A south-west facing covered veranda fronts the building, ideal for sitting and watching the world pass by on the A77, and the ferries drift by on the loch beyond.

The building is surrounded by lawns and pleasant gardens, which because of the semi-rural location, are frequented by hare, rabbits, pheasants and a huge variety of other birds (swallows nest yearly on the front veranda - four chicks view the world from the safety of the nest in the picture). The pond in the adjoining farmland enjoys the return of swans each spring, and deer can sometimes be seen in the hills behind.

Across the road is a small embankment which separates the road from the beach. The embankment used to carry the Stranraer to Cairnryan Military railway (see Local information page), but is now planted with gorse.

From the building, the P&O ferries can be seen docking at Cairnryan,

with the Stena Line ferries passing down Loch Ryan towards Stranraer.

A sailing club on the opposite side of the loch, 

and small fishing boats trawling for oysters add to the scene.

Despite the best efforts of the sea winds, a south facing aspect to the building

 helps keep it colourful. Buddleiah bushes attract a host of butterflies, with lilacs

 providing scent on the veranda in early summer,

replaced by sweet peas and lilies as the days get hotter.

Straight across the road, over the old railway embankment, is a beach, mostly

pebble and shingle, but with sandy areas. Once onto the beach, you can

 follow the coastline the few miles along to Stranraer, with shingle paths

leading onto concrete walkways and grass pathways.

A burn lies a few hundred yards

 along the coast, carrying rainwater from the hills behind to the sea.

If we have had heavy rain, wellington boots may be necessary

to cross it without getting wet feet!!