The Granary at Balgone

Encompassed by 1,500 acres of rolling farmland on the Balgone Estate, The Granary is a beautifully renovated and dog-friendly house that lies within easy reach of East Lothian’s coastal towns, championship golf courses and windswept beaches. Home to Aberdeen Angus cattle, Highland coos, horses and Oxford Sandy and Black pigs, the working farm champions sustainable living and farm-to-fork experiences and is well known for its sunflower field and pumpkin patch. Filled with character and with endless walks through pasture, woodland and lakeside trails on its doorstep, a stay at this rural retreat combines pastoral beauty with access to some of the finest things to see and do in the region.

The Granary sits within its own generous private garden, with a neighbouring cottage adjacent to the house and pretty estate farm buildings located nearby. Cows and horses graze the fields opposite, creating a bucolic idyll that’s particularly magical on calm summer nights and crisp autumn mornings. A stone path leads to the front door, which opens into a central entrance hall. The farmhouse kitchen lies off the hall and is particularly well equipped, including an induction hob, breakfast bar seating and relaxed kitchen table. Next door, a large boot room with heated drying cupboards is a handy place to dry coats and boots after time spent out and about exploring the estate.

Benefitting from underfloor heating across the ground floor, The Granary provides ample space for larger groups to relax and spread out, including the open-plan living and dining room which features a baby grand piano, cosy open fire and wooden dining table. The quirky shape of the room reveals its former life as the wheelhouse of the granary, where a horse or donkey would have walked in circles to drive the threshing or milling machinery. Today its atmosphere is altogether more relaxing, with moss-green walls, plush sofas, and natural textiles creating a stylish but inviting space to unwind together. Doors open directly from this room out into the front garden, so you can bring the outside in during the warmer months.

The first of four bedrooms is situated on the ground floor and overlooks the rear garden. Decorated with calming duck-egg blue walls and fitted with twin beds, it’s served by a neighbouring shower room with a walk-in shower. The further three bedrooms all lie on the upper floors in two distinct wings, accessed up two separate staircases from the central hall – perfect for families or groups holidaying together who would appreciate a little additional privacy.

In the first wing, an inviting bedroom enjoys dual aspect views to the front and side of the house, a super king-size bed which can also be configured as twins and a shower room. Also on this floor, a snug with a balcony and stairs to the garden is a lovely place to enjoy a little bit of peace and quiet. Complete with two four-seater chaise sofas, it also serves as an excellent cinema room on cosy nights. The two final bedrooms and an elegant shared shower room lie in the opposite wing. Both feature super king size beds which can also be configured as twins, the first enjoying views across the rear garden and the second overlooking the garden and historic stone steading. Every room is stocked with monogrammed waffle robes and slippers to add a touch of spa-like luxury to your escape.

Outside, you’ll find a lovely lawned garden bordered by mature trees and flowerbeds. The garden is fully enclosed, although owners of smaller dogs should note that it may be possible for them to pass beneath the entrance gates. An extensive split-level terrace with a pergola sits at the rear of the house and is covered at one end. A Big Green Egg charcoal barbecue and an outdoor dining table seating up to ten guests on the lower level make for wonderful al fresco dinner parties in the summer, while a five-person hot tub sits beneath its own covered pergola.

The wider estate also offers exceptional experiences for guests staying at The Granary, including exclusive use of a lakeside cabin on the estate which is included with your stay. For an additional charge, Balgone Estate can arrange a fully catered barbecue experience at the cabin, including transport to and from the property, set-up, clearing away and produce sourced from the estate wherever possible. Clay pigeon shooting is also available on the estate, as are bookable sessions at The Byre at Balgone, a wood-fired sauna and cold plunge overlooking the estate's Highland cattle, while The Herd, Balgone's popular café, hosts regular supper clubs throughout the year. With North Berwick only a 10-minute drive away and the centre of Edinburgh reachable in less than an hour, you’ll be spoilt for choice for things to do during your stay.