This spacious semi-detached property, originally a country pub, has been transformed into a retreat offering a hot tub, steam room, sauna, two treatment rooms and a cinema screen. Fully catered packages can be booked in advance direct with the owner, including buffets and dinners, as well as spa treatments. Tarbolton, close to the town of Ayr, is perhaps best known for its strong connections with Robert Burns, Scotland’s National Bard. In 1780, Burns set up a debating society at a cottage called the Bachelors’ Club. This authentically restored house, now a museum owned by the National Trust for Scotland, is open to the public and visitors can explore the venue where Burns would once debate with other members of the Tarbolton parish.

Ayrshire is home to the Ayrshire Coastal Path, a 100-mile long coastal walk with a fantastic panoramic coastline with views over the sea to the mountains of Arran. The River Ayr Way, a 40 mile source to sea walk is also easily accessed, making this an ideal location for the outdoor enthusiast. The Galloway Forest Park is a short drive away, and is Britain’s largest forest park with 300 square miles of wild beauty waiting to be explored. The park boasts tranquil valleys, rugged rock faces, forest, moorland, lochs and ancient woodland, and a huge diversity of wildlife, including red and roe deer, wild goats and many birds of prey. The park has also been awarded the status of one of only four Dark Sky Parks in the western world and when the sun sets, enthusiasts come to wonder at the universe revealed above. Dalmellington is home to the Scottish Dark Observatory and is only a short drive from the property.

Ayrshire offers many gardens and castles to visit, and activities such as horse riding, racing and golf, and the world famous Royal Troon and Turnberry courses are both close to hand. Culzean Castle and Dumfries House are both spectacular and well worth booking a tour. The islands of Cumbrae, Arran and Bute are all easily reached for a day out, while day trips to Ireland can be taken from Cairnryan. The pretty towns of Troon, Prestwick and Ayr are only a short drive with very good rail links for a trip to the cosmopolitan city of Glasgow and also historic Edinburgh. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is an hour’s drive. Beach 8 miles. Shop and pub 250 yards, restaurant 2 miles.