10 miles outside of Glasgow, where the landscape is diverse and beautiful. Spectacular views can be found in abundance and can be enjoyed by guests on the many walks over the estate.
Visit Craigmaddie Muir Roundhouse
48 miles: Barstobrick Holiday Lodges, D&G
Barstobrick is part of Fellend Farm, a dairy farm run by the Austin family. The milk from the farm is sold to Lactalis who have a processing plant in Stranraer and produce the Seriously Strong cheese brand you will find in the supermarkets.
Each lodge at Barstobrick sits well apart from the others, on its own special area of hillside surrounded by colourful whin bushes. The small access road that weaves through the site is also a discreet distance away from each lodge, serving to create a truly relaxing, stress free environment.
There's also a coffee shop a Barstobrick and if you enjoy horses and riding this is the stay for you - Barstobrick Riding Centre offers lessons and treks for all abilities.
Visit Barstobrick Holiday Lodges
48 miles: Bellevue Farm Cottages, Arran
We might be cheating a little with this one but it is only 48 miles from Ayr, you just need a boat to get there!
Two cottages, both barn conversions, provide family friendly, self-catering accommodation with beautiful country and coastal views. Each cottage offers modern, comfortable accommodation for four people with patio doors onto a barbecue area and large, child-friendly garden.
At Bellevue Farm, you can also enjoy tours and experiences - meet the animals, see the machinery, collect the morning eggs or feed the alpacas, tours can be tailored to you - well worth the boat trip!
50 Miles: Burnhead Bothies, Lanarkshire
Burnhead Bothy is a glamping cabin based on a working farm run by Duncan and Ashley MacGregor. Duncan breeds pedigree Scottish Blackface Sheep and Charolias Cattle on the 1600 acres hill farm alongside Highland Cattle and Swiss Valais sheep.
The cabin is a sustainable timber frame building located in the Kilsyth Hills. Designed with its location in mind, its positioning makes the most of the views across the hills towards Glasgow. Situated in a field grazed by livestock, the bothy is accessed through a farm track.
The bothy has everything you need for a quiet and relaxing holiday and the large deck spans two sides of the bothy providing the perfect place to sit back and enjoy the surrounding countryside views.
The bothy is truly "off grid" there are no power sockets, the solar panels provide enough 12v electricity to power low voltage lighting and there are USB/car charger points to charge a mobile phone or laptop.
Unfortunately the Bothy cannot accommodate dogs.
54 miles: Duncan Family Farms, Loch Lomond
At Duncan Family Farms, guests have the option to book into Stable Cottage: a newly renovated cottage for two on the shores of Loch Lomond. Located in the traditional hill farm steading, Stable cottage retains some of the listed building’s original features.
Or, for a more rustic stay, the Heft & the Hirsel are two bespoke luxury glamping pods located on this spectacular farm. Situated within Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park with panoramic views from their large private decks they offer a secluded and relaxing stay. Principally designed for two, each pod can sleep up to four people with a large deck doubling the living space, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors at every opportunity. The decks feature a picnic table and there is an additional BBQ area to expand your cooking options. Barbeques are provided during summer months only.
The Heft & The Hirsel are identical, with subtle interior differences and spaced 20m apart providing plenty of privacy for guests in each pod. Equally it makes it the perfect space to share with family and friends and have the whole site to yourselves.
The Hirsel is a dog friendly pod and one well behaved dog is welcome per stay.
