Looking after the land that looks after us
Summerhill is a working family farm in Balmaclellan, in the heart of Dumfries & Galloway. Our livelihood depends on this land, so looking after it comes naturally.
We want our lodges to work in the same way. We don’t claim to have everything figured out, but we’re making practical changes wherever we can.
Here’s what we’re doing so far.
Working with the land
We use rotational grazing on the farm, moving our livestock between fields so the grass has time to rest and recover.
We’ve also started planting around the lodges, and there’s plenty more to come.
We’ve also worked with Applied Ecology to carry out a habitat survey of Summerhill. We’re waiting for the report, and we can’t wait to see what it tells us. We’ll use it to find new ways of working with the land and making more room for nature, and we’ll share what we learn here.
Longer stays, fewer changeovers
From July to the end of August, our minimum stay is three nights. Fewer changeovers mean less water, energy and laundry.
Guests also often tell us that two nights just isn’t enough, so it gives you more time to settle in and explore.
Only looking for two nights? 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.
Built to use less
Our lodges began life as used shipping containers, and converting them has given them a second life. They’re super insulated and heated by an air source heat pump, which helps keep energy use down.
We use LED lighting in the lodges and low-level lighting outside to help protect our dark skies. Instead of a traditional septic tank, we have an electric waste treatment plant.
In your lodge
Small choices add up, so we’ve changed the everyday things:
- Plastic-free tea bags: Your cuppa on the deck comes without the plastic.
- Eco-friendly cleaning: All our cleaning products are eco-friendly.
- Easy recycling: We provide everything you need to recycle during your stay.
- Long-lasting sponges: Instead of throwing sponges away after every stay, we use eco-friendly ones that are built to last. They’re machine washed and reused, so far fewer end up in the bin.
- Washable cloths: Our microfibre cleaning cloths are washed and reused rather than thrown away.
- Refillable toiletries: All our toiletries are refillable from Apothecally in Gatehouse of Fleet, which cuts down on single-use bottles.
- Less paper: Once you’ve booked, you’ll get access to our digital guide with everything you need for your stay, including local walks and producers.
Proudly supporting local
We’re absolutely passionate about supporting local businesses. Everything we provide in the lodges is produced locally or elsewhere in Scotland, and the meat in our breakfast hampers is local too.
During your stay, you’ll find toiletries from Apothecally, biscuits from Irving’s Bakery, locally sourced eggs and Rapscallion Soda, made in Scotland.
It means fewer food miles and better food on your plate, and your stay helps support other small businesses in our community. We’re also proud supporters of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere.
What comes next
We’re working towards Green Tourism accreditation, and the habitat survey will help shape our next steps. There’s always more to do, and we’ll keep this page updated as we go.
We’d also like to add an EV charger. Until then, the nearest one is just down the road in St John’s Town of Dalry, and we’ll happily point you towards it.
If you have any ideas after your stay, we’d love to hear them.
