
A 400-year-old A-listed mill set in 14 acres of rivers, waterfalls, and ancient woodland. Nestled beside ancient oaks and the serene Shirmers Burn, this is a place where nature takes center stage. Wildlife is abundant, and Galloway’s night skies are some of the clearest in the world. Hike local hills, find wild swimming spots, or explore by bike. Then unwind in the wood-fired hot tub, sweat it out in the sauna, and let the river’s song wash everything away. Adventure or stillness—you choose.
The space
Ironmacannie Mill served the local community as a grain mill for over 400 years before its conversion into a home in 1990. Now sleeping up to 10 guests, it features three bedrooms plus fold-out futons in two public rooms. The decor is simple and rustic, using real materials that honor the building’s heritage.
At the heart of the house is a spacious dining area, perfect for gathering and sharing time with family and friends. The mill spans three floors, with a bathroom, shower room, and a downstairs toilet. The machinery room still holds much of the original mill workings, which turn when water flows to the wheel. Step through the old kiln room door, and you’re right by the riverside and the mill’s ancient oaks, immersed in history and nature—all together a unique place.
Highly recommend the woodland sauna experience (and cold water plunge in the waterfall pools!) plus hot tub. The downstairs lounge was perfect for music and games, without disturbing our 4... read more year old asleep upstairs. She also loved all the toys, books and games tucked away around the whole house. We just stayed for a weekend but all returned home feeling totally relaxed and rejuvenated. The kitchen was well equipped with everything we needed to cook our own meals and we all felt comfortable.
Corrinne
Lorraine was a wonderful host. She was in touch before our arrival with checkin instructions and general advice.
She was around to help us with the hot tub and... read more the sauna on the Friday night and Saturday morning.
She also messaged me the morning we were travelling as there had been some road closures in the area so we could ensure we were taking the best route.
Karen
Nothing I can write in this review is ever going to match the actual place and space! The photos look great, the reality is so much better!
The... read more mill has a unique character that welcomes you and instantly makes you feel at home. The location is nothing short of incredible - the river, the sweet donkeys, the drop-dead gorgeous night sky, the peace! It is everything we hoped for and more! And Lorraine is everything you would ever hope for in a host - kind, conscientious, extremely helpful and communicative - an absolute pleasure to speak with 🙂
Thank you so much for the perfectly wonderful and memorable Christmas stay 🙂
Simone
The Mill is a truly wonderful experience that we would recommend to anyone. Full of history, tastefully decorated and in an incredibly special location.
The Mill itself is spacious... read more and well-equipped and had a really magical vibe.
The grounds are really something else. I don’t think we’ve ever stayed somewhere with a waterfall! Fab garden for the kids and dogs to play in. Picturesque, peaceful and perfect for a tranquil escape from the world for a few days.
Matthew
My friends and I visited mid march and we had an absolutely wonderful time. The area is beautiful, the house fantastic and the hot tub excellent! Fully recommend, Lorraine was... read more a amazing host, quick response and super helpful tips.
We will be back!
Rachel, Chereen , Maria, kirsty and Alex
Xx
Rachel
A stunning place to stay and we felt immediately welcome and at home. Lorraine and her family were always really helpful. We’d definitely recommend, but don’t want too many people... read more knowing about this gem!
Raff
A group of 9 of us went to the mill for a surprise 30th I planned for my friend. It was awesome, such an amazing place with a great rustic... read more feel! Lovely hosts! Would go again without a doubt! Would highly recommend, thanks again for having us!
Joey
Lorraine and Ulla made our stay just wonderful. We were 13 university students in the house and they left us to our own devices, but we're willing to help and... read more set up the bath and sauna for us at just a few minutes notice, which was very helpful! The sauna is great, and homemade! The only difficult thing for us was finding transport in Sunday so a few of the girls could get back in time for 2:00 labs. Thankfully after much stress about clashing bus times, Ulla agreed to drive them to Dumfries! We were extremely grateful and payed him for his efforts. I would also mention that although sauna costs a bit of money for wood and initial set up, we found it to be more than worth the experience. Finally, I highly advise exploring the pine wood forest down the road. We went twice!
Tamsyn
Chloe
Lovely stay, garden is great with the waterfall and river running through. Really liked the log fire in the house to relax by in the evenings. Nice areas nearby for... read more walks and not too far to travel into Castle Douglas for a choice of cafes/restaurants. Very relaxing place to get away from it all!
Natalie
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.
Elizabeth
Lorraine's place and the surrounding area is your perfect location for the Borderlands and Galloway Forest Park explorationd. The farm road strolls through the hills and dales lead you back... read more to the mill it's waterfalls and amazing gardens! Lovely place for family and friends retreat!
Don & Karen
If you’re looking for a rustic far from the madding crowd stay, this place is perfect. Totally out in the countryside with a river and waterfall the setting is very... read more picturesque. The mill house is beautiful very old and rustic with a log burner and a very olde worlde feel to it.
On arrival we were greeted by our very friendly host Lorraine and I got the feeling that if we asked nothing would be too much trouble.
We thoroughly enjoyed our time there and the dark sky experience was something else!
Close by is loch Ken...9 miles long and beautiful and the small town of Castle Douglas a beautiful gem with lots of unusual shops and great stock.
On the whole a thoroughly enjoyable stay.
Thanks Lorraine
Angela
Robin
The Hidden Mill is a fantastic house in a beautiful location. Our family really enjoyed time in the hottub and exploring the surrounding area. House is well equipped and lots... read more of thoughtful extras like board games and kid's books. Would definitely recommend!
Lillian
Beautiful cottage in an amazing location. Warm, cosy, attention to detail and loved the historical aspect with the old mill.
The gardens were outstanding with the peaceful and... read more relaxing sound of running water.
I struggle to sleep at home, and i slept like a log here. My bed was super comfy.
The donkeys across the road were a big highlight for us.
We didnt use the hot tub or sauna but will definitely be back, and will definitely be using them.
The owner was lovely, very responsive and helpful and allowed us early check in which was a nice thing to do.
Would 100% recommend xx
Helene
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.
Jess
Honestly one of the best trips we have ever had - the host was so friendly and helpful but gave us our space. The house was clean and had all... read more amenities you could need. They accommodated our weird requests (murder mystery weekend) and even gave us tips on best spots to play hide and seek! Nothing could have been better and we will absolutely be back if the host will have us. Best and most unique hot tub experience ever too, just 10/10 all round.
Sophie
Very easy to find but tucked out of the way with a very communicative and accomodating host. A lovely setting made for a great stay!
Harry
Had a great few days at The Hidden Mill. Beautiful accommodation in a great setting. House has everything you need to have a great stay.
Very friendly and welcoming... read more hosts.
Got lucky and had a couple of nights with a clear sky for stargazing........such an awesome sight.
Hot tub was also a wonderful chill out way to end your day.
Will hopefully be back.
Alan
Just breathtaking.....
If you're in two minds about booking The Hidden Mill, just go ahead and do it, you will not regret it!
Lorraine was a fantastic host, so... read more helpful and kind, and the mill itself is stunning - the photos do not do it justice at all. Highly recommend booking the Hot Tub & Woodland Sauna experience too.
We can't wait to return for another idyllic weekend. We loved it!
Victoria
Lorraine was a very friendly and welcoming host. The location is absolutely beautiful and we were lucky to get great weather to enjoy the grounds. We managed to catch some... read more fish and even a crayfish in the river. We understood the Mill is very old and quirky, but we felt it was in need of some repair and upgrading. The kitchen is needing a thorough clean with flies everywhere. It smelt unclean and greasy. The towels and dishclothes smelt damp and unclean these were used once and could not be reused. Many of the plates and cups needed rewashed before use. Its a lovely place and exactly what we needed but we were a little disappointed by the cleanliness and strains on walls etc.
Justine
We had a lovely visit. The cottage was gorgeous and the garden was beautiful! The kitchen was well-equipment and there is a really good barbecue and fire pit. We... read more loved spending the evenings in the hot tub. All in all I would highly recommend!
Nia
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.
Bethany
What a way to spend the last weekend of my 20s! The pictures don’t do this place justice, you really need to come and see it for yourself. Stunning surroundings,... read more lots to explore, great communication from Lorraine. The hot tub is a MUST and the sauna followed by a cold dip in the river. We’ll be gatekeeping this hidden gem for future bookings. 😊
Rachel
The Hidden Mill is the perfect place to stay for a rural get away. All the facilities were 10/10 and the pictures truly do not do it justice. An absolute... read more perfect airbnb stay.
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