Tucked away on the “Hidden Road” south of Balmaclellan is Ironmacannie Mill, believed to be one of the oldest corn and flour watermills in the South of Scotland. The mill was powered by water from the Shirmers Burn and was used by all the tenanted farms on the Kenmure Castle Estate from the early 1600’s. It was used commercially until the 1940’s, but thereafter fell slowly into disrepair. Then in the 1990’s, it was converted into a dwelling house with much of the Mill machinery still in situ.
Now the mill serves as a self catering holiday let, and a model of using renewable energy. It powers itself with hydroelectricity, coming off very same source that used to spin the millstones. It is also heated throughout the year with a ground source heat pump and a good efficient wood burning stove.
Ironmacannie mill can facilitate 10 guests. There are two double bedrooms, a room with two bunk beds and two additional double sofa beds. We are also dog friendly.
Truly magical eco-retreat! We had a wonderful time in this very unique and characterful property. The sauna and hot tub were both perfect, even in December. Beds were very comfortable... read more and the kitchen was well stocked with everything you might need hosting a large group… Including cafetières,
board games, dvds, cds and more!
The only two things that I don’t think the listing mentions are:
- You need to take shoes off inside (plenty of slippers are provided!)
- You are asked to take recycling away with you to the local recycling centre
Neither of these things were a problem for us, but worth bearing in mind!
Hosts were very friendly and helpful but also gave us plenty of privacy and freedom to enjoy our stay without interruption! Definitely happy to recommend and would love to come back one day.
Lorraine was fantastic. She helped me with local suppliers to make my husbands 40th weekend perfect. Highly recommend McCakers, the cake was incredible. The sauna experience is a must, such... read more a unique experience and the hot tub was brilliant. Definitely recommend the pre lighting service. Such a wonderful part of the world. We will be back.
The Hidden Mill is great - stunning location, loads of space, has everything you need. Stayed here with a group for my 30th birthday. We had a fantastic three nights... read more and the accommodation was perfect for our needs. Lorraine was super helpful in the lead up to the trip and during. Would definitely book again!
Thank you so much for a great Christmas trip. The mill was beautiful and the surrounding area amazing. We loved the hot tub and sauna. They were great with our... read more 2 anxious dogs.
Managed to book last minute for New Years after a cancellation and Lorraine was very helpful with any questions we had. Despite them having their own party they were quick... read more to respond to any issues we had.
Beautiful location and a stunning house.
Beautiful spot, nestled in amongst the fields and hills. The mill really makes you feel "away from it all", and you'll have everything you need for a comfy and relaxing... read more stay. The hot tub wasn't working when we were there, but they offered us the sauna experience instead, which was amazing. The animals, trampoline and swing were a hit with the kids, and I loved the quiet walks and sunset views. Lorraine and her family are super hosts, very knowledgeable and kind. I would definitely stay here again!
The mill is wonderful!! We comfortably fit 7 adults and 5 kids and had a great weekend! The old features added great character and the kids loved seeing the water... read more pass by. The place was clean and had loads of charm and I would highly recommend it for familia looking to get away and enjoy time together
Fabulous location with great river running alongside steep terraced riverside garden. We enjoyed the hot tub and sauna and cooling off in the river. It was a truly get away... read more from it all experience and lovely hosts. Nearby is Loch Ken for swimming and water sports and mountain biking and walking in the Galloway Forest Park. You’ll love it if you’re laid back, like adventuring or want to be inspired to live a creative greener lifestyle.
our week at the hidden Mill was lovely, there were 9 of us staying with 3 small dogs so it was pretty full. the kitchen had all we needed to... read more be able to cook meal. the downstairs sitting room was cosy withthe wood burning stove soon making the place nice and toasty. we enjoyed fishing in the burn and the small pond and relaxed in the hot tub. unfortunately we had a lot of rain but that made the waterfall all the more spectacular.
What a lovely week we had over new year! Couldn’t think of a nicer way to spend the new year, staying at the Mill was amazing from start to finish.... read more Lovely area with amazing and friendly hosts. I would definitely book again in the future
We visited the Hidden Mill for my hens weekend away and it was brilliant. Lorraine was so helpful from the start, sending through a list of great local activities we... read more might enjoy and then arranging one for us. We went on a foraging tour of the backyard and a nearby field with the knowledgable Alex - it was fascinating, tailored to the group’s needs and thoroughly enjoyed by all, I highly recommend it!
The Hidden Mill itself was awesome. From it’s quiet, secluded location to the garden and beautiful decor inside, this place is filled with character and made for a special get-away.
Fantastic accommodation and perfect location to get away from the city. Very welcoming and Great hosts, already looking forward to coming back!
Lovely old house. The property is so pretty- right on the stream with a small waterfall. The hot tub is definitely worth it even if it takes a while... read more to heat up at first. Lorraine was very friendly and helpful.
10 of us stayed here for 3 nights for my husbands 40th and there isn't one complaint from any of us!
The mill is fantastic and absolutely gorgeous. The... read more hot tub under the stars is fabulous. I would advise to take a torch with you if you book it as the walk is very dark.
The bed in the master bedroom is the comfiest bed I've ever slept on and I had an amazing nights sleep.
Honestly this place is something else and so reasonably priced. I'm already trying to think of an excuse to go back!
The Hidden Mill is absolutely amazing! The accommodation was gorgeous and was in the most beautiful grounds. Lorraine and the family were welcoming and super helpful. The weeks highlight for... read more us was definitely the wildlife though. Getting to meet Jackson and Heather the donkeys and being able to see the bats flying around at dusk. Just magical. As a family we tend to look for a different place to stay each time we go away, but we were so impressed and delighted with our stay that we will definitely be returning! Massive thank you to the hosts!
A lovely place, in fabulous surroundings and Lorraine and her family were super-friendly and helpful.
The mill has plenty of space and has everything you need for a relaxing... read more stay.
The location is great to get away from it all, but there is plenty to do locally.
We paid extra for the wood-fired hot tub, which was well worth it.
Would definitely return and recommend to friends.
This home and its surroundings are enchanting! The home is so spacious and comfortable and inviting, and the gardens are just gorgeous!
A hidden treasure!
We had 4 days of total peace
The mill is is huge and very comfortable.
We were able to take advantage of the hot... read more tub and sauna experience which I can't recommend highly enough. The grounds are stunning and the dental surgery summer house was great! Ideal for families -the girls loved it!
Lorraine was a great host and really looked after us. Looking forward to a return visit!
Lovely place with great hosts. The mill kept a lot warmer than I was expecting. The sky at night is beautiful. Loads of lovely walking spots in the surrounding area.
This was a wonderfully relaxing trip in a very beautiful quiet spot. The Mill is old and quirky with intersting things to look at throughout and lots of space for... read more a big family.
Lorraine was the perfect host - there when we needed her and leaving us to it the rest of the time. She gave a great recommendation for a beach nearby, and although sadly for her the hot tub had broken, Lorraine sent over an immediate refund.
Would definitely recommend this place and urge you to not miss the chance to see the milky way at night!!
Really special, thank you Lorraine and family.
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