About Us
We are author Anstey Harris and violin maker, husband Colin Cross.
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Anstey, an internationally best-selling novelist, has been a creative writing teacher for over ten years. She is also a certified UNESCO Biosphere guide, Leave No Trace practitioner, and Outdoor First Aider. Anstey is a renowned cook and baker and grows much of the produce that turns up on our table in the gardens here. The retreat is vegetarian/vegan when catered but not at the expense of flavour and indulgence.
Our google reviews rarely speak of anything other than the food
Dumfries and Galloway is one of the most stunning parts of Europe, with wildlife that ranges from red squirrels to golden eagles. We have a diversity of food that runs from the freshest fish (West Coast Sea Products lands sustainable seafood six miles from us) to brilliant chefs and restaurants.
We are halfway between Castle Douglas, Scotland’s ‘food town’, and Kircudbright, Scotland’s ‘artists’ town’. Scotland’s ‘book town’ - Wigtown - is 45 minutes’ drive away.
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The coastline of Dumfries & Galloway is an extraordinary find – miles and miles of golden sand and teeming rock pools where, quite often, you’ll find yourself the only person on the beach.
Dumfries and Galloway is 2,500 square miles of loveliness: of Burns’ landmarks & stories; of literature & book festivals; of stunning coastline and extraordinary wildlife. Write South West Scotland is perfectly situated to visit all of it.
