Applegarth House, Lockerbie, Dumfriesshire
DG11 1SX
Tel: 07791 561618
E-mail: kirsteen@applegarthhouse.co.uk
I stayed here during my 2023 John O’Groats to Lands End ride, when I was accompanied by my wife and 13 year old son, who were acting as support crew.
Five stars are not nearly enough to rate this B&B. What’s not to like? Applegarth House is so warm and welcoming, especially on our arrival (and departure) on two very wet, windy and what felt like very dark gloomy days.
Kirsteen and Andrew are charming hosts who couldn’t do enough to ensure we were comfortable throughout our stay. We were welcomed by 2 very friendly dogs (Millie and Phoebe), a kitten (Philby) and the most scrumptious home cooked chocolate brownie to settle us into our room (a gesture repeated on our departure to help sustain us our onward journey home).
We stayed in Annan which is a beautiful well-furnished large and homely family room with a cosy Z bed, supplied with freshly laundered plush linen on very comfortable beds. The bathroom was equally spacious and luxurious with a shower over the bath, and warm fluffy towels and toiletries provided.
Hot drinks were available to make in the room with a cafeteria, teapot with variety of teas and a flask of cold fresh milk on request.
We enjoyed a nourishing home cooked evening meal served in the kitchen with our hosts in a very relaxed environment. Our son was delighted to have the kitten sit on his lap during his meal.
Our freshly cooked breakfast was served in the dining room where we were greeted by a buffet of cereals, yoghurt, fruit and freshly squeezed orange juice. Along with the full Scottish breakfast, we also indulged in warm croissants served straight from the oven.
Roy’s bike was stored securely in an outside garage where there is also a boiler room to hang out and dry wet kit (but remember to remove any chocolate Boost bars [other brands are available] you might have in your bag before leaving it there!). There is ample parking onsite in spacious driveway. We were able to store our ice packs in the freezer overnight ready to continue our journey the next day.
Applegarth House is in a rural location but very accessible and easy to find. At the time we stayed, Kirsteen and Andrew were converting the barns into holiday cottages and we are also curious to learn about any interesting development ideas they may have regarding the church next door, which had just been closed.
Guests are genuinely invited to make themselves at home and given full use of the beautiful garden and cosy lounge. The whole package is a true home from home.
Indeed, our stay at Applegarth was my son’s favourite moment of our trip away: “Arriving at Applegarth and feeling so welcomed with a nice room and home-made dinner. Seeing the animals, the dogs especially.
