The Waterhouse
1
STOCKERTON COTTAGE [BN] KIRKCUDBRIGHT DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY
Tel: 01557 331266 (Daily between 9am and 7pm) E-mail: waterhousekbt@aol.com
Website: http:/www.gallowaystonecraft.co.uk/waterhouse/info.html
NEWSLETTER- January 2009
The Waterhouse, an Oak framed eco self-
catering holiday cottage, opened in June 2007 and 18 months later we passed our
50th party of visitors with already encouraging bookings for the New
Year. We were heavily booked, to nearly full, from mid February to mid
November. A great first year despite the worst 18 months of weather in living
memory, including 200% more rain, the start of a recession and spiralling fuel
costs.
Comments
in our visitors book were universally encouraging and
complementary (See page 3)
Now we
are in the quiet period we have embarked on a number of improvements.
The
first, and I am sure most welcome, was a rebuild of the track using heavy
forestry grading and rolling machines. It is now much flatter and firm with a
broader access to the car park.
We have
demolished the old poly-tunnel and wood shed and cleared the site to make way
for planned extra accommodation in the form of a wooden annex to The Waterhouse
sleeping 2 extra guests in a double bed. Toilet and shower and basic cooking
facilities will be included.
This
will enable up to 6 visitors to stay at once. We will offer a reduced rate
booking for both properties together, or separate
bookings with The Waterhouse being prioritised for first booking.
It will
still be possible to book The Waterhouse for exclusive use if you dislike
sharing the space.
We
expect sharing to be more popular with Naturist visitors who currently make up
about 55-60% of visitors, although most use the Hot Tub Naturist in private.
Clearly Naturism is a good niche market poorly catered for in
The
extra accommodation should be available to rent early next year, depending on
the economic developments, although we have not decided pricing at this stage.
If you are interested in booking both properties together with friends let us
know. This will help us gauge interest. We are currently rebuilding the garden
around this space. The bottom lawn is being replaced with a seating area with
table and a small pond . We have also added to, and
will continue to improve, the gardens around The Waterhouse and pond.
The
Summer House should be completed including seating by Springtime
and will be a relaxing stop during a pond side walk.
Our old
shed above our cottage has also been demolished improving the view from the
dinning room table.
Our
evening meals have proved very popular over the last 2 years with most guests
joining us in our dinning area at least once. A menu is available on request.
Prices
for 2009 are enclosed. Higher fuel charges have unfortunately greatly increased
the running costs of the hot tub, but we have minimised any increases and
rationalized some inconsistencies
in the pricing
structure. Mid- winter, early summer and autumn prices are even a lot
lower.
Sharon
and I hope to welcome you here in the not too distant future,
Best wishes for the New Year
Martin and Sharon
The Waterhouse Charges for 2009
10% DISCOUNT ON BOOKINGS PLACED WITHIN
12 MONTHS OF LAST VISIT.
Actual next visit need not be within 12 month period 4th January- 2009- 4th January 2010
Email
Number of people in group: ........................ Naturist or Non Naturist
group-(Delete as applicable)
Names (and age if under 16):
...
...
Arrival date:
.. Approx time
.. Departure date:
...
Special needs or requirements?
..
Total Cost: £
Deposit enclosed (20%) £
Cheques payable to Martin Gould
The Waterhouse
http:/www.gallowaystonecraft.co.uk/waterhouse/info.html 01557 331266 1 Stockarton
Cottage, Kirkcudbright,DG64XS
*
There has
been so much TLC and attention to detail for your visitors-from the beautiful
bedding, fresh veg and welcome food.
We have
thoroughly enjoyed it all and look forward to being back as soon as possible- Grahame &
Yvonne
*
The very
interesting building is sure to inspire. The lovely gardens and pond are a
delight, especially when viewed from the hot tub with a glass in hand! Martin
and Sharon are wonderful hosts who ensure their guests are well looked after- Pete & Wendy
*
Just as
lovely as we expected-very comfortable, great attention to detail. We love the
natural surroundings and the eco-friendly ethos.
Barry,
Elizabeth and Family
*
Very relaxing, perfect for lounging- and we even had some sunny weather. Beautiful surroundings, and congenial hosts- a very gratifying combination
Catherine, John
and Family
*
An oasis of
calm. A lovely place and lovely part of
Phil & Karen
*
Unique
and fabulous building. Superb attention to detail.
Grounds are unbelievable,
Exceeded
expectations, wonderfully private and carefully planted.
*
We definitely
feel we have struck gold finding The Waterhouse-Gemma & Mike
*
This is a
wonderfully calm place to spend a relaxing break. With vision and forethought
they have created a truly remarkable haven and gardens- Ray and Liz
*
A warm
welcome & a wonderful break. The
house and surrounding gardens are superb. Excellent- Bob & Cate
*
Spent a lovely
festive Christmas in this well appointed, unique retreat. The food up at
the cottage was very tasty. All our friends will be amazed we had a naturist
Jacuzzi outside on Christmas day in
Our hosts
were friendly and welcoming and allowed us the privacy we desired. We loved it
around here and felt like locals straight away. What a great little hideaway
and a beautiful building Martin and Sharon should be proud of.- Alan &
Beth