The ideal spot for friends and family to soak up the charms of East Lothian
Set within the celebrated 5,000-acre Dunglass Estate, Willow 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.
When Robert Burns visited Dunglass in 1787, he famously described the estate’s Gothic church, rugged coastline, sylvan woodlands and landscaped gardens as: “the most romantic sweet place I ever saw.” Now in the capable hands of the fourth generation of Ushers, the estate comprises a thriving sustainable farm as well as beautiful parkland and woodland that stretch to the sea, making it a picturesque, convenient and romantic base from which to explore East Lothian’s prized beaches, golf courses, and historic towns. Located under an hour’s drive from Edinburgh, Willow cottage even puts the great city within easy reach.
Willow cottage boasts sweeping views across the Dunglass Estate to one side through attractive arched windows and is accessed by way of the shared courtyard. The welcoming country kitchen features crisp white units, an American-style fridge freezer and a rustic timber dining table while the sitting room is flooded with sunshine thanks to triple-aspect windows and completed by a wood-burning stove and chic sofas, including a made-for-lounging chaise sofa. Soft heritage colours and a touch of tartan warm the three bedrooms, which share access to a contemporary bathroom featuring a large walk-in shower with a rainforest head.
For larger parties able to holiday together, Willow cottage can be let with two further three-bedroom cottages in the courtyard, Laurel and Birch, while Seaview House (four bedroom) and the captivating Treehouse (one bedroom) sit just a few hundred yards away.
Willow Cottage sitting room with triple aspect windows and a toasty wood burning stove.
GROUND FLOOR
Shared courtyard with access door leading directly into hallway with space for hanging coats.
Utility room with sink, washing machine and separate dryer.
Kitchen with electric oven and separate grill, ceramic four-ring electric hob, large American style fridge / freezer, dishwasher, microwave and Nespresso machine with an initial supply of pods. Dining table and seating for six guests, console, sideboard and storage cabinet.
Sitting room with three-seater sofa and chaise sofa, wood burner (with an initial supply of logs provided), Smart TV.
Bedroom one with fixed 4'6" double bed, side tables, chest of drawers, double wardrobe.
Bathroom with shower, basin and WC.
Bedroom two with fixed 4'6" double bed, side tables, dressing table, wardrobe.
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, sofa, chest of drawers, built-in hanging space with rail.
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 Willow Cottage and Birch 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 Willow 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 Laurel Cottage (sleeps 6), while Seaview House (sleeps 8) and The Treehouse (sleeps 2) both sit in nearby proximity.