Frequently Asked Questions

We know what it’s like when you want to book your next break you want it to be just perfect! That’s why we have pulled together our most common frequently asked questions. Clearly if there is anything we have missed off drop us a mail today!

The Lodges

How big are your lodges?

We have two three-bedroom lodges and two two-bedroom lodges. All lodges come with a travel cot and high chair.

Which lodges are dog-friendly?

Our three dog-friendly lodges are Silver Birch, Miller’s Hill and Ocean Drive. Seascape and Cairn Dyke are not dog-friendly.

Do your lodges have log burners?

Yes — Miller’s Hill and Cairn Dyke both feature a log burner, ideal for cosy evenings after a day exploring. We provide a small starter pack (logs, kindling and firelighters). Additional logs can be purchased from the Spar in Gatehouse of Fleet.

Do your lodges have accessible features?

Yes. All lodges are single-level with wide, open-plan spaces and step-free access (ramps available on request). Walk-in showers are provided and a shower seat can be arranged if needed. Parking is directly outside each lodge. Please get in touch if you have specific requirements.

Is Gatehouse Luxury Lodges suitable for hen or stag parties? 

We’re set up for peace and quiet rather than group celebrations. Our guests are mostly couples and small groups looking for a slower pace, and that’s the experience we’re set up to protect. If you’re planning a hen, stag, or larger celebration weekend, we’re likely not the right fit.

Payments & Booking

When do you take payment?

On the day of booking we take a £250 deposit. The remaining balance is due 6 weeks before your stay. If you would like to pay monthly or need more flexibility, just drop us an email. We do not take automatic payment.

Do you offer discounts or special offers?

Yes — from time to time we offer discounted offers such as dogs stay free. Please check our special offers page for the latest deals.

Do you offer long-stay discounts?

We may be able to offer better rates for stays of 14 nights or more, depending on the time of year and availability. Please contact us directly with your dates and we’ll be happy to provide the best price.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation terms

  • More than 90 days before check-in: no cancellation fee
  • 89 to 60 days before check-in: 25% of total reservation cost
  • 59 to 30 days before check-in: 50% of total reservation cost
  • Within 29 days or no-show: 100% of total reservation cost

Refunds are processed within 14 business days of a valid cancellation request. Some special offer rates may be non-refundable. A £15 administration fee may apply. We strongly recommend taking out your own holiday insurance.

Facilities & Amenities

What is provided in the lodges?

Each lodge includes:

  • Bed linen and towels (please bring your own beach towels)
  • Hand wash in all bathrooms (shower gel not provided)
  • Tea bags, salt, pepper, and a pint of milk in the fridge
  • Cafetiere and Nespresso machine
  • 4 rolls of loo roll (bring extra for stays over a week)
  • Washing machine and tumble dryer (Silver Birch has a washer/dryer combo)
  • Clothes airer and ironing board

Do your lodges have BBQs?

All lodges have a designated area just outside for a disposable BBQ. We don’t sell these ourselves — the nearest place to buy one is the Spar in Gatehouse of Fleet.

Is there a shop nearby for essentials? 

Yes. The Spar in Gatehouse of Fleet, about two miles away, covers most essentials. For a full supermarket shop, Castle Douglas is around 20 minutes by car.

Is there free WiFi?

Yes — WiFi is free and we have Starlink superfast broadband, giving speeds of 80MB to 250MB. More than enough to work remotely or stream Netflix.

Do you have an electric car charger?

Yes — we have two 7kW chargers on-site, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Operated by Fuuse Energy, charged at 45p per kWh. No app needed — just scan the QR code on the charger to open the payment portal. Gatehouse town also has 8 public chargers in the main car park.

Do you have cameras on the property?

Each lodge has a single Ring camera facing the car park for security and to help us know when guests have arrived or departed. It does not record inside the lodge or any private garden areas. Footage is stored securely for up to 30 days before automatic deletion.

Can I smoke in the lodge?

Smoking is not permitted inside any of the lodges. Please smoke outside and dispose of cigarettes responsibly — there are ash bins on the side of the BBQ areas.

Dogs

How many dogs can I bring?

Up to 2 well-behaved dogs per stay in our dog-friendly lodges.

Is there a charge for dogs?

Yes — £30 per dog per stay.

What are the rules for bringing dogs?

  • Dogs are not allowed on beds or sofas
  • Dogs must not be left unattended in the lodge
  • Please clean up after your dog around the site
  • Dogs must be kept on a lead around the lodges out of respect for other guests

Are there good dog walks nearby?

Absolutely — we are surrounded by fantastic walking spots including coastal walks along the Solway Firth, forest trails around Gatehouse of Fleet, and dog-friendly beaches such as Sandgreen and Carrick Bay.

Do you provide anything for dogs?

We don’t provide dog beds, bowls or crates — please bring your own. Each lodge does have an outdoor tap, perfect for rinsing off muddy paws.

Is there a vet nearby?

Yes. We use Galloway Vets in Kirkcudbright ourselves, about 20 minutes away, and they’ve always looked after us well. If anything comes up during your stay, get in touch and we’ll point you in the right direction.

Cats 

Are cats allowed at Gatehouse Luxury Lodges?

Yes, in one of our five lodges. Ocean Drive is our cat-friendly lodge, alongside being dog-friendly. The other four lodges (Cairn Dyke, Millers Hill, Silver Birch, Seascape) are not currently set up for cats.

Is there a charge for bringing a cat?

Yes, there are two charges. A £30 cleaning fee per cat, the same as our dog fee, and a separate £100 refundable deposit per cat. The deposit is returned in full within 5 days of departure, provided the lodge is left as you found it.

What should I bring for my cat?

We don’t provide a litter tray, bed or bowls, so please bring your own. Ocean Drive has quiet corners throughout and a large glass wall your cat can spend hours watching the world from.

Are the lodges enclosed, so my cat can’t get out?

No, the lodges are not fully enclosed. If your cat is used to going outdoors, we’d recommend keeping them inside or supervised during your stay.

Visiting & Local Area

What’s the best time of year to visit?

For warm weather and outdoor activities, June to September is ideal. For a quiet, cosy escape with big skies and dark sky stargazing, October to March is a wonderful choice. Whenever you visit, Gatehouse of Fleet offers views, wildlife, and relaxation all year round.

Why don’t the lodges have hot tubs?

At Gatehouse Luxury Lodges, we’ve chosen something a little different. Our lodges are designed for peace, quiet and uninterrupted views across the Solway Firth. Instead of hot tubs, you’ll find large private decking areas, panoramic windows, wildlife, and some of the best sunsets in South West Scotland. Most of our guests come here to walk, relax, and enjoy the calm surroundings — and that’s exactly the experience we aim to protect.

Contact Us

If you have a question we haven’t covered, please get in touch:


 

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