Notes from the host
2/1 Cottage with Outdoor Space
A cosy recently renovated cottage with a beautiful garden. Nestled within the picturesque village of Gullane, near Edinburgh, surrounded by world acclaimed golf courses, incl Muirfield, and a few minutes walk from one of the best beaches in Scotland.It is a cosy holiday cottage, used and loved by the family, which we would like to share when we're not able to be there ourselves.
Our bright, peaceful, recently renovated cottage has one king size bedroom and one twin bedded room, a fully equipped modern kitchen / diner, relaxing sitting room and shower room. Outside there are mature private south and west facing gardens, offering a real sun-trap and a peaceful place to relax, unwind and switch off.
We live on the south side of Edinburgh, so not too far away. We don't want to intrude on your days in the cottage, but during school hours, can meet you upon arrival if you prefer. Alternatively, a key can be left for collection locally. Wireless internet and basic cable TV is included witha large flatscreen tv.
Gullane is an attractive village with amenities far outweighing it's size. It has numerous hotels, restaurants (including Michelin starred restaurants)and cafés, as well as independent shops, hairdressers, beauty salons and a fabulous fish and chip shop. Despite all of this, it is a tranquil and relaxing escape offering peace away from the crowds, yet is still only about 20 miles south of Edinburgh ( 30-40 minutes drive). It sits on the stunning East Lothian coast, surrounded by world class golf courses including Muirfield, Gullane, Archerfield and Luffness whilst North Berwick and numerous other courses lie within a short drive. The area is rich in wildlife, particularly bird life with Aberlady Bay Nature reserve within walking distance of the cottage and the National Seabird Centre at North Berwick a short drive away. The beach at Gullane is stunning and sandy, with some rocky outcrops, so there's plenty of potential for swimming, paddling and rock-pooling for all of the family. Gullane's neighbouring beach, Yellowcraigs, offers a beautiful walk along the coast from Gullane looking out across the Forth to the volcanic Island of Fidra and it's lighthouse, a favourite of Robert Louis Stevenson ( reputedly the island's shape is what he based his map for Treasure Island upon ). Today it is a haven for birds, protected as an RSPB reserve, as is its neighbour Bass Rock, further south. Further inland are fantastic walks by Lammer Law and Hopes Reservoir and through the Lammermuirs hills, offering fine views across the area.
Local attractions include: Glenkinchie Distillery - Scotland's only low land distillery; Boat trips to Bass Rock; Dirleton Castle; Tantallon Castle; Lennoxlove House; Museum of Flight, Myreton Motor Museum to name but a few.
Edinburgh is close by, accessible by train from Drem ( approx 3 miles away), North Berwick (approx 5 miles away), by bus or car. Edinburgh is an amazing historic city with its powerful castle forming the main focus along the skyline. It offers a huge variety of cultural opportunities ( eg. Film, Fringe and Edinburgh Festival, Hogmanay, the Military etc.....) as well as tourist attractions such as Britania, The Edinburgh Dungeons, The Royal Botanic Garden, or just wandering the streets of the old and new towns. Shopping here is also great with lots of independents along George Street and Harvey Nichols on St Andrews Square, or more local areas such as Stockbbridge and Bruntsfield offering a mix of coffee culture and boutique shopping. The train station in Edinburgh is very central, so an ideal arrival point for easily exploring the city, the Edinburgh Festival and all of the city's amenities.
Ideally a car is the best transport in and around Gullane, to enable access to all of the amenities and interests within the surrounding area. There are buses that run from central Edinburgh to Gullane and locally to North Berwick. Trains run on the main East Coast line from Edinburgh, stopping at North Berwick ( approx 5 miles away) and less frequently to Drem (3 miles away). Taxis are available for local pick up and local bus services are regular. Parking is available at both stations.
