We stayed four days in June during a visit to England and Scotland with our 14-yr-old granddaughter. She was enchanted by the cottage, a row house, comfortable and renovated to a high standard, with a well-equipped kitchen. The walled back garden with a teak table and chairs is protected from the wind, and a small solarium off the kitchen is comfortable on chilly days. We did enjoy being outdoors during the long June daylight.
Garlieston is quiet indeed. The bay empties during low tide. There is a pub, a tea room, and a small grocery attached to the village gas station. A costal path extends northward and southward on the bay for several miles, and is suitable for a morning trail run. The owner has provided much information about local history, and his clan's seat, nearby Sorbie Tower, is worth a visit.