Corsewall Lighthouse

'The perfect place to wind down', this listed working lighthouse (built in 1815) is run as a hotel by the Ward family, Gordon, Kay and Pamela. It stands on a windy promontory north of Stranraer, on Loch Ryan. 'Quite remote, and not for those who want the bright lights', it is down a roughish track ('not for the nervous'). 'Gordon and his staff were attentive,' says a visitor who booked Corsewall for a wedding in 2009. Some bedrooms, with shower, are in the main building (some are small). Three suites are in separate buildings (one is 'almost on the rocks'). 'Ours had an average-size bedroom and a large conservatory lounge with panoramic views.' In the restaurant (with black beams and seascapes), chef Andrew Downie's daily-changing five-course dinner menu might include Marrbury smoked duck supreme ('from our local smokehouse'); roast monkfish fillet with citrus-scented redcurrant and port wine jus. One couple found the cooking 'inconsistent: perfect salmon, sea bass overcooked; excellent chocolate fondant'. Mr Ward has put Corsewall on the market; he tells us he wants to retire but an early sale is not expected. Check before booking. (Jane Eden, and others)