This small patch of heaven is a delight. You leave the world behind you, take the road south from Dumfries, and soon you’re rolling through stunning country with hardly a soul in sight. Sunlight plays in the trees, ridges run down to lush fields, then suddenly you turn a corner and the Solway Firth is sparkling before your eyes. All you need now is somewhere wonderful to stay, somewhere small and beautiful, with kind owners on hand to usher you though to a chic sitting room before pouring you a gin and tonic, dishing up some wonderful food and showing you to your delightful quarters. Which is exactly what you find at Cavens, a small country house, where Jane and Angus look after guests in style. Two sitting rooms have open fires, period art and lots of books, then doors onto a garden where only birdsong will disturb you. As for the rooms, three are huge, one has the feel of a library, all have smart fabrics, super beds and garden views. Finally, dinner, an absolute delight, perhaps scallops with lime and Vermouth, venison with a port jus, a thin apple tart. Gardens, beaches and golf wait. Perfect.
This review really is long overdue! My friend who visited from Austria and I were at a wedding nearby this particular weekend. We attended the evening reception only and had dinner at Cavens hotel. The meal was absolutely incredible, the best steak we had ever had in our lives cooked by Angus. Angus and Jane were very hospitable and even drove us the wedding reception venue. Great people and beautiful hotel.