If you’re thinking of spending a week in a unique, heritage-rich cottage this holiday, you might want to consider MacKenzie Cottage.

This charming Scottish cottage is set on the estate of Blairquhan Castle, a Regency era castle that boasts of grandeur and tradition, crowned with a Scottish flag flapping proudly in the wind. The castle is a protected, A-listed building that was once home to the Hunter-Blair Baronets. Blairquhan Castle has lost none of its former opulence, and has hence been used as the setting for a number of TV programmes along with the Oscar-winning film ‘The Queen’ starring Helen Mirren.

MacKenzie Cottage was converted from the castle’s old coachman’s house, stables and harness rooms. The stables were designed by the prominent Scottish Baronial-style architect William Burn in 1820-1824. The accommodation is bright, light and furnished with elegant décor to make your holiday here an absolute joy. The kitchen and bathroom boast contemporary facilities that one might not expect in such a historical treasure, and the grounds surrounding the property feature in the national listing of significant Scottish gardens. Highlights include the Burns-designed Blairquhan Bridge, a B listed hump-back bridge, 200 acres of virtually unchanged parkland, an avenue of lime trees and the ‘Dool’ tree, a huge sycamore that was used for hanging the guilty after trial held by the laird.

There’s so much to see and do in the local area, from exploring the Ayrshire Coastal Path and spotting native wildlife (which includes deer, otters and seals) to golf, visiting National Trust properties, day trips to Ireland, the isles of Arran, Bute and Cumbrae, and shopping in Glasgow, Stirling and Edinburgh.

Living room with electric woodburner. Kitchen. Double bedroom. Bathroom with over-bath shower and toilet. First floor: Two double bedrooms, one with additional single bed (for alternative sleeping only). Twin bedroom. Shower room with toilet.

• Electric woodburner included
• Travel cot and high chair on request
• Freezer
• Dishwasher
• Lawned garden
• Ample parking

• Electricity, full oil central heating, bed linen and towels included
• Freeview TV
• Microwave
• Washing machine
• Wi-fi
• Shared 200-acre landscaped and woodland grounds with furniture and walled garden
• No smoking
• NB: Unfenced river and pond in grounds