About Us
We are author Anstey Harris and violin maker, husband Colin. We relocated from the South-east of England to the South-west of Scotland in 2021. We still pinch ourselves every day to check that we’re not dreaming.
Anstey, an internationally best-selling novelist, has been a creative writing teacher for over ten years. She is also a certified UNESCO Biosphere guide, Leave No Trace practitioner, and Outdoor First Aider.
Dumfries and Galloway is one of the most stunning parts of Europe, with wildlife that ranges from red squirrels to golden eagles.
A diversity of food that runs from the freshest fish (West Coast Sea Products lands sustainable seafood six miles from us and delivers into the village every Friday lunchtime) to brilliant chefs. We love Mr Pook’s Kitchen, a five-minute bus ride away – you are literally picked up at the retreat door & dropped off at the restaurant. We’re thrilled to be able to share all of this with visitors.
The coastline of Dumfries & Galloway is an extraordinary find – miles and miles of golden sand and teeming rock pools where, quite often, you’ll find yourself the only person on the beach.
Our very favourite is Red Haven (pronounced Red Ha’en) where the limited parking and half-mile walk to the beach keeps visitor numbers deliciously low.
Dumfries and Galloway is 2,500 square miles of loveliness: of Burns’ landmarks & stories; of literature & book festivals; of stunning coastline and extraordinary wildlife. Write South West Scotland is perfectly situated to visit all of it.