The Art Bank

You’ll find this unique bed and breakfast behind the high street facade of a former bank in Dalbeattie in South West Scotland. Rescued and renovated from years of neglect, it’s a colourful and creative place to stay with an artistic and innovative host to match. That’s Mandy, the welcoming owner of The Art Bank. For most of the year she offers bed and breakfast in the three guest rooms here, but on selected dates she also offers 'retreats' – fully-catered events aimed at anyone who wants to explore their creative side and benefit from her experience as both artist and life coach.

As a B&B, Art Bank is certainly different. No fusty old florals here and no modern neutrals either. Each of the three guest rooms has been decorated with bold colours and prints to honour a well-known artist. Choose from the Picasso Room (a family room with access to a shared bathroom), the Monet Room (a double with a shared bathroom) and the Van Gogh Room (a double with an ensuite). Each is a creative cocoon that’s as comfortable as it is inspiring. All are dog-friendly, and in addition to the flair in their design, they're also practical and well-equipped, with comfy beds, a TV, a desk and tea- and coffee-making facilities.

Views from the windows are out across Dalbeattie’s rooftops, and from some aspects beyond to the surrounding hills and mountains. This is a good place to base yourself if you want to discover this area of Dumfries and Galloway. It’s in the centre of town and all its amenities are within walking distance and other highlights are a short drive away. The Dalbeattie Forest Town Wood is less than a mile south, offering tracks and trails for walking and mountain biking through the trees to Plantain Loch. It’s only a couple of miles beyond here that you hit the shoreline of an area known as the 'Scottish Riviera' or Solway Coast, where you can visit the village of Kippford or Sandyhills Beach. Inland, there’s Threave Garden, home to horticulturists and a haven for wildlife on the outskirts of the foodie town of Castle Douglas. Whether you want a base in South West Scotland or are looking for a creative retreat, there’s plenty of inspiration both within and outside Dalbeattie's Art Bank.