A coastal tower house in Dumfries and Galloway has been named the best place to stay in Scotland by Sykes Holiday Cottages.
Balcary Tower, located near Auchencairn on the Solway Firth, received the Best in Scotland title in the company’s 2025 Gems Awards, which recognise top-rated holiday homes across the UK.
Described by guests as “glorious” and “spectacular”, the C-listed property sits on a rocky headland overlooking Balcary Bay. Built around 1860, it was originally commissioned by Colonel Johnstone, Laird of Auchencairn House, and is thought to have been designed for his French governess.
The four-storey tower includes four bedrooms, several en-suite bathrooms, and two woodburning stoves. It also features a terrace with sea views, a fire pit, and access to private gardens and shoreline paths.
According to Sykes, the Gems Awards are based on guest reviews and property quality, highlighting locations that offer high standards of comfort and character.
The property’s setting provides views across to Hestan Island, a site once linked to 18th-century smuggling. The area is popular with walkers, birdwatchers, and visitors exploring the Solway Coast.
The Out & About section in Dumfries & Galloway is headlined by Gretna Green
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