Summerhill Farm Stays: FAQs

We want your stay at Summerhill to be as relaxing as possible, right from the moment you book. Here are the answers to the questions we’re asked most often, from booking and bringing your dog to exploring the farm. If there’s anything else you’d like to know, just get in touch. We’re always happy to help!

Booking your stay

What is your minimum stay?

Our minimum stay is two nights, except in July and August, when it’s three nights. Fewer changeovers in our busiest months mean less water, energy and laundry, and guests often tell us two nights just isn’t enough!

I’m only looking for two nights in July or August. Can I still book?

If we have a two-night gap between bookings, we’ll be more than happy to welcome you. Just get in touch and we’ll see what we can do.

What is your cancellation policy?

If you cancel up to one month before your arrival date, you’ll get a full refund. We’re a small family business, so we’d be really grateful if you could give us as much notice as possible.

What time are check-in and check-out?

Check-in is from 3pm and check-out is by 10am. When you arrive, you’ll find the key waiting in the door, so you can let yourself straight in.

How many people do the lodges sleep?

Each lodge sleeps up to four. There’s a king-size bed for two, plus a sofa bed that sleeps two more. We also provide travel cots, so just let us know if you need one.

Your lodge

Does each lodge have its own hot tub?

Yes, the Byre and the Barn each have their own private hot tub, freshly cleaned and refilled for every stay.

How private are the lodges?

The Byre and the Barn sit next door to each other, about 10 metres apart and set at a slight angle. We’ve planted bushes between them, which will grow into a natural screen, but we know that takes time. In the meantime, the Barn now has a privacy fence, and we’ll be adding one to the Byre in early 2027. The Byre also has privacy film on its window, so you can relax and enjoy your own space.

What’s provided when we arrive?

You’ll find a welcome basket filled with treats from local and Scottish businesses, including biscuits from Irving’s Bakery, locally sourced eggs and Rapscallion Soda. In the bathroom, there are natural, refillable toiletries from Apothecally.

Can we order breakfast or anything extra?

Yes! You can order a breakfast basket made with local produce, including local meat. We also offer a celebration kit if you’re marking a special occasion.

Will we have a guide to the lodge and the area?

Once you’ve booked, we’ll send you our digital guide with everything you need for your stay, including local walks and producers.

Life on the farm

Is Summerhill a real working farm?

Yes! Summerhill is our family farm, and the lodges sit right in the middle of it. Depending on the time of year, you might hear the sheep, see us moving livestock between fields or spot a tractor passing by. It’s all part of the experience.

What animals do you have?

We have a flock of Easy Care sheep, two Belted Galloway heifers, chickens, and our own dogs and cats. Spring is lambing season, so it’s a lovely time to visit.

Can we explore the farm?

Yes! Depending on the time of year and what’s going on, we encourage you to come and explore. Before you head out, please get in touch so we can let you know about any areas that are out of bounds. For example, the field with our Belted Galloways is off limits to guests. We also ask that you close any gates behind you, keep dogs on a lead around the farm and keep a close eye on children.

Dog-friendly stays

Are dogs welcome?

Absolutely! Even though we’re a working farm, we’re truly dog friendly.

Is the area around the lodges secure?

Yes. The lodges are surrounded by a fence with chicken wire, so your dog can’t wander off.

Is there somewhere my dog can run off the lead?

We’ll always try to give you a field where your dog can run free. It depends on the time of year and where the livestock are, but we can usually find one. Around the rest of the farm, please keep dogs on a lead.

What do you provide for dogs?

Your dog will get their own welcome hamper, plus a dog basket, bowls and biscuits, so you don’t need to pack quite so much.

Are assistance dogs welcome?

Yes, assistance dogs are always welcome.

Accessibility

Are the lodges accessible?

We want to be honest so you can decide whether Summerhill is right for you. Our lodges are converted shipping containers on a working farm, and unfortunately they aren’t suitable for wheelchair users. They may also be difficult for anyone with limited mobility.

• Arriving: Each lodge has its own parking bay, with a 10-metre gravel path leading up to the lodge.
• Getting in: There are three steps up to the front door.
• Inside: Everything is on one level. The double doors out to the decking are wide enough for a wheelchair, but the other doors are standard width, which is too narrow for most wheelchairs.
• Bathroom: There’s a double shower with no step into it, and a toilet. It’s a compact space, though, and not big enough for a wheelchair.

What’s the farm like to get around?

As a working farm, the ground can be uneven, muddy and changeable depending on the weather and what we’re doing that day. You may also come across livestock, farm vehicles and gates.

I’m blind or partially sighted. What should I know?

The path from the parking bay to each lodge is gravel, which can feel uneven underfoot, followed by three steps up to the door. We keep outdoor lighting low to protect our dark skies, so it gets very dark at night. A torch is a good idea. If it would help, we’re happy to describe the layout of the lodge before you arrive.

Are assistance dogs welcome?

Yes, assistance dogs are always welcome.

Can I ask about my specific needs before booking?

Of course. Please get in touch before you book, and we’ll happily send photos or measurements and answer any questions. We’re always looking for ways to improve, so we’d love to hear your suggestions too.

Getting here and the local area

Where is Summerhill?

We’re in Balmaclellan, in the heart of Dumfries & Galloway and within the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere. Our nearest town is Castle Douglas, a 20-minute drive away. We’re about 40 minutes from Dumfries, an hour from the M6 and an hour and 15 minutes from Glasgow.

Is there parking?

Yes, each lodge has its own parking bay.

Do you have an EV charger?

Not yet, but it’s on our wish list. The nearest one is just down the road in St John’s Town of Dalry, and we’ll happily point you towards it.

Is it good for stargazing?

It’s unreal! We’re in a Gold Tier Dark Sky Park, and we keep our outdoor lighting low to protect our dark skies. Many of our guests tell us they’ve never seen anything like it. Each lodge has a stargazing kit with blankets, a stargazing book and binoculars. Yes, binoculars! On a clear night, you can even see the craters on the moon.

What is there to do nearby?

There’s so much to do in our beautiful region, from walking in the Galloway Forest to adventures at the Galloway Activity Centre and a meal at the Clachan Inn, one of the best pub restaurants around. Our digital guide is full of local walks and producers, and we’re always happy to share our favourite spots.