Grieve’s Cottage, once the home of the farm manager on this famously forward-thinking farm set in magnificent rolling countryside south of Edinburgh, has undergone top-to-toe renovation to create an incredibly comfortable rural retreat for families and groups.
The convivial open-plan kitchen / dining area is a wonderful light and lofty space with sliding doors opening onto an enclosed terrace. Here you will find sleek polished concrete floors, local Chippendale-school Windsor chairs, a hand-crafted Oak kitchen, quality appliances including an AGA oven and a fabulous welcome pack of local goodies awaiting guests on arrival.
The sitting room, complete with the original fireplace, delivers a joyful pop of colour with Charlotte James sofas, Morgan chairs, kilim rugs and bespoke artwork by the Steading’s artist in residence.
The four bedrooms are a masterclass in understated luxury with exquisite William Morris wallpaper, sumptuous Harrison Spinks’ beds dressed with hypoallergenic vegan down duvets and pillows from the Fine Bedding Company along with high-quality cotton bed linen and towels. The bath and shower rooms feature powerful showers, heated mirrors, 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.
For outside dining, the terrace has a dining table and chairs for eight guests in addition to a charcoal barbecue. Beyond this, you’ll have shared use of the extensive grounds of the delightful Papple Estate, including a paddock which is ideal for outdoor activities such as games of rounders, picnics or a restorative yoga session taking in the view of nearby Traprain Law.
A woodland area comes complete with wooden follies – hand-crafted shelters which can be used as wildlife watching hides, playhouses or picnic shelters – plus plenty of boardwalks and bridges to explore. Make sure to keep a lookout for the resident wildlife, including hares, badgers, owls, and bats. The wider estate includes a wildflower meadow dissected by Papana Water and a further 18 acres of ancient woodland, perfect for walking.
Home to more than 30 pieces of art, and a varied programme of exhibitions and events, you’ll find the Richard Demarco Gallery housed within the main steading building. Next door, Eve’s Court café and wine bar showcases the finest quality local food from the region’s producers, making it the perfect spot for a morning cup of coffee, an indulgent meal, or a glass of wine or two.
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 17-minute train journey from East Linton station (4 miles from Papple Steading).
For larger groups, all five properties at Papple Steading can booked together (sleeping up to 25) - Papple Farmhouse sleeping 8, Grieve’s Cottage sleeping 8, Shepherd’s Bothy and Ploughman’s Bothy both sleeping 2, and The Granary Art Apartment sleeping 5 - the perfect base for large family get-togethers or groups of friends who would love a getaway without compromising on space.
Getting availability
