Former home of Robert Burns opens for overnight holiday stays
Guests can visit the estate which dates back to 1788
Last updated 9th Nov 2023
The farm estate where Robert Burns wrote some of his most famous work is open to holiday guests for the first time.
Guests can stay at ‘Auld Acquaintance cottage’, in the grounds of Ellisland Farm located on the banks of the Nith.
Profits from the venture will go towards the Robert Burns Ellisland Trust, a charity dedicated to conserving and protecting the A listed farmstead, regarded by some as the most authentic surviving home of the poet.
Ellisland Farm is also the only home Burns built himself. The legendary writer built the property for his wife Jean Armour in 1788, and is said to have completed around one third of his songs, poems and letters there - including Tam o Shanter and Auld Lang Syne.
An authentic Burns experience
The cottage open to overnight guests was originally built for a farm worker in the mid 20th century. Auld Acquaintance Cottage has since been remodelled to ensure it is in keeping with the older surrounding buildings which date back to the 18th century.
The Robert Burns Ellisland Trust is attributing much of the work to support received from South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE), the economic and community development agency for the region.
Seed funding was also sought, to obtain initial permissions to conduct the work, and was given by Museum Galleries Scotland Small Grants Fund.
The £230,000 refurbishment to the building has lowered the previous carbon footprint by around 90%, through various improvements including a heat source pump and modern insulation.
Joan McAlpine, Project Director for the Robert Burns Ellisland Trust says: “Auld Acquaintance Cottage offers a unique chance to immerse yourself in one of the places which inspired Burns.
“It’s so romantic and will allow guests to see nature through the poet’s eyes. "
“While Burns and his family endured hardship at their farms, this cottage allows guests to experience the traditional surroundings and atmosphere, but with every modern comfort.”
“All the profits from the cottage will be used to support the charity as we work to preserve the buildings and the museum collection, and in the longer term deliver a plan to turn the site into an international cultural attraction and education hub.”
Professor Russel Griggs, Chair of SOSE, added: “Ellisland Farm is a site of historical significance which has become a major tourism asset for the South of Scotland.
“Ellisland is the site where key works by Robert Burns were written, which means it is critical it becomes sustainable for its long term future. The opening of the Auld Acquaintance Cottage is an important step towards helping maintain Ellisland.
“SOSE looks forward to continuing to work with the Trust to realise its ambitions for Ellisland Farm.
“We have provided them with guidance alongside funding.
“We will continue to support the Trust alongside partners to realise their ambition for the whole Ellisland site."
The cottage interior has been fitted out with materials from local suppliers, with touches including a wood burning stove manufactured by Dowling in Wigtownshire, hand carved furniture from Phil Crennell near Dalbeattie, antiques from 10 Castle Street, Dumfries, and blinds from Country Fabrics, Dumfries.
Guests will have their very own view of the River Nith, experiencing the views which attracted Burns himself to the location. The property can sleep four people using a sofa bed and welcomes dogs.
More information about the history of Ellisland can be found here.