The Retreat, Cosy 1 Bed Cottage, Town Centre

Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, United Kingdom
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About

The Retreat is a charming 1-bed cottage in the heart of Kirkcudbright, once home to local artist John Budgett. Nestled down a quiet, pedestrian-only close just off the High Street, it’s the perfect peaceful escape. Walk to shops, cafés, galleries, and the harbour. On-street parking is available nearby and there’s a small private outdoor area with seating.

Good to know

Welcome to The Retreat, a delightful 1-bedroom cottage perfect for couples seeking a peaceful getaway in the vibrant harbour town of Kirkcudbright. 🎨 A Place with Artistic History Once home to local artist John Budgetts, this character-filled cottage is tucked away on a quiet, pedestrian-only close just off the historic High Street. The location is private, peaceful, and only a short walk from everything Kirkcudbright has to offer. 🛏️ Sleeping & Living • King-size bed for a restful night’s sleep • Travel cot available on request (cot bedding not provided per Airbnb policy) • Comfortable lounge space to relax after exploring 🍳 Fully Equipped Kitchen • Fan oven with induction hob • Fridge & freezer • Microwave, kettle, toaster • Full set of crockery, utensils, and cooking equipment 🌼 Outdoor Space • Small, outdoor area with table and chairs, perfect for morning coffee or evening drinks 🚶‍♂️ Walk to Everything Located in the heart of Kirkcudbright, you’re just minutes from: • Independent cafés, restaurants, and pubs • Art galleries and the town’s creative quarter • The charming working harbour and riverside walks • Annual events like the Kirkcudbright Art & Crafts Trail and Summer Festivities 🌄 Kirkcudbright, known as the “Artists’ Town”, is a gem on the Dumfries and Galloway coast. It’s ideal for exploring beaches, Galloway Forest Park, and nearby historic attractions like MacLellan’s Castle and Broughton House.

Other Details to Note

🚗 Parking: Free, unrestricted on-street parking is available at the top of the pedestrian close. Please note the cottage is accessed on foot only. 🧺 Linen & Towels: All bed linen and towels are provided. Travel cot bedding is not included due to Airbnb safety regulations. 🐾 Pets: Sorry, no pets allowed unless agreed in advance. Please message us to discuss before booking. 🚭 Smoking: Smoking is allowed outside only in the garden area. Please do not smoke indoors. 🎉 Events: No parties or events are permitted. We kindly ask that guests treat our home and neighbours with respect.

Availability

What this place offers

Amenities

Common

  • Cleaning products
  • Cooking basics Pots and pans, oil, salt and pepper
  • Dishes and silverware
  • Essentials Towels, bed sheets, soap, toilet paper, and pillows
  • Hair dryer
  • Heating Central heating or a heater in the listing
  • Kitchen Space where guests can cook their own meals
  • Dedicated workspace
  • TV
  • Wifi

Bathroom

  • Bathtub
  • Conditioner
  • Hot Water
  • Shampoo
  • Shower gel

Bedroom and laundry

  • Bed linens
  • Hangers
  • Iron
  • Clothing storage

Common

  • Cleaning products
  • Cooking basics Pots and pans, oil, salt and pepper
  • Dishes and silverware
  • Essentials Towels, bed sheets, soap, toilet paper, and pillows
  • Hair dryer
  • Heating Central heating or a heater in the listing
  • Kitchen Space where guests can cook their own meals
  • Dedicated workspace
  • TV
  • Wifi

Bathroom

  • Bathtub
  • Conditioner
  • Hot Water
  • Shampoo
  • Shower gel

Bedroom and laundry

  • Bed linens
  • Hangers
  • Iron
  • Clothing storage

Family

  • Board games
  • Crib
  • Pack 'n Play/travel crib

Home safety

  • Carbon monoxide detector
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Smoke detector

Kitchen and dining

  • Dining table
  • Freezer
  • Hot water kettle
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stove
  • Toaster
  • Wine glasses

Parking and facilities

  • Free parking on premises
  • Free street parking

House Rules

Accessibility

Neighborhood

Welcome to Kirkcudbright - pronounced kir-COO-bree - a beautiful harbour town on the south-west coast of Scotland, known affectionately as the “Artists’ Town.” With its pastel-painted houses, cobbled closes, working harbour, and thriving creative scene, it’s the perfect base for a relaxing break, romantic getaway, or arts-inspired adventure. 📍 Top Local Landmarks & Attractions: • Kirkcudbright Galleries – Stunning gallery space featuring local and national artists • MacLellan’s Castle – 16th-century ruin in the heart of the town • Harbour & Marina – Watch fishing boats come and go or enjoy a scenic riverside walk • Broughton House & Garden (NTS) – Home of artist E.A. Hornel, filled with art, books, and a beautiful Japanese-style garden • Kirkcudbright Art & Crafts Trail (August) – Annual event celebrating the town’s creative spirit • Dark Sky Park & Galloway Forest (30 mins) – Star-gazing paradise and nature trails galore • Dhoon Bay & Carrick Shore – Local beaches perfect for coastal walks and rockpooling 🛍️ Local Amenities: • Independent shops, galleries, bakeries, and artisan stores • Excellent cafés and eateries including: • The Selkirk Arms – Historic inn with a top-rated restaurant • Skippers Scran Van – Fresh local fish and chips • Co-op supermarket, Post Office, pharmacy, bank, gift shops • Weekly Farmers’ Market and seasonal craft events 🚗 Nearby Places to Explore: • Dumfries (40 mins) – Historic market town and birthplace of Robert Burns • Castle Douglas (20 mins) – Foodie town with independent shops and cafes • Gatehouse of Fleet (20 mins) – Quaint town near Cally Gardens and Cardoness Castle • Wigtown (45 mins) – Scotland’s National Book Town • Threave Castle & Gardens – Beautiful National Trust for Scotland site near Castle Douglas • Isle of Whithorn & St. Ninian’s Cave (1 hr) – Coastal gems full of history 🚆 Travel & Transport: • By Car – Kirkcudbright is best accessed by car; plenty of free parking in town • Train Station: Nearest station is Dumfries (40 mins), with connections to Glasgow, Carlisle & Newcastle • Bus Services: Regular buses to Dumfries, Castle Douglas, and Gatehouse • No Uber – Local taxis are available, but pre-booking is recommended for evenings or weddings

Guest Access

Guests have exclusive access to the entire cottage during their stay. Access is via a pedestrian-only close just off the High Street. While you can’t drive directly to the door, unrestricted on-street parking is available just a short walk away. You’ll receive full check-in instructions before arrival.

Reviews

Catherine
February 2026 · Booking.com
A lovely stay in Kirkcudbright - convenient location, cosy, quiet and clean. Kelly and Liam made it really easy to check in. Could not have asked for more! Nothing - this was an excellent stay.
Julian
December 2025 · Booking.com
This was a perfect quiet cozy stop, hidden away in the heart of the town. Although only a 1 bed property it was a good size and not cramped. Nothing significant for this section, but make sure you have a phone/torch if arriving after dark.

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Approximate location. Full address will be provided on booking.