Hidden away above stables on a peaceful hamlet in the Scottish Borders, The Hayloft is a luxurious studio-style retreat which benefits from unique access to its own wellness suite. Surrounded by the mind-quieting forests and pastoral views of the Lammermuir Hills, it’s an idyllic spot for a holiday spent slowing the pace and restoring your energy – whether you’re spending quality time with a loved one or enjoying the longed-for space of a solo escape. Balancing a warm country style with elevated features, it’s a dog-friendly haven that’s every bit as comforting as it is well suited to trips spent exploring the area.
Climb the stairs and enter the loft through the front door beside a small viewing balcony with a table and chairs. Inside, a living area with two sofas is set beside floor-to-ceiling windows which capture wonderful views across the open countryside. The king size bed lies opposite the log burner, filling the room with warmth and glowing light as dusk falls, and the bathroom with a rainforest shower sits next door. A generous wooden dining table is situated in the centre of the open-plan space, while the kitchen is tucked away at the end of the loft, where you’ll find rustic wooden countertops, a Nutribullet, and a professional Pavoni espresso machine.
The wellness suite is situated next door with a sauna, yoga mats, massage table with essential oils, and chrome weights available for your use. Why not relax in the sauna before taking a plunge in Whiteadder Water – a river which flows only a few minutes’ walk from The Hayloft – for a little cold-water therapy? Massages and restorative treatments and therapies can be arranged by the owner according to your requirements, as well as yoga classes and guided meditations to complete your retreat. The suite can also be changed to a twin room should this be preferable for your stay. True to the slow-living ethos, there’s no Wi-Fi or TV available, however mobile reception and 4G are generally good so you can keep in touch with the outside world as much or as little as you’d like.
Look forward to long lie-ins spent reading beside the log burner before pulling on your boots to explore your surroundings. You'll have use of the wider grounds with easy access to the river and Community Orchard just a short stroll away, creating a dog-friendly route which is perfect for a leg-stretch. There’s also the option to bring your horses along with you and keep them in the stables below the loft by separate arrangement with the owner, should you like to explore the trails on horseback. The small village of Cranshaws is situated just four miles from the border with East Lothian, where the pretty village of Gifford is home to excellent shops and cafés, while the capital city of Edinburgh lies about an hour away.
There’s an abundance of trails for walking, cycling, and horse riding in this area, including two long-distance paths that cross the stunning Lammermuir Hills – the historic Southern Upland Way and the Herring Road which runs all the way to the coastal town of Dunbar. Diverse wildlife thrives here, from roe deer and otters to ospreys and short-eared owls. Opportunities for water sports, wild swimming, and fishing are available at the nearby Whiteadder Reservoir, while a self-service cycle repair station at Longformacus Village Hall reflects how popular this area is for those exploring on two wheels – the Lammermuirs having been traversed in the Tour of Britain on several occasions.
With so much to see and do both on your doorstep and in the South of Scotland at large, The Hayloft is the ideal base for laid-back and adventurous escapes alike. Browse available dates in the calendar and book your stay now.
ADDITIONAL ACCOMODATION
The Hayloft, Cranshaws sits alongside two shepherds huts Thyme Shepherd's Hut (sleeping 2), Heather Shepherd's Hut (sleeping 2) and Rosemary Safari Tent (sleeping 4+1).
Getting availability
