Monkreddan Lodge

Set on a working farm and surrounded by verdant countryside, this fabulous rural retreat serves up some of the best sunsets you’ll ever see. It’s just a mile from Dalrymple, where you’ll find a convenience store, and 4 miles from Alloway, birthplace of Robert Burns and a leafy suburb of steeped-in-history coastal favourite Ayr.

Home to a wide choice of appetite-whetting eateries and shops, Ayr also has a sandy beach, which is the perfect place for a stroll – on a clear day, the view reaches as far as the Isle of Arran and the north coast of Ireland. If a game of golf is more your bag, Ayrshire is home to many courses, such as Royal Troon (13 miles).

For a family- and pet-friendly day out, the Rozelle Estate (5 miles) has a beautiful park with mature woodland, rhododendron walks and an ornamental pond, plus a free-to-enter museum, art galleries and a tea room. Enjoying an elevated position with driveway parking, this property impresses at first sight.

Three steps lead up to the front door; pass through the vestibule into the hallway, and to the left, the spacious lounge has a scene-stealing picture window which frames fabulous views of the surrounding landscape. Stretch out on a choice of comfortable sofas to watch TV, and when tummies start to rumble, move through the hallway into the kitchen/diner.

Contemporary cabinets, another large window and a handsome dining suite add charm to this convivial space. A door and four stairs lead down to a spacious utility area with laundry facilities and garden access – perfect if dogs are among your holiday party – while another door from the utility area leads into a snug-style seating area.

When it’s time to sleep, to the right of the main hallway is a family bathroom and three bedrooms, each featuring a zip-and-link king-size bed that can be made up as twins on request. For added convenience, one of the bedrooms also boasts its own en-suite shower room.