QUICK GETAWAY

0 Comments | Sunday Herald, The, Jan 11, 2009 | by ALI HOWARD

NOTHING drives home the fact that you're sleeping in a real, honest-to-goodness castle more than climbing into an antique, dark- wood four-poster bed surrounded by tapestry curtains. There's a certain grandeur that comes with a bed like that.

You're not at home on your Ikea mattress - you're somewhere special. And that's the feeling Auchen gave us the minute we pulled up the driveway. Outside may have been chilly - the garden had a diaphanous layer of frost - but inside it was welcoming and warm, with staff who are friendly but not in the slightest bit intrusive.

Dinner was a spot on, hearty fare.

Unpretentious and delicious, with dishes that included a chicken and duck terrine;

a generous portion of beef - served with seasonal vegetables; and the piece de resistance - an oozing volcano of a chocolate pudding. Heaven.

Auchen is offering 10per cent off a winter short break deal when booking one night's B & B or dinner, B & B; and 20per cent off second or further nights.

Auchen Castle Hotel, Beattock, Near Moffat, Dumfriesshire, DG10 92H; 01683 300 407; www. auchencastle. com