The Open Book

Live your dream of having your very own bookshop by the sea

Nestled in the pristine surroundings of Galloway, The Open Book is a charming bookshop and apartment, situated on the main street of Wigtown. A holiday home with a difference, it presents a unique opportunity for visitors to run a real bookshop at the heart of the town’s vibrant community. The Open Book's aim is to celebrate books, independent bookshops and welcome people from around the world to Scotland's National Book Town.

Booked through Airbnb, paying guests live in the self-catering apartment upstairs and run the bookshop below it for the duration of their stay. During their stay, guests are free to change displays, price books, re-categorise them, and make inventive use of the blackboard that entices visitors in to browse or chat. Some guests are happy to quietly run the bookshop, while others come with firmer plans and creative ideas!

Bibliophiles, avid readers, kindred book lovers and adventure seekers from around the world come to Wigtown to experience the life of a second-hand bookshop owner in a remote Scottish town. Sea, highlands, native forests, amazing people and bookshops are just on our doorstep.

Through the front door into The Open Book bookshop. A person stands behind the counter serving. Many books are sitting on shelves, a small stool has more stacked books on it.

Bookshelves full of books inside The Open Book bookshop. Stacked books in the forefront for sale at £1.

A person sits in front of a large sash window reading a book. Behind them through the window is Wigtown Main Street with parked cars. houses and the Mercat Cross.

Staying at The Open Book:

If you would like to book a stay at the Open Book you can still visit our page on Airbnb for information: https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms...

Or join our waiting list to be contacted if an opening becomes available: https://confirmsubscription.co...

Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheOp...

Read our residents' blog on Tumblr: http://theopenbookwigtown.tumb...

Press enquiries:

Click here to access hi res images of The Open Book (please credit photographer Colin Tennant).

For any additional enquiries, including requests for supplementary information and interviews, please contact Anne Barclay at [email protected]

Opening hours:

Opening hours vary depending on the arrival and departure of residents. The shop is generally open 6 days a week. If the resident is out, they’ll leave a note on the door about when they’ll be back.

Find us:

Find The Open Book at 2 High Street.