In her elegant Georgian town house, Jackie Callander offers the sort of warm, down to earth Scottish welcome that should make anyone feel at home.

Furnished with antiques, and hung with otriginal paintings, Baytree House has the sort of 'Wow factor' that larger hotels might aim for and that might be intimidating, but enter the wide high-ceilinged hall, with the staircase sweeping up to the left, and be greeted by Jackie's warm, open good humour and a welcoming glass of sherry, and you fit right in.

There are three guest rooms in the house itself, all en suite, with refreshments and tv and radio, but all different. One has a four poster bed, another twin beds united under a tester canopy hung over paintings. The windows are hung with lace curtains and have working wooden shutters (eighteenth century double glazing) and elegand drapes.

Guests have free use of the stunning first floor drawing room, decorated in gold and white, with huge, swallow-me, white sofas to relax into, and an ottoman strewn with books on both the Galloway area and the art that draws so many visitors. On a cold wet day, when we were the only visitors, Jackie had lit the open fire for me alone : a wonderful thought.

Breakfast is taken in the small conservatory, where there are soft chairs and magazines to browse as well. You have a good selection to choose from - from cereal and fruit, or porridge, to smoked salmon and scrambled eggs - including the full Scottish breakfast that keeps you going all day. The room is south facing and overlooks the small butlovely garden that is also for guests' use, and you can watch blackbirds, tits and thrushes while you breakfast and discuss your plans for the day.

Ths Garden Studio is available for couples who wish to self cater and offers everything you might need set in a private garden with your own south-facing conservatory. Open to the rafters, and lit by ceiling and gable windows, the Studio cab be light and airy, or cosy and intimate, and the garden is a small gem of tranquility, with some beautiful plants and spectacular roses.

Although there is no off-road parking, and loading and unloading is limited immediately outside the house, this is not a great inconvenience since the road itself is wide and safe to park and places can usually be found nearby.

A resident of the area all her life, Jackie can advise you where to find places, activities or events to marry with your personal interests, and always keeps a stock of leaflets guide books and maps available. A gourmet cook herself, she can also offer unbiased advice on places to eat in the evening after you've toured the area - and there are restaurants offering better food here than you'll find in many a big city!

When you visit Baytree House, keep your eyes open for an unassuming celebrity snapshot that you might otherwise miss. There's a story, if you want to hear it. Though she doesn't impose, with Jackie, there always is : and with an attitude that combines energy, interest in all the good things, a quick wit and a way with words, life, while it can be peaceful and relaxing, need never be dull.

For a relaxing, comfortable, welcoming break with elegant surroundings and a thoughtful lady who aims for perfection, Baytree House is hard to beat.