The Rossan is located in the seaside village of Auchencairn, approximately 7 miles from Castle Douglas in Dumfries & Galloway, southwest Scotland.

The Bardsleys bought The Rossan with retirement in mind. However, Elizabeth Bardsley runs the guest house, teaches the piano and re-canes and re-rushes chairs, so retirement seems a distant prospect! "I wish there were more like them, retired but brimming with enthusiasm and humour and fired by ideas." The house is a sweet and unspoiled old manse, from 1869, but "Georgianised". Nothing modern - oak and mahogany furniture, Victorian-style bedrooms with patchwork quilts and fresh flowers. Two shared bathrooms. Traditional Aga in the kitchen.

This is not a place for those who expect their hostess to be house proud above all. But if you want to stay with caring and interesting people, The Rossan is definitely for you, especially if you find an abundance of books and pictures more congenial than doilies and ornaments.

There is no sitting-room at The Rossan, though guests can linger at the table if they wish. There is a television in the dining room. Views are of the acre of garden or Auchencairn Bay and the Cumbrian hills.

Apart from people with particular dietary needs, birdwatchers come to The Rossan, especially for the sake of the several species of goose which overwinter in the bay, and the easy access to 6 nature reserves. This is also a great area for fortifications - Celtic, Roman and medieval.

As a consequence of the wonderful walking country, well behaved dogs are most welcome free of charge. For cyclists we provide secure bicycle storage. There are 3 swimming pools within a half hour drive, and The Rossan is just a half mile away from 2 sandy beaches.

Mrs Bardsley's forté is special diets. A coeliac and a vegetarian herself, she finds no difficulty in providing meals which are high in fibre and low in fat, diabetic, wholefood, vegan, or any combination. It goes almost without saying that fruit and vegetables, whether home-grown or bought, are organic whenever possible. Eggs from the Bardsley's hens are free-range, and the home-baked bread is wholemeal. Clearly, there is no such thing as a typical dinner at The Rossan - soup, stuffed tomatoes, and homemade ice cream might appear. Full English or continental breakfasts are included in the price of your room. Dinners are 3 or 4 courses plus coffee and are served at 7pm or at a time to suit guests. Wine can be brought in, and light suppers are available if ordered. Non-residents are not admitted.