Your go-to pad for discovering the beaches, golf courses and gardens of East Lothian
Set within the celebrated 5,000-acre Dunglass Estate, Birch is one of a trio of cottages that make up the stylishly restored former stables. Fronted by a striking arched entrance, the Courtyard Cottages form the remaining three sides of a square around the tranquil courtyard that has housed the Usher family’s horses, carriages and motorcars over the generations.
Since catching the eye of Robert Burns in 1787, when he described Dunglass as “the most romantic sweet place I ever saw”, the estate’s beautiful parkland, woodland and landscaped gardens have been nurtured while part of its acreage has been transformed into a sustainable farm. Ideally located for strolls down to the beach, rounds on East Lothian’s famous golf courses, day trips to nearby historic towns and even visits to Edinburgh (the city is under an hour’s drive away), the Dunglass Estate has it all.
The front door of Birch cottage, the only two-storey property in the courtyard, leads into a cosy country kitchen complete with Rangemaster oven, rustic wooden dining table and chairs and sweeping views over the Dunglass parklands. Also on the ground floor, there’s an inviting sitting room, framed by a pretty arched window and offering the choice of a large Chesterfield sofa and double sofa, as well as an attractive family bathroom with a claw-foot bath and separate shower. Moving upstairs, two double bedrooms and a twin bedroom share access to a snug with additional sofa for two.
For larger parties able to holiday together, Birch cottage can be let with two other three-bedroom cottages in the courtyard, Willow and Laurel, while Seaview House (four bedrooms) and the captivating Treehouse (one bedroom) sit just a few hundred yards away.
GROUND FLOOR
Shared courtyard with access door leading directly into:
Kitchen with dining table and seating for six. Rangemaster oven and five-burner hob, large fridge / freezer, dishwasher, microwave and Nespresso machine with an initial supply of pods. A cupboard off the hallway has a washing machine and a separate dryer.
Sitting room with large sofa and double sofa, wood burner (with initial supply of logs provided), Smart TV.
Bathroom with roll-top bath, walk-in corner shower with rainforest head and separate hand mixer, heated towel rail, basin and WC.
FIRST FLOOR
Bedroom one with fixed 4'6" double bed, side tables, dressing table, wardrobe with hanging space.
Five steps up to inner hall leading to:
Bedroom two with 4'6" double bed, side tables, dressing table, wardrobe with hanging space.
Snug area with a two-seater sofa and coffee table.
Five steps down to:
Bedroom three with zip and link beds, which can be set up as a 5' king size double or 2'6" twin beds, as preferred. Side tables, dressing table, wardrobe with hanging space.
OUTSIDE
There is a shared communal courtyard area to the front of the property and an additional communal garden to the west side of the courtyard shared between guests of Birch Cottage and Willow Cottage. This is a lawned area with a sun house and charcoal barbecue (initial supply of charcoal provided).
The wider estate extends to 5000 acres and guests are welcome to walk and enjoy the wider area.
PARKING
There is parking available to the right-hand side of the courtyard, where the rear of the Dunglass Collegiate Church can be seen. While parking within the courtyard is prohibited, guests are welcome to offload belongings and then move cars to the parking area.
BABIES & CHILDREN
A travel cot and highchair are available on request.
DOGS
Regrettably, dogs are not permitted in any of the Dunglass Courtyard cottages. Nearby, Seaview House and The Treehouse within the Dunglass Estate are both dog-friendly.
WI-FI & MOBILE COVERAGE
Wi-Fi is provided on the Dunglass Estate network. Please note that this is not a direct supply for guests of Birch Cottage and bad weather may impact the connection. If this occurs, please be aware that this may not be an immediate fix. Mobile and 4G signals are generally good.
GUEST AMENITIES
Guest hand soap, shampoo and body wash are provided along with bed linen and towels. A hairdryer is available.
HEATING
Oil fired central heating throughout the property and there is a wood-burning stove in the sitting room with an initial supply of logs, firelighters and kindling provided.
GUEST PRIVACY
It is important to note that while the property sits in a private rural estate, there are two further properties available as holiday lets set within the courtyard, in addition to the Estate Office.
ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION
There are two further cottages in the immediate courtyard area - Laurel Cottage (sleeps 6) and Willow Cottage (sleeps 6), while Seaview House (sleeps 8) and The Treehouse (sleeps 2) both sit in nearby proximity.