Two beautiful, architect-designed spaces with views of the Pentland Hills from every window (30 mins from Edinburgh, each sleeps 2)
Space & setting.
Just 30 mins’ drive from the bustle of Edinburgh, this is the place to discover your Scottish hygge. Hidden amongst the rugged heather of Pentlands’ National Park, it’s hard to believe these modern conversions sit alongside a traditional organic working hill farm. Agritourism at its best. Architecturally, they are a mirror image of one another, and a seamless blend of old and new, with clean lines, natural materials, unique handmade furniture, and log burners offering a sense of warmth and wellbeing. Outside, there’s an added touch of magic in a woodland spa yurt, offering a steam sauna and plunge pool.
From your front door, you can hike up West Kip at sunrise to watch the golden light make its way into the Eastside glen. Spend your days admiring spectacular views of the Firth of Forth and the Highlands from the summit, or discovering waterfalls and cairns as you hike along the ridgeline and deep into the glens. Wherever your wander, returning to the sanctuary and supreme comfort of your barn will seem extremely special, as will the ease of stargazing through the huge roof lights.
Getting here: you’ll need to drive.
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Sustainability.
The barns have been thoughtfully converted with sustainability in mind, highly insulated and naturally cooled with cross-ventilation. Underfloor heating is powered by biomass from wood harvested on the farm and electricity is generated by a wind turbine. The farm is fully organic and the owners have put a 5-year habitat plan in place to continually improve biodiversity.
Surrounds.
- The Pentlands are fantastic to explore, scattered with waterfalls, hilltop cairns and secluded picnic stops amongst the heather.
- Hike along the picturesque Pentland ridgeline to The Flotterstone Inn for a well-deserved pint.
- Climb to the summit of West Kip at sunset (20 mins) for incredible views over the Firth of Forth and Highlands beyond.
- The neighbours’ organic farm hosts magical seasonal suppers, with all the ingredients homegrown. Think firepits, old farm buildings and long rustic tables.
- Jupiter Artland is an award-winning sculpture garden just outside Edinburgh, home to over 30 permanent and unique site-specific sculptures. It also hosts seasonal exhibitions and special events (currently, you can ‘immerse’ yourself in art by swimming in Joana Vasconcelos’Gateway piece).
- In Edinburgh, an alternative to the castle is an easy walk up Calton Hill. Take in a birds-eye view of the city or grab supper at the Lookout restaurant, where the superb views match the menu.
- Gardeners looking for a hidden gem will love the Dawyk Botanic Gardens. Home to one of Scotland’s finest tree collections, it is worth a visit at any time of the year – autumn offers a spectacular tapestry of colours.
- Continue the magic with a trip to the Secret Herb Garden – a delightfully shabby-chic café keeping food simple but seasonal and delicious. They serve soups, quiches, and cakes with a sprinkling of herbs and edible flowers. Wander throughout the nursery and greenhouses to lunch amongst the flowers, or on cold days, curl up in the cosy old leather loungers by the wood-stove, surrounded by drying herbs.
- Book a tour and tasting at Glenkinchie distillery, or take their mixology workshop to learn the art of the perfect whisky cocktail.
Specifics.
- Two barn conversions at the end of a winding farm track.
- Both have:
- Double bed with organic wool mattress
- Ensuite bathroom with walk-in rain shower and Finnish sauna robes
- Full kitchen with induction hob and basic supplies
- Good WiFi, TV with Netflix, board games and wildlife-spotting guides
- Cartshed is suitable for babes in arms, up to about 6 months. Travel cot on request (extra charge). Not suitable for toddlers or children
- Wash House cannot accommodate children of any age.
- Shared woodland sauna yurt with plunge pool; book a session (1 included in your stay)
- Sorry, no dogs allowed
- The owners live on-site, there if you need them
- Drive to pubs, shops and restaurants (10-30 mins)
- Booking conditions: arrivals on Mondays and Fridays only. Checkout days Monday, Thursday or Friday.
- Remember to pack: waterproofs, wellies or walking boots, a picnic blankets for hilltop lunches, bikes if you can
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A 30% deposit, then balance taken 12 weeks prior to stay.
Cancellations made before balance taken can be refunded in full.
After this date the booking is non refundable in the event of cancellation. Resells / date changes / at owner’s discretion.
To see our full terms and conditions relating to booking our hideaways please click here.
FAQs.
Due to the remote location of the cottage we do recommend coming by car.
The sauna is bookable on arrival. It is open on Saturdays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. Guests receive a code for one complimentary two hour session (additional sessions can be purchased).
The closest supermarkets are a 12 minute drive. The week before your arrival we send out a full list of more local speciality shops to support our local highstreets, farmers and makers.
Walk right from the cottage door into the middle of the Pentland Hills Regional Park. The popular West Kip rises up above the cottage (mid-point in the long distance Pentland way walking route). The whole area is crisscrossed with paths, heather hills, glens and waterfalls to explore. OS maps, walking guides and rucksacks and flasks are provided.
Central Edinburgh is just 12 miles, or about a 35-minute drive.
The cottage is small but perfectly formed, there is not enough room for a travel cot. Likewise the stove, stairs and ladders make it unsuitable for older children or toddlers.
We provide all logs for the stoves free of charge (fair usage policy).