The perfect cottage from which to explore what Robert Burns described as the “most romantic sweet place I ever saw.”
Set within the celebrated 5,000-acre Dunglass Estate, Laurel 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.
The rugged coastline, crumbling Gothic church, woodlands and landscaped gardens of Dunglass have been prized by Burns and countless others over the centuries. Since coming under the ownership of the Usher family, the estate’s sprawling gardens, parkland and woodland have been complemented by a thriving sustainable farm. While such a beautiful setting, complete with the sea just a stroll away, makes it easy to linger on the estate, Laurel is perfectly placed to explore East Lothian’s prized golf courses, towns and even Edinburgh, which is less than an hour’s drive away.
Entering Laurel cottage through the shared courtyard, you step into a homely kitchen, with pretty sage green walls and a rustic wooden dining table. This leads into the sitting room, which benefits from a large sofa and snuggler chair set around an atmospheric wood burner. Off the light-filled hallway are three bedrooms - two doubles and one twin, which share a stylish, timber-clad bathroom with a large walk-in shower with a rainforest head.
Outside, Laurel Cottage benefits from its very own private lawned garden, complete with charcoal barbecue and views of the 15th-century Dunglass Collegiate Church.
For larger parties able to holiday together, Laurel cottage can be let with two further three-bedroom cottages in the courtyard, Willow and Birch, while Seaview House (four bedroom) and the captivating Treehouse (one bedroom) sit just a few hundred yards away.
GROUND FLOOR
Shared courtyard. Access door with low step leading directly into:
Kitchen with oven and separate grill, ceramic four-ring electric hob, large fridge / freezer, dishwasher, washer / dryer, microwave and Nespresso machine with an initial supply of pods. Dining table and seating for six guests. Access door to the rear private garden.
Sitting room with large sofa, snuggler armchair, Smart TV, wood burner (with initial supply of logs provided).
Bedroom one with fixed 4'6" double bed, side tables, console / dressing table, built-in space for hanging.
Bathroom with large walk-in shower with rainforest head and separate hand mixer, heated towel rail, basin and WC.
Bedroom two with fixed 2'6" twin beds, side tables, console, dressing table, built-in open shelving.
Bedroom three with 5' king size bed, side tables, dressing table, hanging rail, chest of drawers, armchair, built-in open shelving.
OUTSIDE
There is a shared communal courtyard area to the front of the property. Laurel Cottage also has its own private lawned garden to the rear with outdoor furniture and charcoal barbecue (with 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 Laurel 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 - Birch Cottage (sleeps 6) and Willow Cottage (sleeps 6), while Seaview House (sleeps 8) and The Treehouse (sleeps 2) both sit in nearby proximity.
