There’s quite a bit of history in Sanquhar – not least its claim to have the world’s oldest post office! Sanquhar PO is the oldest working example in the world, operating continuously since 1712. Its nearest rivals are Stockholm in Sweden (1720) and Santiago in Chile (1772). The small town lies on the northern edge of Dumfriesshire and it’s easy to get here by train from the central belt: bear that in mind if you fancy a country escape without a car. The hotel's on the fringe of Sanquhar, surrounded by mature trees, and once you’re settled in and have your bearings you’ll realise that the ‘other side’ of the building from that at which you arrive is right by the River Nith, a renowned salmon fishing river. The Dumfries & Galloway region of southerm Scotland is beautiful and full of attractions including the stunning Drumlanrig Castle and Estate just a few miles away and truly not to be missed. See links section below for many more ideas.

The hotel is a country house that’s seen more than a few changes. On first impression it’s an attractive Victorian manor but the heart of the building actually dates back to the 16th century. It was at one time a manse. Park to the front, enter via a small porch and into the Hallway where the stairs lead up to the rooms. To the left is the Bar with its fishing theme and a wonderfully homely, crackling log fire. Beyond is the Library Lounge with sofas and books and a view of the river. There’s a Conservatory in which you can enjoy the quality bar supper menu or daytime coffees, and a Breakfast Room – always an advantage to have the break of day meal somewhere other than last night’s dinner, we think. When we last visited in 2008 the hotel had just seen quite a bit of refurbishment and other changes may have happened since – but much for the better! The plan is to create a new Restaurant at the front of the old house, one with a light feel to it, and one where chef-patron Ian MacAndrew may well start to make his mark in Scotland this year for the first time. In sum, the key advantages of this hotel are its good value, good food and convenience for travel. One bonus for guests is that Sanquhar Fun Pool is 5 minutes' walk from the hotel's front door; a community-run facility it has plenty to offer.

Most of the 9 bedrooms have been redecorated. A couple are suitable for families. There’s quite a variation between them so we make a few suggestions. All have a notably well-stocked tea / coffee tray featuring locally-made biscuits, home-made tablet (Scottish fudge – delicious!), herbals and mineral water. Rooms are named after malt whiskies. We recommend the Glengoyne room which has a wonderful outlook over neat gardens to the sweep of the River Nith and countryside beyond; décor is in neutral tones and the big pine bed very comfortable, with good linens and a cosy throw; pine furnishings and plenty of space; loo with shower. There are some single rooms, the nicest we think being Glenlivet which shares the same lovely view and is a restful, fresh bolthole. Jura is a nice, bright twin or double while the biggest room is Balvenie – a bit old fashioned but comfortable and spacious; loo has bath with shower over it; there’s a sofa bed, too, if needed, as there is in Glenmorangie (although it doesn’t have such a good view). Jane is very fussy about cleanliness and we found everything very spic and span. The hotel also owns the adjacent and attractive Nith Riverside Cottages which offer excellent, roomy self-catering – with the hotel's good food right next door!

Food is this hotel’s strongest card and chef has all the credentials – Ian having been at one time the youngest chef in England to gain a Michelin star. It is the goal of the owners – who only took over in October 2007 – to open a cookery school here; so, watch this space. The hotel offers bar suppers and informal dining in addition to the full dinner menu which is à la carte in style – each item individually priced with six options at each course. The style is skilled modern Scottish country house cuisine rather than what might be taken for ‘Michelin star’ food. We thought the food beautifully adjudged – neither too fussy nor over complex – and truly delicious. A Chicken, Tarragon and Walnut Terrine came surrounded by small, crunchy, lightly pickled vegetables – effective. Cannon of Lamb with a Ragout of Kidneys and Ratatouille was simply superb with the lamb sealed beautifully and cooked pink to perfection; the kidneys a roasty, flavoursome diversion. Hot and cold desserts, both trad and fashionable, and / or cheese will round a meal off nicely. Our 3-course dinner cost £26: now, for this quality, that's some value. The wine list is perfectly adequate. Our GoldPlate™ has been awarded for 2008.

It’s one of the hotel’s nicest aspects, that it has a cheerful, light Breakfast Room with a garden and river view. A sideboard displays some of the chef’s past awards and a big, brassy rooster adds a suitably morning touch. There’s a small buffet with fresh fruit and juices. A traditional Scottish mixed grill breakfast is nicely cooked, and there are alternatives such as fish.

The hotel is ideal for country sports. Salmon angling in the River Nith has one of the longest seasons in Scotland, opening on March 15th and closing on November 30th. It is, however, usually April or May before there's a decent chance of catching a fish. Prolonged dry spells can mean very low water but a small spate in July or August makes excellent sport. There are usually large numbers of salmon in late September and, in October and November, larger fish are on their way upstream. The river is well known for fresh, silver back-end fish. Sea trout are present in substantial numbers from around the start of May and it is usually possible to catch them in June and July and even in August. The Upper Nithsdale Angling Association has the rights to the water outside the hotel and permits to fish are readily available at a very reasonable price. The Assocoiation has 11 miles of double bank fishing with over 50 named pools. One, the Minister's Pool, is immediately outside the hotel with three further pools within half a mile. Shooting can also be arranged.

Gary McLean says…
“Blackaddie Country House is in new hands and gives Dumfriesshire a much-needed ‘new’ country house hotel option. It’s a 3-star country house as graded by VisitScotland so it’s not super posh but it is very comfortable and most relaxing. Lovely little bar with open log fire. Bedrooms vary but the best rooms are spotless and attractive – and with nice little extras. The food is very good indeed and something new for the area. I wish the owners very well indeed and look forward to an update visit in early summer when we’ll see the latest changes.”

Paul Jenner Scotland, 2008 writes...
“Very comfortable and well appointed rooms. Excellent service by friendly staff who were professional whilst not obstrutive. Outstanding food beautifully presented. Couldn't fault our stay and well be coming back. 9.5 / 10 (Never give 10 / 10 but this came close!)."

Mrs S. M. Cosby England, 2008 writes...
“Excellent, very friendly, staff helpful. Most of all the food was wonderful and very special. Hotel clean and comfortable. We will visit again."

Chris Champion England, 2008 writes...
“Very warm wlecome with friendly staff. Excellent service, pleasant rooms. Superb food, beautifully presented and served with a smile. Excellent."

Reader 'J. F.' 2008 writes...
“Good standard hotel for the price. Clean, tidy rooms although could do with a bit of decorating here and there. Excellent service from the staff. 5-star food for a reasonable price. Good communal areas, lounge and bar. Excellent location, quiet, nice well kept gardens. A good choice hotel I would recommend to others."

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REVIEW STATUS & MERIT AWARDS This establishment has now been fully reviewed by the Guide and any HotelReviewScotland.com™ Merit Awards will show above, beneath the address details. We also list the latest ratings and gradings for this business from other guides and organisations. One or more of our experienced reviewer team has stayed at this establishment, spent time with the management, and the Guide is receiving reader and industry input from one or all of: online Reader’s Reviews; Comment Postcards; and Voting in The Scottish Hotels of the Year Awards. All entries are carefully monitored. The lead star grading has been awarded by the Scottish Tourist Board / VisitScotland. As the hotel is a Full Member of HotelReview™ Scotland the Look & Book Box™ links are LIVE.

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