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Hill of Burns Creetown · Dumfries & Galloway
Hill of Burns Georgian house in Creetown

Retreats in Dumfries & Galloway

Hill of Burns

Where time slows & calm descends.

The House

A Georgian house with a quieter rhythm

Hill of Burns is an exceptional Grade II listed Georgian country home with views across the Solway Firth. The original 1725 farmhouse has quaint wooden staircases and authentic Forrester fires, and the main house, built in 1811 from local Creetown granite, wraps seamlessly around the old farmhouse. The same Creetown granite was used for the Thames Embankment, London Bridge, and several other iconic monuments and buildings.

The house showcases high ceilings, grand fireplaces, tall sash Georgian windows, and original cornice, which paired with vintage finds, creates an elegant space of tranquillity that feels like coming home the moment you step inside.

The mature gardens span 3.25 acres, with majestic trees and natural beauty creating a sanctuary for deep and powerful healing. With waterfalls and wild swimming beaches just minutes away, and ancient stone circles, rolling hills and the Galloway Forest on our doorstep, Hill of Burns is an idyllic retreat for your guests.

Characterful sitting room at Hill of Burns
Freestanding bath in one of the house bathrooms

The House & Gardens

A sense of place

Three and a quarter acres of mature gardens, ancient stone circles, rolling hills and the Galloway Forest create a setting made for retreat, reflection and reconnection.

Pond and gardens beside Hill of Burns
Ancient standing stones in the Galloway landscape
Drawing Room arranged for a yoga retreat

Inclusive Use

Spaces for gathering, resting and retreat

The Drawing Room is a bright, airy space, perfect for workshops, sound baths, yoga, and transformational ceremonies.

The Music Room has an open fire, a boudoir grand piano, and comfortable seating for relaxed evenings. The Library has always been utilised as a dining space throughout its history, with a beautiful bay window overlooking the Solway Firth.

Accommodation

House, cabins & facilitators

We can host up to 12 guests single occupancy, and have a maximum capacity of 25 guests. There are 8 bedrooms in the main house, 4 secluded cabins in the gardens, and a separate 6-bed facilitators' apartment.

Bedroom in the main house

The House

Eight bedrooms can be configured to suit your requirements, including the Marmaduke Fox, Balfour Kinnear and Solway suites.

One of the secluded garden cabins

The Cabins

The Laurels, Seaview, Deerview and The Woodsman offer informal, secluded accommodation within the gardens.

Floral bedroom at Hill of Burns

Facilitators

Völva Shuas is a private apartment with a 6-bed bunk room, kitchenette, living space and bathroom.

Music Room — open fire, boudoir grand piano and comfortable seating.
Drawing Room — workshops, sound baths, yoga and ceremonies.
Library — historic dining space with a bay window overlooking the Solway Firth.
Sweetland — private facilitator's room with access to the outdoor space.
Guest Kitchen — fully equipped for cooking requirements.
Scullery — suitable for smaller meal preparation, tea and coffee.
Outdoor Space — covered for rainy days, with an open fire.
Sauna — sits four comfortably.
8m Bell Tent — an additional atmospheric gathering space.
3.25 acres — mature gardens around the house.
Amenities — bedding, towels and essential toiletries included.
Services — utilities, cleaning and maintenance for the duration of your stay.

Food at Hill of Burns

Nourishment is central to every retreat

We take food seriously at Hill of Burns and believe nourishment is central to every retreat experience. Whether you choose our simple menu or something more sumptuous, every meal is crafted with care using fresh, seasonal produce.

We have two choices of menus, with additional add-ons. We can also work with you to create a bespoke dining experience that honours your budget, your group's dietary needs, and the unique flavour of your retreat.

Other options include fresh juices and sharing platters and if your group is venturing out, packed lunches can be arranged. Allergies, intolerances, and preferences can be accommodated with advance notice.

Breakfast table at Hill of Burns
Desserts being served for a retreat group
Fresh citrus dish prepared at Hill of Burns
Keeping it simple

Plant based vegan/vegetarian fare using fresh seasonal produce where possible.

Breakfast

Fresh fruit; homemade granola; yoghurt; homemade bread; butter and jam; tea and coffee.

Lunch

Fresh homemade bread with a seasonal soup and homemade dip such as hummus, red pepper and almond, olive tapenade, or beetroot & walnut.

Dinner

Options include seasonal vegetable stew, vegetable curry, baked potatoes, cottage pie, bean chilli, pizzas and vegetable lasagne.

Desserts & snacks

Seasonal fruit crumble, fruit salad, lemon drizzle cake, vegan energy balls, vegan flapjacks and banana bread.

Sumptuous servings

Menus showcasing local, seasonal, organic produce, with Continental or full cooked Scottish breakfast, lunch and a three-course dinner.

Breakfast

Free-range eggs, bacon, local pork or vegetarian sausages, tomatoes, mushrooms, homemade baked beans and hash browns, or a Continental spread with fruit, granola, local honey, fresh bread, pastries, smoked salmon, cheeses and cured meats.

Lunch

Soups such as butternut squash and sage, seasonal vegetable and lentil, smoked haddock chowder or tomato and basil, with artisan sandwiches.

Three-course dinner

Starters, generous meat or vegetarian mains, and desserts including dark chocolate torte, lemon posset, sticky toffee pudding or pavlova.

Retreat Enquiries

A place to come back to yourself

Tell us a little about the retreat you are planning, your preferred dates and expected group size.

Creetown · Dumfries & Galloway · Scotland

rick@rickwalker.co.uk

Booking information & terms and conditions

1. Booking and Payment

A booking is confirmed upon receipt of a completed booking form and payment of the non-refundable deposit. The balance of the rental fee is due 60 days prior to arrival. For bookings made within 60 days of arrival, full payment must be received to confirm the booking. Payment methods accepted: bank transfer, PayPal, or cash.

2. Cancellation Policy

More than 60 days before arrival: Deposit forfeited; balance payment not required. 30–60 days before arrival: Deposit forfeited; 50% of balance retained. Less than 30 days before arrival: Full payment retained; no refund. We strongly recommend arranging insurance to protect against unforeseen cancellations.

3. Check-in and Check-out

Check-in: 12 noon on the agreed date. Bedrooms available from 3pm. Check-out: 12 noon on the agreed date.

4. Guest Occupancy

The maximum number of guests is as specified in your booking confirmation. Additional guests beyond the agreed number are not permitted without prior written consent and may incur additional charges. Facilitators are responsible for ensuring all guests comply with these terms.

5. Property Care and Liability

Guests are responsible for treating the property with reasonable care and maintaining it in the condition found at arrival (fair wear and tear excepted). Guests are liable for any damage caused by them, their guests, or visitors. Repair costs will be deducted from the security deposit or invoiced separately. Report any damage, maintenance issues, or concerns to the property manager immediately.

6. Noise and Conduct

Guests must be respectful of the property and surrounding environment at all times.

7. Smoking and Pets

Smoking is not permitted inside the property and only within the designated smoking areas. Pets are not allowed unless pre-approved in writing. Breach of this policy will result in forfeiture of the security deposit.

8. Security Deposit

The security deposit is refundable within 7 working days of checkout, subject to satisfactory condition of the property and no damage claims. Deductions will be itemised and explained in writing.

9. Liability and Insurance

Hill of Burns is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to guests' personal belongings. Guests are responsible for their own travel and personal liability insurance. HoBs accepts no liability for personal injury unless caused by our negligence or breach of duty of care. Guests use all facilities at their own risk.

10. Use of Facilities

The property is rented for private retreat use only. Commercial activities, filming, photography for resale, or professional events are not permitted without prior written agreement. Guests may not sublet the property or share access with unauthorised third parties.

11. Compliance

Guests must comply with all applicable UK laws and local regulations. Guests must respect the rights and privacy of neighbors and local residents.

12. Termination

Hill of Burns reserves the right to terminate the booking and deny access if guests breach these terms, engage in illegal activity, or pose a risk to the property or others. No refund will be provided in such cases.

13. Amendments and Cancellation by Hill of Burns

Hill of Burns reserves the right to cancel a booking due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control (e.g., emergency repairs, natural disasters). A full refund will be offered, or the booking rescheduled.

14. Governing Law

These terms and conditions are governed by the laws of Scotland. Any disputes shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the Scottish courts.

15. Data Protection

Guest information will be processed in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and used only for booking administration, communication, and payment processing.

By confirming your booking, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to these terms and conditions. Last updated: February 2026.