It’s not often that the opportunity presents itself to stay in a private home that’s recognised as an architectural gem and is set in such glorious walled gardens. The celebrated parkland, woodland and walled gardens of the Grade-A listed Leuchie House have been in the Dalrymple family since 1698 and the current owner has opened his childhood home, the avant-garde house snuggled into Leuchie’s extensive walled gardens, to guests.
Built in 1960 by the pioneering Scottish architect Sir James Dunbar-Nasmith, Leuchie Walled Garden straddles three centuries – the strikingly modern mid-century house backs onto the original 19th-century garden wall and incorporates the 200-year-old Gardeners Cottage while family portraits, photographs and antiques depict the Dalrymple’s enduring presence at Leuchie for over 300 years.
Heralded at the time of its design as a triumph of modern architecture, Leuchie Walled Garden is equally relevant today. The sleek lines of the low-lying structure follow those of the original brick walls of the gardens while its walls, formed almost entirely of glass, flood the elegant, timeless interiors with natural light and garden views.
Freshly refurbished by the Dalrymples, the house comprises six stylish bedrooms and bathrooms, a large kitchen and breakfast room, an inviting dining room, and a spacious, fire-warmed drawing room. The last features a baby grand piano and library as well as large sliding doors which lead out to a patio and the northern half of Leuchie’s celebrated walled garden.
The epitome of a secret garden, manicured lawns are dotted with ancient yews and flanked by vibrant herbaceous borders while gnarled fruit trees clamber along the walls above them. It’s a magical place in which to enjoy relaxed family games of croquet, to brush up on golf chipping skills, or to host corporate entertaining events with an unforgettable backdrop.
Guests staying at Leuchie Walled Garden can also make use of the recently restored tennis court and can forage in the southern half of the walled garden, which was originally planted to provide the main house with an abundance of fruit and vegetables and remains a working kitchen garden, as well as roam Leuchie’s 60 acres of magnificent parkland. There are two games rooms that are perfect for friendly competitions of snooker, table tennis or darts.
Keen golfers will doubtless be eager to explore slightly further afield: Leuchie Walled Garden sits at the heart of the world’s largest concentration of Championship links golf courses, Scotland’s Golf Coast. The region surrounding Leuchie boasts no fewer than 21 golf courses, mostly placed along 30 miles of spectacular coastline, including one of the oldest courses in the world, the historic Musselburgh Links, where Mary Queen of Scots is said to have played in 1567.
Guests at Leuchie Walled Garden can also enjoy an exclusive private sunset photography and landing trip on Bass Rock, which belongs to the estate, with a glass of fizz in hand. Described by David Attenborough as 'one of the 12 wildlife wonders of the world', it's home to the largest colony of Northern gannets on the planet. Visit our Wildlife Experiences page to find out more.
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