About Shambellie House

New Abbey Corn Mill was built by the Stewart family of Shambellie House in the 18th century, but it is thought there was a much earlier mill on the site linked to the Abbey and it is still known locally as ‘Monk’s Mill’. Both buildings are now in the care of Historic Scotland. The village has a general store, pub and a tearoom.

Prominent in the landscape is Criffel, a hill of only 569 metres in height, but dominating the Solway coastline. A short, steep ascent rewards you with stunning views of the Solway, its estuaries and on a clear day across to the Lake District. There are many other walks on offer, including the steps up to the Waterloo Monument. Built in 1810 it commemorates the British, Belgian and Prussian soldiers who gained the victory of Waterloo.

To the west of New Abbey is Beeswing and Loch Arthur, which is claimed to be the setting for the Arthurian story of the Lady of the Lake. It is home to the Loch Arthur Farm Shop and Café, proudly offering their own organic and locally produced foods. To the south is Kirkbean and the John Paul Jones Cottage Museum, the birthplace of the ‘Father’ of the U.S. Navy. Between New Abbey and Dumfries is Mabie Forest Park, with walking and mountain bike trails, along with quiet picnic areas and stunning viewpoints.

Dumfries and Galloway is an incredibly beautiful part of Scotland offering a fabulous diversity of landscapes, with coastlines of rocky shores and sandy beaches and acres of forest and green spaces. Across its breadth you will find something to interest all ages, from castles to museums, ancient monuments to historic towns. Wigtown is designated as Scotland’s National Book Town, Castle Douglas as a Food Town and Kirkcudbright as the Artists’ Town.