We purchased West Auchenhean in 2017, a decision that, at the time, felt both bold and risky. The property was uninhabitable, having been abandoned for several years. However, it wasn’t entirely empty. While vacant, it had been used as a highly successful cannabis farm by Glasgow-based drug gangs. We also couldn’t view the property before purchasing, which made the decision even more daunting. Some aspects turned out to be worse than we anticipated, while others were just as expected. On the positive side, the location, the owls, and the gardens exceeded our hopes. For those interested, we’ve included before-and-after photos in the Gallery.
The property consisted of the house, barns, stables, piggery, and 15 acres of overgrown land. Several sections of the roof were missing, and years of water damage had left their mark. Most rooms had been used for cannabis cultivation, resulting in severe mould, dampness, and an overwhelming smell. We managed to make the cottage section habitable fairly quickly, though “habitable” didn’t quite mean “comfortable” at first. We had running water, some power, and cooking facilities, and, theoretically, heating. However, due to rotten windows and holes in the walls, the indoor temperature often mirrored the outdoor conditions, regardless of how many logs we piled on the stove. That first year felt more like camping than living!
Our initial renovations focused on the main house, where we now reside. Once we moved into this section, we began work on the cottage, completing it in time to welcome guests in 2020.
The property consisted of the house, barns, stables, piggery and 15 acres of very overgrown grounds. The roof was missing in places and water had poured into the house for years, and with most of the rooms having been used for cannabis growing the mould and dampness and smell was awful. We managed to make the cottage section habitable fairly quickly, although habitable doesn’t mean watertight or windproof. We had running water, some power, cooking facilities and in theory we had heat. In practice however the rotten windows and holes in the walls meant that inside temperatures were usually similar to outside temperatures no matter how many logs we had on the stove. It was more like camping for that first year! The initial renovation work focused on the main house and that is where we live now. Having moved into that section we then began renovations to the cottage, completing them in time for guests in 2020.
Construction of the Glamping Pods in the back field began in the summer of 2021 and was completed in time for the summer 2022 season.
Luxury Rural Retreat Near Lochwinnoch and Glasgow – Private Hot Tub, Shared Sauna, and BBQ Hut
Ground Floor:
- Living Room: A cosy space with a wood burner, 40″ Freesat TV, and Blu-ray player for your entertainment.
- Dining Room: Featuring patio doors that lead to a private, tranquil patio area.
- Kitchen: Fully equipped with an electric oven, hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, and washer/dryer for your convenience.
- Separate Toilet.
First Floor:
- Bedroom 1: A spacious king-size bed with its own en-suite bathroom.
- Bedroom 2: A comfortable double bed.
- Bedroom 3: Two twin beds, perfect for families or friends.
- Bathroom: A bath with a shower overhead and a separate toilet.
The Space
Step outside and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding countryside with a variety of scenic walking trails, or explore the vibrant city of Glasgow, just 20 miles away. If relaxation is more your style, unwind in your private hot tub, indulge in the shared sauna, or spend an evening grilling in the charming BBQ hut.
The property features a secluded patio with garden furniture and a gas BBQ, perfect for al fresco dining. The 15-acre grounds, with wooded areas shared with the owner, offer a peaceful retreat. For added convenience, the property includes a bike store and private parking for up to three cars.
Rosie’s Cottage is a beautifully restored, semi-detached property located on the owner’s smallholding. Surrounded by open countryside, the cottage offers spectacular views and an inviting atmosphere from the moment you walk through the door. The spacious kitchen is well-appointed for preparing meals, and the adjoining dining room opens directly onto the secluded patio, where you’ll find your very own hot tub. If you’re in the mood for a cosy night in, the living room offers a large wood burner, perfect for those chillier evenings. Upstairs, you’ll find three beautifully appointed bedrooms, each with thick carpets, comfy beds, and luxurious bedding, creating a restful retreat for your stay. Rosie’s Cottage truly feels like a home away from home, with tasteful furnishings throughout.
Guests can also enjoy the shared BBQ hut in the garden, and for 2025, the addition of a sauna and cold plunge pool to enhance your relaxation experience.
Additional Features
- Central heating, electricity, bed linen, towels, and Wi-Fi are all included.
- Initial supply of logs for the wood burner is provided; additional logs available for £5 per basket.
- A welcome pack will greet you upon arrival.
- Please note: The grounds feature sloping banks and a fenced river.
The area is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with numerous walking and cycling routes directly accessible from the property. The nearby Paisley to Kilbirnie Railway Path offers a scenic route, while the RSPB wetlands nature reserve and Castle Semple Country Park are both just a short distance away, offering opportunities for sailing, mountain biking, bike hire, hill walking, and lochside walks.
For those who enjoy the hustle and bustle of city life, Glasgow is only 20 miles away, offering a wealth of attractions, including world-class restaurants, theatres, shopping, and cultural experiences. The nearest beach is just 12 miles away, with a shop, pub, and restaurant located 2 miles from the property.
We began building the bespoke luxury pods in the summer or 2021. Built to our own design and specification, we hope you will enjoy the cosy insulated pods with luxury fittings and smart heating.
Our Luxury Pods with Sauna and Hot Tubs
We offer three luxurious pods, The Den and The Roost, and The Nest, each designed for comfort and relaxation. Sleeping up to 6 guests each (The Nest sleeps 4), our pods are the perfect choice for family adventures, couples, or anyone looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. With spacious interiors, an outdoor BBQ area, and fire pits, these pods provide the ideal setting for a memorable getaway. Plus, our pet-friendly pods welcome your four-legged friends, so no one has to miss out on the fun.
NEW for 2025 – Enhance your stay with our new sauna and cold plunge pool, designed to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. The wood-fired sauna boasts stunning countryside views, and with a quick 30-minute warm-up time, you’ll be able to relax in no time. The sauna also features an indoor changing area, ambient lighting, and spectacular views, making it the perfect addition to your stay at Auchenhean Pods.
Each large pod comes with its own private hot tub on the deck, a double bed, bunk beds, and a pull-out sofa bed for added flexibility. The nest has a double bed and pull-out sofa bed. The pods are equipped with a fridge, freezer, 2-zone induction hob, sink, and dining area with benches. Stay warm and cozy with electric central heating. Additionally, each pod features an en-suite shower room with a toilet and electric shower.
Dogs Welcome! We love dogs at Auchenhean Pods! Our pod field is fully enclosed with 3ft stock fencing, perfect for keeping most pets safe. Gates lead to a larger field for longer walks. We kindly ask that dogs be kept under control to ensure the safety of other guests and surrounding livestock.
What to Bring? When staying in our pods, we recommend bringing a torch for late-night walks and sturdy shoes for hillwalking. Waterproof clothing is also advised to ensure you’re prepared for all weather conditions. We provide logs and charcoal for a small fee (£10 each), or you’re welcome to bring your own.
Sleeping Arrangements:
- Fixed double bed with a luxury mattress, quilts, and pillows.
- Fixed bunk beds with luxury mattresses, quilts, and pillows.
- Sofa that converts into a king-size sofa bed.
- All bedding included for your convenience.
Pod Facilities:
- Toilet and shower room
- Microwave, kettle, and toaster
- 2-zone induction hob
- Fridge and freezer
- Crockery, cutlery, pots, and pans
- Dining table with benches/chairs
- Fire pit and charcoal BBQ
- Electric heating
- Wi-Fi
Guest Reviews:
“I absolutely loved our stay! My mischievous pooch adored the enclosed fields. The mattress was the comfiest I’ve ever slept on, and even a week later, I’m still missing it. The location was perfect for long walks, and we were close enough to Glasgow for family visits. Thank you again for a fantastic stay!”
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“We had a wonderfully relaxing stay. The location is beautiful, and the pod had everything we needed—the hot tub, BBQ hut, garden games, and lovely seating areas were just a few of the highlights. It’s close to amenities, but there are plenty of peaceful country walks if you prefer to stay local. Rosie the retriever is always around to brighten your day. We’d love to return soon and would highly recommend it!”
Location:
Nestled in 12 acres of garden and farmland, Auchenhean Pods are set on the edge of Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, Scotland’s largest regional park. Perfect for both peaceful country escapes and active family breaks, the location offers something for everyone. A cycle track runs past the bottom of the road, making for an enjoyable ride to Lochwinnoch or further to Bridge of Weir for lunch. Bike hire is available in Lochwinnoch and Kilbirnie.
Contact Us:
For more information or to book your stay, please email us at hosts@westauchenhean.co.uk.