A Storied Scottish Retreat: Drumlanrig Castle Unveils Montagu Cottage

Newly restored 19th-century cottage joins the Queensberry Estate’s expanding luxury accommodation portfolio in Dumfries and Galloway

Amid the rolling hills and ancient woodlands of Dumfries and Galloway, Drumlanrig Castle has quietly unveiled a new addition to its estate—Montagu Cottage, a beautifully restored guesthouse nestled within the historic Queensberry Estate. With its sweeping views over the Nith Valley and rich heritage layered into its stonework, Montagu Cottage offers guests an atmospheric, pet-friendly escape infused with Scottish charm.

A Heritage Home Reimagined

Once part of the estate’s 19th-century laundry complex, Montagu Cottage—alongside neighbouring Laundry Cottage—has undergone a sensitive renovation, blending listed-building preservation with modern luxury. Originally remodeled in 1871 and split into two cottages in 1924, both properties maintain their Category B listed status, ensuring their architectural integrity remains front and centre.

Montagu Cottage now welcomes up to six guests across three bedrooms, with interiors that balance rustic character and contemporary ease. The cottage features:

• A king-size or twin room, plus two en-suite doubles

• A large family bathroom with walk-in shower and roll-top tub

• An open-plan kitchen and living space warmed by a double-fronted wood burner

• A private garden and patio overlooking pastoral scenes—think grazing sheep and lambs just over the fence

Set beside the estate’s extensive walking and cycling network, the location is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and anyone seeking a slower pace beneath expansive Scottish skies.

Thoughtful Touches & Tailored Stays

The cottage is also dog-friendly, welcoming up to two canine companions, and can be paired with the adjacent Laundry Cottage for larger gatherings of up to 12. For those seeking even more grandeur, the nearby Dabton House—a 24-guest, exclusive-use mansion located just 10 minutes from the castle—offers an elevated private stay complete with 11 en-suite bedrooms and multiple reception rooms.

Montagu Cottage joins a growing collection of self-catering retreats on the estate, which now includes three apartments and five cottages, including Queensberry Cottage, launched in 2024. These accommodations provide a variety of entry points for travellers—from couples’ weekends to multigenerational holidays.

Beyond the Threshold: Experience the Estate

Guests staying at Montagu Cottage and other estate accommodations from March to October enjoy complimentary access to the castle’s formal gardens and the Adventure Playground. Additional bespoke experiences available on the estate include:

• Guided tours of Drumlanrig Castle

• E-bike hire for countryside exploration

• Fishing in the estate’s lochs and rivers

• Simulated game shooting

• The adrenaline-filled Scottish Assault Course

The estate also plays host to a diverse calendar of seasonal events, offering visitors cultural, culinary, and outdoor activities throughout the year.

The Queen of the South’s Quiet Luxury

Often dubbed the “Pink Palace” for its unique red sandstone façade, Drumlanrig Castle is one of Scotland’s finest examples of late 17th-century Renaissance architecture. Its wider estate—home to the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch and Queensberry—is now embracing a new role as a luxury rural destination, where self-catering holidays meet stately surroundings.

Montagu Cottage, with its storied past and welcoming present, adds a new chapter to that legacy—inviting guests to stay, stroll, and savour a lesser-known corner of Scotland, wrapped in history and Highland hospitality.