A family run B&B offering a warm welcome and exceptional accommodation in an historic setting. Exceptional wildlife in 47 secluded acres. A perfect location to explore the Scottish Borders and yet only 18 miles from Edinburgh.
What makes a stay at Crookston House unique?
Crookston House is a magnificent home which is steeped in history, having been built by Georgie's ancestors, the Borthwicks, in 1816. Throughout your stay you will be emmersed in this history and the ancestoral portraits on the dining room walls will keep you company as you enjoy your breakfast! Georgie and her husband Malcolm took over the running of the house in 2014, with their two boys, Fred and Will, and Georgie's parents still live on the lower ground floor of the house, making this very much a family affair. You can expect a warm welcome from them all, with a cup of tea in front of a huge roaring fire on arrival in the winter months.
Sutainability is central to this business. A biomass boiler has been fitted to heat the house, a charging point installed for electric vehicles and where possible the use of plastics has been illiminated.
This is a wonderfully peaceful place to unwind and you can expect a restful night's sleep in large comfortable beds. You will wake up to a sumptuous breakfast, where homemade goodies will include Georgie's bread, jam and marmalade, whilst her pampered free range hens produce fabulous eggs for any cooked breakfast. You can linger at the breakfast table, watching a wonderful variety of birds (nut hatches, long tailed tits and bramblings are regularly seen) and the spectacular grounds, which extend to 47 acres, have a network of manicured paths which you can explore at your leisure and from which you are likely to see roe deer and might even catch a glimplse of the elusive otter on the pond.
Crookson's location is ideal for exploring the spectacular Border countryside, the golf courses and beaches of East Lothian, and the culture and sights of Edinburgh. Malcolm and Georgie have an intimate knowledge of the area and will be delighted to help you plan your itinerary during your stay.
What are the rooms and facilities on offer at Crookston House?
Crookston House has 2 double rooms and 1 twin room, two are ensuite and one of the doubles (the Ballroom Bedroom) has a private shower room. Each room has its own television and tea and coffee making facilities as well as dressing gowns provided. Each room is very individually furnished. There is a guest sitting room on the ground floor, known as the Ante Room, an inviting, cosy room with a spectacular open fire place. There is a charging point for EVs which guest can use free of charge.
What can guests enjoy when staying in the Heriot area?
Crookston is perfectly placed for exploring south east Scotland. The Scottish Borders is one of Scotland's hidden gems, offering magnifient varied countryside, a fascinating history, charming towns and exceptional leisure opportunities. Visit some of the many historic houses in the area including Floors Castle in Kelso, Abbotsford, Sir Walter Scott's former home near Galashiels, and Harmony House in Melrose. Witness the spectacle of the common ridings throughout the border towns in the summer or visit the spactacular gardens of Dawyk and Kailzie near Peebles. The area is also hugely popular with bikers, Glentress (35 minutes) and Innerleithen (25 minutes) both being recognised as centres of excellence in the world of mountainbiking. The River Tweed is one of Europe's finest salmon fisheries and Crookston well placed for visitors who are fishing the beats of the upper and middle river.
Gullane and North Berwick on the East Lothian coast are approximately 40 minutes away. Here, there are fabulous beaches and an extraordinary range of golf links (13 courses in an 11 mile stretch between Longniddry to North Berwick), including Muirfield, host to The Open on 16 occasions.
Crookston is an excellent jumping off point to visit Edinburgh, 18 miles to the north. Soak up the sites and culture of the capital by day, returning to the peace and tranquility of Crookston in the late afternoon or evening. Why not take the train from Gorebridge (10 minutes away) avoiding the stress of parking in central Edinburgh?
Where can guests enjoy food and drink?
Guests will enjoy an exceptional breakfast, featuring home made and locally sourced products.
There are a number of places to eat within a 20 minute drive. There is an excellent bistro in Lauder called Firebrick. The Juniperlea pub is some 10 minutes drive, while the Sun Inn, an award winning gastro pub in Newtongrange, is 15 minutes to the north. Edinburgh has an extraordinary range of places to eat. Whether its booking something locally or working out where to go in Edinburgh, Malcolm and Georgie will help you make the right choice.
Picnic lunches can be provided with prior warning, as can light suppers. Feel free to bring back a picnic supper to enjoy in the house - plates, cutlery and wine glasses can be provided.
