Shepherd's Bothy

Enjoy all the comforts of a luxury boutique hotel without compromising on space

Whilst the term bothy may evoke images of simple, spartan living, a quick peek through the moss green front door of Shepherd's Bothy will confirm that this quirky rural bolthole exudes understated luxury.

The meticulously executed renovation includes sleek polished concrete floors and exposed stone and tulipwood walls alongside bold paint colours by Craig & Rose, William Morris wallpaper, Philippe Starck light fittings and bespoke light sculptures.

The full-height open-plan living area features local Chippendale-school Windsor chairs, artisanal hemlock log side tables, a hand-crafted Oak kitchen and quality appliances including an AGA oven. A fabulous welcome pack of local goodies awaits guests on arrival.

In the bedroom, a sumptuous Harrison Spinks bed is dressed with hypoallergenic vegan down duvets and pillows from the Fine Bedding Company along with high-quality cotton bed linen and towels. The bathroom has a powerful shower, heated mirror, underfloor heating and Heritage fittings. Guests are provided with vegan Moo & Yoo guest amenities.

Superfast broadband is delivered throughout the Steading via a direct dedicated fibre BT connection to ensure an excellent signal in every room.

In addition to the private terrace accessed from the living area with seating for two, guests have shared use of the wider grounds with others staying at The Steading. There’s a large paddock for rounders, football, picnics or a sunrise Yoga session taking in views to nearby Traprain Law, a volcanic intrusion and the site of a Stone Age fort. A firepit and log seating area sits beneath the mystical ruins of the ancient Papple Convent – recorded in 1458 - ideal for marshmallow toasting and campfire singalongs.

A woodland area comes complete with wooden follies – hand-crafted shelters which can be used as wildlife watching hides, playhouses or picnic shelters, there’s also boardwalks, bridges and swings for children in addition to another log picnic area. There is plenty to spot in terms of wildlife, including hares, badgers, rabbits, owls, bats, shrews, newts, and myriad birdlife.

The wider estate includes a wildflower meadow dissected by Papana Water and a further eighteen acres of ancient woodland perfect for walking. It’s said that the land was gifted to the nuns of Haddington.
Papple, within the old Whittingehame Estate, is an excellent base for exploring the local area. The outstanding local countryside and renowned coastline have much to offer keen walkers, runners, riders, cyclists and water sports enthusiasts. There are world-class golf courses on the doorstep, an array of museums, pretty villages and ancient churches to explore. Central Edinburgh is a 45-minute drive or a 25-minute train journey from Drem station (10 miles from Papple Steading).

For larger groups, Papple Steading comprises four adjacent properties (sleeping up to 20) - Papple Farmhouse, Grieve’s Cottage, Shepherd's Bothy and Ploughman’s Bothy - making it ideal for large family get-togethers or groups of friends who want to holiday together without compromising on space.

The accommodation is all on the ground floor and is therefore suitable for less mobile guests.

Open-plan living area comprising:

Hand-crafted oak kitchen with two-oven electric Aga with hot plate, fridge with freezer compartment, microwave, half-size dishwasher, Belfast sink, cookery books.

Seating area with two-seater sofa, armchair, Chippendale-school Windsor chair, hemlock log side table, Smart TV.

Dining table for two guests.

French doors opening onto terrace.

Bedroom with 3’ zip and link beds, which can be set up as a super king or twin beds, as requested. Bespoke, handmade cupboard with hanging space, shelves, suitcase storage and full-length mirror.

Bathroom with bath and shower over, heated towel rail, basin and WC.

Hallway with two large utility cupboards, one of which contains a washer / dryer.

Accessed from the living area to the rear of the Bothy, is a small terrace overlooking the paddock with a table and two chairs.

Guests have shared use of the grounds and amenities with other guests at Papple Steading on a first-come, first-served basis. 

To the rear of the Steading is a paddock which is ideal for outdoor activities such as football, rounders, picnics or yoga.  There is a fire pit and log stool seating area to one side beneath the ruins of Papple Convent. The cart shed has a table tennis table and table football will be available from early October. 

A woodland area features wooden follies which can be used as a playhouse, picnic shelter or as a hide for spotting wildlife, along with a picnic table, boardwalks, bridges and swings for children.  Guests can also enjoy the fruit patch with strawberries, redcurrants, blackcurrants, gooseberries and raspberries.

The wider grounds include an additional 18 acres of woodland and wildflower meadow which provide excellent walking.

There is parking for one car opposite the Bothy. 

A travel cot and highchair is available on request. 

One dog is welcome. Dogs must be kept to ground-floor uncarpeted areas and are not allowed on the furniture or in the bedroom. Guests must clear up after their dogs. 

Shepherd's Bothy is furnished and equipped to a very high standard. A Harrison Spinks’ bed and mattress are dressed with a hypoallergenic vegan down duvet and pillows from the Fine Bedding Company along with high-quality cotton bed linen and towels.

The bathroom has a powerful shower, heated towel rail, underfloor heating and Heritage fittings. Guests are provided with vegan Moo & Yoo hand wash, body wash and shampoo and a hairdryer is provided in the bedroom.

The owners of Papple Steading are eco-conscious and have equipped the kitchen with wooden utensils and eco-friendly equipment, where possible. 

A fabulous welcome pack of local goodies awaits guests on arrival.

Superfast broadband is delivered on a direct dedicated fibre BT connection with excellent signal strength throughout allowing for streaming and Wi-Fi calls. The mobile coverage is adequate but patchy on most networks.

In line with Papple Steading's ethos, the buildings are heated by heat transfer pump systems with both shallow and deep bore exchangers. There is underfloor heating throughout the property and there is a heated towel rail in the bathroom.

Shepherd’s Bothy sits between the Cart Shed and Ploughmans Bothy. Screening to provide greater privacy for guests whilst on the terrace will be in place for early October.

Guests at all four properties at Papple Steading have shared use of the wider grounds and amenities. Guests are asked to be respectful of others and keep dogs under control at all times.

The estate office is adjacent to The Farmhouse and the Papple team are on hand to assist all guests with queries during weekdays from 9am to 5pm, but also fully respect guest privacy. 

For guests looking to holiday together, there are three other holiday homes at Papple Steading - Papple Farmhouse, sleeping 8, Grieve's Cottage, sleeping 8, and Ploughman's Bothy, sleeping 2. 

Guests can book Papple Steading exclusively, sleeping up to 20 guests across all four properties. 

The adjacent steading is currently undergoing redevelopment. This has been screened off and whilst no major works will take place when guests are in residence, there may be some minor noise from the site. Please contact us if you have any concerns.