Brownhill Inn

The Brownhill Inn is an inn building on the A76 road about one mile south of Closeburn, with its original south side preserved while other sections were altered over time. The property once included stables on the western side of the road, which were later converted into farm buildings.

It was built around 1790 following a Parliamentary Act that established a turnpike from Auldgirth Bridge to Sanquhar, serving as the first horse-changing station for travelers departing from Dumfries. Its construction marked the beginning of organized roadside services along this newly developed route.

The name reflects its location on hilly ground, and visitors can still see the simple architecture typical of country inns from that era. The building speaks to its role as a gathering point for travelers moving along the main road.

The building sits directly on the A76, a busy main road, making it easy to reach and visible from the roadside. The location offers a good view of the historic structure from outside, though the interior is not open to visitors.

The innkeeper John Bacon purchased the bed of writer Robert Burns from his brother Gilbert in 1798, creating an unusual attraction for curious travelers passing through. This curious piece of literary history allowed visitors a personal connection to a celebrated Scottish poet.