Cavens
Kirkbean, Dumfries and Galloway
Good Hotel Guide Review
‘A rare combination of relaxed professionalism, with high standards from Angus and Jane Fordyce, made us feel very cared for.’ Readers this year recall a stay at this Georgian country house hotel, built in 1752 for the Oswald family, who planted the yews and giant rhododendrons in the landscaped grounds. Rabbie Burns visited and penned the insulting ode to Mrs Oswald displayed in Oswald bedroom, with its wall of windows. She may indeed have been an old skinflint; the Fordyces could not be more generous. All bedrooms are lavishly furnished. Ground-floor Solway and dual-aspect Criffel are huge. ‘The decor is Scottish Country House, with good paintings and interesting objects’; log fires, oriental rugs. Angus Fordyce draws on local suppliers for his short menus, which might include pan-fried sole with caper sauce; grilled sirloin of Galloway beef. ‘Five nights somewhat challenge the menu but we especially enjoyed the very fresh plaice and the crunchy lemon brûlée.’ There are interesting wines, but half bottles and more by the glass would be welcome. At breakfast, there are locally made sausages, local bacon. ‘We hae meat and we can eat, so let the Lord be thanket!’ (Frances and David Thomas)
Hotel details
Address
Cavens
Kirkbean
Dumfries and Galloway
DG2 8AA
Scotland
Telephone
01387 880234
Bedrooms
6. 1 on ground floor.
Open
Mar–Nov, exclusive use by groups at New Year.
Facilities
2 sitting rooms, dining room, wine cellar, meeting facilities, free Wi-Fi, in-room TV (Freeview), 10-acre grounds.
Background music
light classical all day in 1 sitting room, dining room.
Children
all ages welcomed.
Dogs
allowed by arrangement, not in public rooms or unattended in bedrooms.
Credit cards
MC, Visa.
Prices
per room D,B&B £200–£3,300. 1-night bookings refused Easter, bank holidays.
Other reviews
Good Hotel Guide articles about
Cavens
- Sunday Post: Seven beautiful hotels in Dumfries and Galloway
- USA Today: 20 of the most beautiful hotels in Scotland
10% discount voucher
This hotel accepts discount vouchers which entitle readers to a 10% discount off their normal B&B rate for a single night’s stay. To take advantage of this offer, you must present the voucher at the time of booking.
Guide Book Vouchers
Guide Book VouchersThis hotel accepts discount vouchers which entitle readers to a 25% discount off their normal B&B rate for a single night’s stay. Each printed copy of the Guide contains six vouchers worth in total about £150.
Buy the guideUpgrade voucher
This hotel accepts room upgrade vouchers which entitle readers to a space available room upgrade. The voucher must be presented at check-in and is entirely at the hotelier’s discretion.
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