If you go down to the woods near Garlieston today, you're sure of a big surprise. Certainly ramblers negotiating clifftops along the Solway coast might be forgiven for dropping their compasses as Cruggleton Lodge emerges unexpectedly amid ancient woodland.
Renovation of the stone-built estate lodge, located on this dramatic coastline between the remnants of a 13th-century castle and the fishing village of Garlieston, is the latest project by Ella and Finn McCreath.
When the couple began dairy farmin
g at the Galloway House Estate (created in 1740 by the Earl of Galloway), south-east of Newton Stewart, they had the destiny of a few disused buildings in their hands. More than eight years ago, they revived a diminutive gamekeeper's cottage on the edge of the estate, with a dirt floor and no power. One slim-line windmill, a few solar panels and a lot of hard work later, they opened this "green" abode, known as High Lodge, to holidaymakers. Before long they set to work converting former stablehand quarters into a cottage and bothy.
"Finn does like a project," laughs Ella, explaining that a couple of years ago they decided to renovate another building, this time the listed 18th-century lodge (originally a gamekeeper's or forester's cottage). What with a farm to run – Finn adheres to organic farming practices, and today his Angus beef is supplied to Waitrose – and four children to bring up, it's not as though this pair have time on their hands.
Nevertheless, they were zealous in their efforts to give the derelict lodge new life. The couple engaged a local tradesman, who worked largely on his own. Many would envy him the tranquillity of such a job, tucked away among ancient, crooked trees, with just a castellated wall to separate him from cliffs that drop steeply to the Solway Firth. This setting is the stuff of which fairy tales are made.
"The site did a lot to persuade us of the potential here," says Ella.
It required more vision to see what the lodge could become. The building had been empty for decades and was little more than a shell, with a huge tree growing through its dilapidated roof. A dirt floor, the absence of windowpanes and doors, and a crumbling chimney added to the forlorn scene.
Nevertheless there were salvageable features such as original window shutters in the kitchen. Listed status made it advisable to adhere as closely as possible to the building's original design, to satisfy local planners.
"We were keen to do this anyway," says Ella, explaining that they had the unusual chimney (brick, not stone) rebuilt just as it would have been originally. Some structural alterations were allowed: an external wall, for example, was moved back to create more space. The couple enjoyed watching the progress, and as the building took shape Ella began to plan the interiors.
She had enjoyed working on High Lodge and the stable conversions, creating warm, rustic spaces with bespoke touches such as curtains made from travel blankets. Cruggleton Lodge shares some of that rusticity – evidenced by the Aga, solid oak flooring and a log-burning stove – but here Ella has also introduced a smattering of designer style. In fact, the idea of knocking the socks off guests with some entirely unexpected touches really appealed to her.
"It's that contrast of a remote country cottage concealing a little city chic," she says.
Ralph Lauren map-print wallpaper covers a feature wall in the living space, its island theme appropriate to this coastal setting. Contemporary fabrics adorn cushions displayed on antique chairs, including one upholstered in pretty blue velvet that Ella was delighted to find in a local antique shop. It sits opposite a humungous sofa that turns conveniently into a bed.
The cream stove, perched on a stone slab, belches out heat so there's no need to worry about the lack of power from the national grid. Like its forerunner, High Lodge, this cottage runs on batteries, so it's not really a place for hairdryers. The oil-fired Aga keeps things cosy in the spacious kitchen, which is fitted with timber worktops and a Belfast sink.
The melange of pastoral charm and sophisticated style continues up and indeed on the stairs, where Finn used a fallen branch to create a one-off banister. Ella was also keen for him to fashion bedside tables from logs.
"I imagined that he might carve away at them," she says, "but in fact they are quite 'raw' and are much admired that way."
These unique tables are located in a double bedroom (with amazing sea views) tucked into the sloping eaves. A white sleigh bed laden with fresh linens and a sheepskin throw lend a Narnia-like quality to the space, while a second (twin) room is home to duck-egg blue woollen throws and a sheepskin rug.
Ella's eye for detail reveals itself in the bathroom too, where large glass jars hold creamy soap bars and cottonbuds. This space is clad in travertine tiles and boasts a tub for two. If you refrained from poking your head out the window to see the ancient woodland, you might imagine you were in a chic city hotel.
An internet connection and iPod dock downstairs are reminders of the 21st century, but you'll hardly notice there is no TV. A digital radio provides alternative entertainment, as do piles of books (Finn is a former director of Wigtown Book Festival), magazines and board games.
Another lovely touch is a hoard of goodies left by Ella from the award winning Ravenstone Deli, in nearby Whithorn, cited as one of the best in the UK. Its wares should encourage a visit in person (it does a superb lunch). After negotiating country roads in pursuit of this remote haven, the hams, cheeses, bread and olives are a welcome sight. Alongside is another local legend, Ella's own lemon cake, perfect fuel for exploring the glorious setting.
For Ella and Finn, it is satisfying to see lights aglow in Cruggleton Lodge. "It has come back to life," says Finn.
- For more information, tel: 01988 600694,
www.gallowayhouseestate.co.uk