Ayrshire Post

It’s Alloway, it’s got thatch, but it’s not Burns

- Stephen Houston

This is the first time this page has featured thatch rather than slate or concrete tile.

And the bonnie reeded roof of Doonbank Cottage is certainly apt for the surroundin­gs of trees and river.

This chocolate box home is on the fringe of Alloway.

In the Arts and Crafts style, the cottage is currently a hit as a holiday let.

The visitors get four acres of heavilywoo­ded ground to muck about in right on the eastern banks of the Bonnie Doon.

Dimensions inside are big for an old cottage - a 20- foot by near 16- foot lounge - and if the downstairs study is turned into a bedroom, there are four in total.

Opportunit­y abounds to continue letting Doonbank to holidaymak­ers as the sale now includes your very own bothy.

Doonbank Bothy was just completed this year and boasts lounge, kitchen, shower room and upstairs bedroom with a Paris balcony to take in the views.

Though it does not have thatch, it has been designed to be a mini- me of the main house.

This could easily be used by the new owners as a retreat while the main accommodat­ion is let. The land is mainly wood and enjoys a reputation as a wildlife haven. The owners say there are deer, pheasants, owls, herons and ducks and a rich variety of trees including oak, birch, beech, native Scots pine, holly and mature fruit trees including apple and cherry.

It is entered via a wooden five bar gate and private drive from sought- after Glenalla Crescent.

All windows are of the original leaded variety and the lounge - which looks originally to have been two rooms - has a wooden floor and a grand open fire.

Presumably that can be kept well alight using logs from your own supply.

The small- ish kitchen has wooden ceiling beams, a range- style cooker, Belfast sink, multi- coloured tiles and a terracotta floor.

 ??  ?? EAGLE EYE CHOCOLATE BOX
EAGLE EYE CHOCOLATE BOX
 ??  ?? BONNIE BEAMS
BONNIE BEAMS
 ??  ?? NICE THATCH
NICE THATCH

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