Accessed at least times since 24 December 2006.

We had a good week at Auchinleck. Here are some photos and commentary.

It accommodates 13 people: Two double-bedded rooms; four twin-bedded rooms; and one single-bedded room (mine!).

The house is located in southwest Scotland, an area not as much on the tourist routes as some. There are some interesting towns and villages not far away, including Dumfries, Kirkcudbright, Lanark, etc.

Glasgow is one hour away by train from the station in the village of Auchinleck. Edinburgh is about 2-1/2 hours away by train via Glasgow.

I've included some information below from various websites which may be helpful.

What's the cost? For one week, the total cost is £2,293, which is about $4,500 or about $345 dollars per person for the week. With the usual food/drink kitty, this should be no more than about $400 each. The second and final payment, less the deposit of $100, should be about $245 each, depending on exchange rates at the time I pay the bill.

From the Landmark Trust catalogue:

Perhaps the finest example of an eighteenth century country villa to survive in Scotland, Auchinleck House is where the renowned biographer James Boswell indulged his penchant for 'old laird and family ideas'. Built around 1760 by Boswell's father Lord Auchinleck, its architect is unknown; it seems likely that Lord Auchinleck himself had a hand in the neo-Classical design, perhaps influenced by the Adam brothers. Boswell's friend and mentor Dr. Samuel Johnson famously argued over politics with Lord Auchinleck in the library here, when they visited at the end of their tour of the Hebrides in 1773. Once inherited by Boswell, the house was host to much 'social glee', which he recorded in his Book of Company and Liquors.

Auchinleck House itself expresses the rich spirit of the Scottish Enlightenment, combining Classical purity in the main elevation with a baroque exuberance in the pavilions and the elaborately carved pediment. We have restored not only the house with its magnificent library looking across to Arran, but also the pavilions, the obelisks and the great bridge across the Dippol Burn, on whose picturesque banks are an ice-house and grotto.

Visitors to the house pass beneath an extract, chosen from Horace by Lord Auchinleck, carved into the pediment: Quod petis, hic est, Est Ulubris, animus si te non deficit aequus ('Whatever you seek is here, in this remote place, if only you have a good firm mind'). We are sure this will speak as clearly to those who stay at Auchinleck today as it did to James Boswell himself.

From the logbook: "The house swallowed the children--just occasional sightings."
"We recommend Scrabble using the Samuel Johnson dictionary only."

Parts of the groundfloor are open to the public by appointment only on Wednesday afternoons, from the Wednesday after Easter until October. The grounds will be open throughout the spring and summer.

Born in Edinburgh on the 29th October 1740, James Boswell had a career in law mapped out by his father. After education at a private school, Edinburgh University and Glasgow University, he practised law in the capital city.

Boswell longed to live in London and lived there for a few months in 1760. It was during another stay in London beginning in 1762, after passing his exams in civil law, that Boswell first met Dr. Samuel Johnson on 16th May 1763. Boswell was fascinated by the mind of Johnson. From 1766 to 1785 Boswell was an advocate in Edinburgh before moving to London permanently c1785. In 1769 he had married his cousin Margaret Montgomerie at Lainshaw.

In August 1763 Boswell embarked upon a 2-1/2 year long Grand Tour of Europe. He later persuaded Samuel Johnson to make a tour of Scotland with him and the two men visited Auchinleck in 1773 on their return from their Hebridean Tour.

On the death of his father in 1782, James Boswell inherited the family estates at Auchinleck. He became a capable and well-liked Laird. For many years Boswell worked on his famous works "Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides, 1785", and "Life of Johnson 1791".

Both works received critical acclaim and throughout the 19th century Boswell's name was famous for producing these works. James Boswell died in London in 1795 a few years after the publication and success of "Life of Johnson".

--From http://www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk/comser/tourism/famous_literature.asp

It is derived from Achadh nan Leac, Scottish Gaelic for "Field of the Slab/tombstone"

--From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auchinleck

The house, which stands just north west of the village of Auchinleck is the third to be built on an estate granted to Boswell's forebears in the 14th century.

For a long time the house was thought to have been designed by the Adams brothers, and it can be compared with nearby Dumfries House, which is known to be their work, and was built in the same period. Expenditure on the estate peaked between 1758 and 1760 and window tax was paid on the house in 1760 for thirty-one windows. At the end of May 1762 Lord Auchinleck finally paid 'James Bowie Slater in Air' for 18,000 Esdale slates at 1.9s.0d per thousand.

The estate which surrounds Auchinleck House has several interesting features and even today the surrounding landscape bears the imprint of the tree planting campaigns of Boswell and his father. On the banks of the Lugar Water, west of the house, lie the ruins of the former family seat, the Old Place, built in 1612 to replace the Old Castle, whose ruins have almost disappeared.

Closer to the house the bridge across the Dippol Burn has been extensively repaired, and on the picturesque banks below the bridge is an ovoid ice-house hewn out of rock. Here ice cut in the winter was stored for summer use, or alternatively salted meat was stored.

After the war the house began a period of decline as it was uninhabited from the early 1950s. In 1986 it was acquired by the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust, who in 1999 turned to the Landmark Trust, which has restored the house and lets it for holidays to those wishing to experience the historic atmosphere of this splendid house." (Includes some photos)

Some of the useful places in Auchinleck:

The Victor (fish and chips)
Tesco's and Co-op supermarkets
Sultan Kebab
Aishah Curries and Kebabs
Railway Hotel
Market Inn
Boswell Arms
Diamond Inn (Chinese Restaurant)

The main street is flanked by traditional single storey cottages that climb the gentle slope where an estate of local authority housing lies. One of these former cottages was the House of the Green Shutters made famous by the novel of that name written by George Douglas Brown, a former son of the village.

As with many other Ayrshire villages many of Ochiltree`s working men were previously employed in the pits - the Barony being the last. Traditionally some were employed in agriculture in the surrounding area which has provided a number of seasonal opportunities. However for a number of years now employment has been sought in Ayr and Cumnock.

--From http://www.e-ayrshire.co.uk/local/ochiltree/index.asp

Information on Gargunnock from the Landmark Trust

Thank you for booking this Landmark and we hope that you enjoy your stay here. The income we receive from your booking pays for the repair and maintenance of the building, thus allowing us to preserve it for the enjoyment of those who follow you.

To arrange to get into the Landmark, it is very important that you call the Housekeeper AT LEAST TWO DAYS before you are due to arrive. She is Mrs Maureen Paterson, 12 Dalgleish Avenue, Cumnock, telephone 01290 422188 or Mobile 07704 123402. Early evening is generally the best time to call.

Please do not arrive before 4pm on the first day of your booking. The Housekeeper will have prepared Auchinleck House for you, and we hope and expect that you will leave it as clean and tidy as you can when you leave. On the last day PLEASE BE SURE THAT YOU HAVE LEFT THE BUILDING ENTIRELY BEFORE 10am, leaving it secure and returning the key to the Housekeeper as directed by her. If you do not leave on time, this makes the Housekeeper's task extremely difficult. If you leave on an earlier day, please let her know.

Auchinleck House (OS map reference NS507230, Postcode KA18 2LR), is about 12 miles east of Ayr, a mile north of Ochiltree, and three miles west of Auchinleck village.

It would be a good idea to bring a torch.

To reach Auchinleck House.

From Glasgow take the M77/A77 towards Kilmarnock and Ayr. As you pass Kilmarnock, turn off left onto the A76 towards Dumfries. After a further eight miles you pass through Mauchline. 2/2 miles beyond Mauchline, after passing two or three left turns to Catrine, turn right onto a minor road, probably signposted Ochiltree. Continue along this road, passing over a railway bridge on a chicane, and then passing Drumfork Farm on your left. Take the next right turn onto another minor road (probably no signpost), and then see instructions in the paragraph from Drumfork Farm.

From Glasgow Airport take the M8 towards Glasgow, then leave the M8 at Junction 24, following signs to Kilmarnock, until you join the M77 (as above) at Junction 1.

From Ayr/Prestwick Airport, take the A70 towards Cumnock. Continue to Ochiltree and in the centre of the village, towards the bottom of the hill by the Commercial Inn, turn left for Auchinleck on the B7036. Continue uphill for about a mile until the road bends sharply to the right, towards Auchinleck. This is in fact a crossroads, with a stone marker post. Do NOT go round to the right to Auchinleck, instead go straight ahead. Continue along this road for about 1 and a half miles. Soon after a very sharp right hand bend take the first left-hand turn into a single track road shortly before Drumfork Farm.

From the M74, leave at Junction 12 taking the A70 towards Muirkirk and Cumnock. At the roundabout with the A76, continue on the A70 towards Ochiltree. In the centre of Ochiltree by the Commercial Inn, turn right for Auchinleck on the B7036. Continue uphill for about a mile until the road bends sharply to the right, towards Auchinleck. This is in fact a crossroads, with a stone marker post. Do NOT go round to the right to Auchinleck; instead go straight ahead. Continue along this road for about 1 and a half miles. Soon after a very sharp right hand bend take the first left-handed turn into a single track road shortly before Drumfork Farm.

Once you have turned into the single track road near Drumfork Farm, follow this road for about 250 yards. The road bends slightly and then goes into a belt of trees. Turn left immediately as you go into the belt of trees (probably no signpost). You will find yourself driving along an avenue of trees. Drive reasonably slowly because this is an unmade road.

Continue carefully along the drive without taking any turnings to the right, and continuing over two cattle grids, passing over the stone Dippol Burn Bridge and arriving in front of Auchinleck house.

There is no direct access through the front door of Auchinleck House, so continue around the front of the building, turning right at each drive junction. You will arrive at the side courtyard where there is a basement entrance porch. Unlock the outer and inner doors that lead to the basement corridor. To reach the front door, take the second doorway on the right, through double doors, and go up the steps to the principle [sic] floor.

We recommend that you follow this route at all times when arriving at the building as it is the best way to ensure security and avoiding congestion on the driveway.

Parking: Please always use the side courtyard, parking cars facing the wall on your right. Please do not park directly in front of Auchinleck House.

Public Transport: The nearest railway station is in the town of Auchinleck. There is a service from Glasgow Central Station which takes about an hour. Auchinleck House has one double bedroom and one single bedroom on the ground floor, and one double bedroom and four twin bedrooms on the first floor. Please contact the Housekeeper if you will need the folding cot. This is suitable for children up to two years old; we provide a mattress but no bedding. The property has oil-fired central heating and open fires in the sitting rooms. There is a gas cooker. The cost of fuel for heating and cooking is included in the price, but please use this sparingly to keep our costs (and prices) down. Fuel for the open fire is not included, but can be bought locally.

Well-behaved dogs are welcome, if booked with us in advance. Please keep them under control at all times, clear up any mess they make, both inside and out, and especially never allow them on beds or furniture.

There is enough crockery and cutlery for two extra people. However, the building must not be used to entertain others beyond that number, and the number sleeping in it should never exceed thirteen.

We provide sheets, pillowcases, towels, tea towels, and blankets. An equipment list is attached.

Our buildings were made to the standards of earlier ages, often without the intention that they should be lived in. Consequently, you may encounter features that reflect their particular characteristics, but which deserve due care and attention, particularly for the young, elderly, less mobile or visually impaired. Examples of these are steps worn with age or with narrow treads, uneven surfaces, low doors, ceilings and beams, unexpected drops and changes of level, and (by modern standards) low or absent lighting. In all cases we have sought to make a sensible compromise between due regard for safety and the careful retention of the character of each building, which makes it an interesting place to stay.

Even familiar things, for example; polished floors and stairs, hot water temperature, open fires and hot stoves, can differ from home and so surprise the unwary, particularly the very young. We ask you to appreciate and use the building in the same spirit of care, and recommend you read the Information and Advice folder on arrival, to familiarise yourself with the building and its surroundings.

The 'Information & Advice' folder in the Landmark gives essential information about the building and local amenities, including shops for provisions. The nearest Tourist Information Centre is in Ayr. (01292) 678100. Landmarks do not have postal deliveries, and mail sent to them may not reach you.

In an emergency you may call our Regional Manager Mrs Isobel Kelly telephone Mobile 07795 605254. In exceptional circumstances urgent messages may be left with the Housekeeper, but please do not ask our staff to do this otherwise, since they may live several miles away.

Please be appreciative of neighbours and anyone else you meet, since they may have to coexist with Landmark visitors 365 days a year!

We hope you enjoy your stay.

Special Notes:

As noted in the Handbook, Auchinleck House will be open to the public on certain days throughout the year. From Easter to October, the entire ground floor (including the bedrooms and kitchen) and the basement will be open to the public on Wednesday afternoons by appointment only. Our curator will supervise the public opening and you do not need to be involved. Those staying in the house can join the tour. The first floor of the house is not open, so you are welcome to stay in these rooms if you wish.

The public has a right to walk in the grounds of Auchinleck House.

Please note that the owners of Auchinleck House have requested that NO FIREWORKS are let off on the Estate.

The policies and surrounding farmland at Auchinleck are grazed by livestock so please keep dogs well controlled and on a lead at all times.

Please ensure that any visitors you may invite to visit during your stay at Auchinleck House have directions on how to reach the property.

EQUIPMENT LIST

We suggest that you look through this list before you arrive in case there is anything which is not on the list and which you especially feel you need:

KITCHEN EQUIPMENT
Baking dish
Baking tray
Bread bin
Bread board
Bread knife
Cafetiere
Cake box
Carving knife, fork & steel
Chopping board
Colander (metal)
Cooking tongs
Corkscrew
Crockery & cutlery
Egg beater
Egg cups
Frying pan
Garlic Press
Glasses
Grapefruit knife
Grater
Kitchen scissors 4 knives: chopping, serrated & 2 cook's
Mixing bowl
Pasta pan
Pedal bin
Potato peeler
Roasting tin
Rolling pin
Rotary whisk
Salt & pepper pot
2 Sandwich tins
3 saucepans
Set of kitchen implements
Sieve
Sink tidy
Sink top dish drainer
Souffle dish
3 storage canisters
Teapot
Tea/coffee strainer
Tin/bottle opener
Toast rack
Tray
Water jug
Wooden spoons

PLASTIC & POLYTHENE
Dustpan Pail
Picnic cups & plates
Washing up bowl

PYREX
3 casseroles: small, medium & large Basin
Covered butter dish
Fruit bowl
Lemon squeezer
Measuring jug
Pie dishes
Oven dishes

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Fan heater
Fridge
Iron
Kettle
Toaster
Vacuum cleaner

GENERAL EQUIPMENT
Ash Trays
Bath rack
Boot jack
Brooms & brushes
Clothes line & pegs
Coat hangers
Dish cloths
Dog food bowl
Dog shovel
Dustbin
Dusters
Floor cloths
Garden chairs
Ironing board
Loo paper (one roll per WC)
Over bath clothes airer
Oven cloth
Small bar of soap
Soap holder
Table mats
Tea towel
Washing-up liquid
Washing-up brush or mop
Waste paper baskets

WE DO NOT NORMALLY PROVIDE
Food of any kind
Candles
Pot scourers
Torches
Hot water bottles
Electric blankets
Washing power
Fuel for open fires or
stoves
Axes or saws
Matches
US/Continental electrical adapters
Additional loo rolls
Telephones
Televisions
Microwaves

The largest Landmarks may have more than this. We provide crockery, cutlery and glasses for as many people as there are beds, plus two further sets in case you invite others for a meal. If you need fuel for fires or stoves, please ask the Housekeeper in advance how you can obtain this.

The beds will be made up with sheets and pillowcases (duvets on bunk beds). There will normally be two no-allergic pillows per person and three blankets for each bed. If there is a cot (see overleaf), there will be a mattress but no bedding. We provide one hand towel and one bath towel (these are bath towels, not the larger 'bath sheets') for as many people as there are beds. There will be a limited supply of tea towels (drying-up cloths), but you may wish to bring more.

Please let the Housekeeper know about any breakage's, or if anything is missing or goes wrong during your stay. She may well be able to solve a problem quickly. There is a green Log Book in which you can record your visit and pass on to future visitors anything of interest you have discovered in the area or in the building.

If you have any comments on anything to do with the Landmark, please send us the Comments and Suggestions Form from the green folder (don't write them in the Logbook, which we won't see).