A sylvan patchwork quilt of steeply rolling, wooded hills and ‘dry stane’ dyke-framed fields is the glorious Galloway setting for one of the most gracious and rather old-fashioned grand hotels in Scotland. It seems more than a little of another age. Few hotels can boast of being a focal point at the heart of 150 acres of landscaped grounds which include small lakes, specimen trees, old oak woods and a golf course private to residents of a family owned hotel group.

The Fleet Valley is designated a National Scenic Area and apart from the Cally Woods include the protected Castramont Wood where, in May, the display of bluebells will take the breath away. All of this surrounds the Cally Palace Hotel’s estate; but there's more – because sandy beaches are but a short drive away, and the village of Gatehouse-of-Fleet is appealing (see link above). Britain's largest forest park is on the doorstep, as are attractions as diverse as the Creetown Gem Rock Museum; there's Whithorn, cradle of Christianity in Scotland, and Wigtown, Scotland's national book town and host of a number of exciting events.

In the 1980s this reviewer knew the feudal ‘superior’ of Gatehouse, the memorably patrician Elizabeth Murray-Usher MBE who was born in the House of Cally and spent a rich life dedicated to safeguarding the beauty of her inheritance. And Elizabeth succeeded. The town and lands had been connected to her family since the 1640s; she passed way in 1990 at a grand age and we largely have her to thank for the unspoiled nature of the place. Indeed, Kirkcudbrightshire is reputedly home to more resident artists than any other part of Scotland. The House of Cally, now the Cally Palace Hotel, was built in 1763, is symmetrical and has a grand portico featuring four monolithic granite columns. Viewed from across Cally Lake around which golfers play warily, the hotel can look positively Arcadian. It’s not really overdoing it to say so. Cally Gardens go back to the 1770s and today you can take home a few souvenir plants.

You'll first arrive at the avenue entrance, with its gate lodge. Enjoy the hotel’s lengthy drive through woods teeming with birdlife, flora and fauna. The big house, looking every inch a palace, comes into view. Park to the front and gaze out over the 18-hole Cally Golf Course, designed by Tom Macauley, and a 6,062-yard, par 71 challenge. What a beautiful parkland setting for a quiet or indeed all-the-family escape for, as well as the outdoor activities, including tennis, there’s a restful and under-used Leisure Complex including a 15-metre indoor swimming pool with Jacuzzi and sauna overlooking the gardens.

Enter under the grand portico and into the marble-lined Foyer with reception desk to the right. General manager Robert McWhir, who won the Scottish Hotel Manager ‘Rising Star’ Award 2007, leads a notably friendly team and for this we have awarded our RedH™ hospitality distinction. So your welcome will be cheery and helpful.At the rear of the main building, to the left, is the Dining Room, while to the right are the Bar and airy Conservatory which opens onto the rear gardens – in which we saw roe deer strolling – plus the Louis Lounge. There’s a Snooker Room, too, and a Table Tennis Room elsewhere in the hotel. We passed it on our travels, we're sure.

But back to the reception desk. You've checked-in. Note the grand columns and glimpse intricate plasterwork and gilded ceilings. Now step up a short, balustraded flight of stone steps and pass by the Bow Lounge where daytime teas and coffees or post-dinner refreshments are served. The splendid ceiling, we measured in our own helpful fashion, was at least 8 times the height of the sofa. Heavy curtains, Chinese wall coverings and old oil portraits continue the palatial tone. Relatively new, (Robert) Adam-esque carpet fits in well. And head for the lift or stairs to your chosen room.

There are 56 rooms, most in the original main house but 25 or so in the Forest Wing. There are very big differences between the rooms and we have some useful tips for you so... no speed-reading here if you're tempted to visit! Room types include Standard, Deluxe or Suite, in the main house, while all the rooms in the Forest Wing are classed Intermediate. All have tea / coffee trays with Scottish biscuits and fresh milk to order, sherry, TV, telephone and bathrobes. Disabled? Room 17 isn't fully certified but is pretty good for wheelchair users. There's ramp access to the hotel and a lift to all floors.

Room 18 is a front-facing Deluxe on the ground floor: an elegant, old fashioned room with high ceiling, finished in golds and greens, coroneted bed, Adam touches to the décor, bath with over-shower. Room 48: a Standard twin on 2nd floor, view over conservatory and garden, finished in jade and peach, roomy enough, and with a desk. Room 44: a Standard double with great front view, rather busy décor but cosy with armchairs and good overbath shower. Four-poster room 41 (the only one): Deluxe, front facing, finished in blue-greens and cream, has bright loo with fine view. Tip: Room 21 is a Deluxe twin, gracious with big bay window with garden views, plenty of space, in pinks and creams, very light, pretty, loo has bath with overshower. Room 16 is underneath and has same bay window but is smaller, and lacks the advantage of height. Very attractive is Deluxe 31: finished in quieter colours, chintzy white bedspread and curtains, self-coloured carpet, green velvet armchairs, its small vestibule separates the bedroom from the bathroom.

Forest Wing rooms: these are either front-facing, or rear garden-facing with balcony (12 have balconies and we recommend a balcony in summer - it adds to the sense of freedom). Handy for smokers, too. Some rooms have bunk beds for kids and a couple have extra bathrooms for, say, golfers. Forest Wing rooms are fine but the furniture is rather dated so don't expect much in the way of sumptuousness as they're well-enough equipped but due for a refurb. Tip: finally, back in the main house, think about going for the highest room in the house. If you look at the hotel, at the top of the portico is a round window. Behind this is Deluxe Room 61. It's a small suite with an away-from-it-all charm... and that fabulous old 'bullet window' in which you can sit and daydream. The lounge area has a desk and books, side table with sherry and glasses, TV and other comforts. It can get warm on very hot days so there's a fan to keep one cool. The roomy bathroom has twin sinks, bidet, bath with shower.

Dining is a civilised and graciously well-mannered affair. Almost always a pianist plays for dinner so, as local talent tinkles those ivories, settle down to order from the 4-course dinner menu, fairly priced at £28.50. Tea or coffee plus petit fours, served on delicate Spode china in the Bow Lounge, is included. A cheese course addition is a mere £2. The Dining Room is old fashioned in pinks and burgundies. Standards are not allowed to slip, and sir is required to wear and jacket and tie. There’s something very British about dining here. And that’s no bad thing in an increasingly sloppy world... well, dress-wise, at least.

Head chef is Jamie Muirhead and an AA rosette has been held for many years. It is deserved. To it we add a SilverPlate™ as the food is good, and fresh, with much local Galloway produce used. In fact if our dining 'plate' system followed that of the RHS at the Chelsea Flower Show, we’d have awarded silver-gilt one as the service was excellent, the wine list perfectly good, the breads home-made and the overall experience an elegant journey back in time. For older guests this is just ideal. And for younger guests, we’d say it was quite romantic. The piano stops it being stiff. And for kids – well: you get your high tea early so mum and dad can get a bit of peace.

When we stayed, a starter of Rabbit, Pigeon and Foie Gras Terrine with Fig Chutney and Roast Rosemary Brioche was generous and delicious. Very good, in fact. The intermediate course choice of Butternut Squash and Mixed Pepper Soup was lively but lacked body. Braised Fondant of Lamb with Roast Parsnips, Spinach and a Mint Jus was a melt-in-the-mouth roundel (and lots of it) of trad tastes. Also very good. A White Chocolate Bavarois with Raspberries and Strawberries rounded off in coolly rich, creamy style a most pleasurable dining experience.

Breakfast is a combination of buffet and table service. Food was ample and service led by Janet (at the hotel for 18 years and recently married to another member of staff) was excellent and typically helpful.

The indoor Leisure Centre area includes a 15-metre heated swimming pool, spa pool, sauna and air-conditioned gym. The bright and airy complex has picture windows overlooking the gardens. A snooker room makes a popular after dinner retreat. The hotel has an all-weather tennis court, putting green and croquet lawn. Surrounding paths are ideal for cycling, and the hotel has a ladies and gents bike available for use during your stay.

The Golf Course is for the exclusive use of guests and the welcoming atmosphere will guarantee a relaxing but challenging round. No members, no competitions, just exclusively yours to enjoy! Sculpted into the parkland surrounding the hotel, its maturity belies its age, achieved by using the natural contours of the land and the magnificent trees, the hidden burns and the Cally Lake. Golf buggies are available for hire, and there's also a practice area and putting green.

The conference room within the hotel can accommodate 25 people boardroom style, and 40 people theatre style. Facilities, including overhead projector, video recorder, television, flip charts etc can be made available.

Reviewer name says…
“This part of Scotland is often overlooked as it doesn't have 'the name' of The Highlands, for example. But yet, once discovered, it encourages repeat visits by many who are captivated by the scenery and charming villages / towns. The Cally Palace has the setting of Brideshead and although some of the bedroom décor is faded the many attractions of the hotel compensate and make for a delightful, classic-grand hotel with reasonable rates. Food is better than I had expected and dining very enjoyable. The pool is under-used and looks out to the tranquility of the woods. Very personably run by Robert McWhir, it's a recommended hotel.”

Charles Hunt England, 2007 writes...
“Cally is a favourite escape for my wife and I who come from time to time with a small group of friends to enjoy walking in the Galloway hills. One of the ladies plays golf so that’s a bonus here, too. We liked the former manager Douglas very much but the new chap is excellent – the people at Cally Palace are really very caring and are one of the best reasons to return. The hotels has an old fashioned feel to it, well, its IS old, but the whole show is very enjoyable and attentive. Food’s good and the swimming pool centre is great – you can swim along and look out at the woods. Very de-stressing!”

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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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