Articles About the Lodge

Behind-the-scenes updates, design choices, and specific news about Serenity 22 Barend.

Trying the Barend Sauna at the Sea for the First Time

22 Barend

We tried Barend’s “Sauna at the Sea” for the first time in April. We had a private session and, as there were only 2 of us, we could stretch out on the benches and relax while looking out to the Solway Firth.

Private sauna sessions are included free for Serenity 22 guests.

The traditional wood-fired log sauna on the Barend estate, free for Serenity 22 guests.

Sauna at the Sea: Quick Info

  • Distance from Serenity (22 Barend): ~200 metres, about 4 mins walk
  • Booking: Complimentary private sessions. Booking link sent with your confirmation email, or call reception 01387 780 663.
  • Session Length: 55 mins
  • What to bring: Towel, swimwear, a cool drink, flip flops (optional but useful on the decking)
  • Cold tubs: Available outside for contrast bathing between sauna sessions
  • Minimum Age: 14 (must have an over 18 with them); 16 is the minimum unaccompanied age

I’m not usually a big fan of saunas, as I don’t like feeling too hot 😂 but I wanted to try it out. I found that 10-minute periods with a few minutes cooling off outside between each one worked well for me. It was very pleasant to sit outside for a few minutes and feel the cool breeze before returning to the warmth of the sauna.

If you’re feeling brave, you can take a plunge into the cold tubs. However, if you’re less brave (like me!), you can splash your face and hands and have some cool water to drink.

We thought about combining the sauna with swimming beforehand, but the timings didn’t quite work out on this visit. I think this would feel really nice; maybe next time! We’ll also take a chilled drink next time to enjoy whilst relaxing outside between sauna sessions.

We’ll definitely book it again, and next time we’ll get the swim session timing right too.

Sauna access is free for every Serenity 22 guest – no extra cost, just book your slot: Check Availability

To see more information about the Sauna and how to book your free session, see: Free Sauna Access for Serenity Guests

Tips for Planning Your Sauna Session

  • Bring swimwear and towels
  • Lockers are available (refundable £1 fee)
  • Take a cool drink to enjoy outside the sauna
  • Optionally bring flip flops/sliders
  • Combine with Free swimming pool access – ask reception about timing your sessions back to back
Scenic view of snow-capped mountains and hills under a blue sky from the M6 motorway heading northbound towards Scotland.

Places to Stop on Your Journey to Serenity 22 Barend

22 Barend

Enjoy the scenery of the Highlands, without the 8-hour drive! Very easy-to-reach on the Dumfries and Galloway Solway coast in South Scotland, Serenity 22 Barend is only a couple of hours from Glasgow, 2 hours 20 minutes from Edinburgh, roughly 2 hours 30 minutes from Newcastle, and an easy drive up the M6 from the North West or Midlands.

Suggested Itineraries from the Midlands
The Midlands & Cheshire
Lancashire Stops
Through Cumbria
The Final Stretch & Stocking Up
Quick-Reference Distance Table: M6
Other Routes

Quick Info: Driving to the Solway Coast

  • Primary Route: M6 Northbound & A75 Westbound
  • Our Favourite Food Stops: Low Sizergh Farm Shop, Tebay Services, Loch Arthur Farm Shop and Café
  • Supermarkets en route: Dumfries (30 min drive from the lodge) Aldi / Lidl / Morrisons / Tesco Extra
  • Lodge Destination: Serenity 22 Barend, Sandyhills, Dumfries and Galloway, DG5 4NU (Google Maps | Waze)
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Kotlie 3in1 Coffee Machine and Mug Tree with mugs at Serenity 22 Barend, Sandyhills, Dalbeattie

Nespresso? Dolce Gusto? Ground Coffee?

22 Barend

Is a good cup of coffee essential for your morning routine?

We’re happy to let you know that we’ve added a coffee machine in the lodge. Perfect for a caffeine boost while sitting on the balcony and gazing across at the beautiful view.

The machine works with Nespresso and Dolce Gusto pods by having a replaceable draw attachment. Just swap for the one that suits the pods you bring.

So, if you prefer pods, you can easily brew a quick cup. However, if you prefer a traditional brew there’s also an attachment for ground coffee.

There are coffee cups and also laminated instructions next to the machine ☕️

We hope you appreciate the new addition and that it enhances your stay.

Kotlie 3in1 Espresso Coffee Machine
Bedroom 2 - 4 Beds With Glazed Landing

Lodge Improvements

22 Barend

We bought 22 Barend in July 2022. The previous owners had obviously cared for the lodge, but there were some improvements we wanted to make straight away. The first significant change we made was to rename it “Serenity”; it was called “Milvus Lodge” before (Milvus is a genus of medium-sized birds of prey). After considering a few different names, we settled on “Serenity” as it captures the feeling of the location, and what we look for, to get away from the hustle and bustle of life.

It’s our intention to make some changes to the lodge listed below, which we hope you’ll appreciate, particularly if you’ve stayed here before.

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Cosy wooden lounge with leather sofas and large TV inside Serenity 22 Barend holiday lodge near Sandyhills in Dumfries & Galloway

Smart TV / DVD

22 Barend

The lodge has a 55″ Smart TV (Toshiba 55QV2F63DB 4K QLED VIDAA).

It has live TV channels available through Freely. There’s also a multiregion DVD player connected, and a selection of DVDs for you to choose from.

Feel free to sign in to any of the streaming services on the TV (Netflix, Prime etc.); just remember to sign out again before you leave!

Alternatively you can bring a Roku or similar, Games Console etc. to connect to the TV (there are 2 spare HDMI ports).

You might want to set yourself a reminder to sign out of your accounts and pack away your devices and any of your remotes at the end of your stay! (That’s what I do 😄)

If you forget to sign out (I have before now 🤦🏻‍♂️), most streaming services have a “Manage Devices” section in your Account Profile, where you can sign out remotely, e.g.

Cosy wooden lounge with leather sofas and large TV inside Serenity 22 Barend holiday lodge near Sandyhills in Dumfries & Galloway
Bedroom 2 - 4 Beds With Glazed Landing

New Glazed Landing for Light & Privacy!

22 Barend

We’re excited to announce a recent upgrade at the lodge – a brand new landing area at the top of the stairs! Frosted glass fills the frames, allowing light to pass through and keeping a sense of openness with ample light for the landing and hallway. The design not only ensures privacy for anyone inside the room, as they can’t be seen from the other side, but also maintains the open and airy feel.

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