- 10+1
- 5
- 3
- 2
- Map
Overview
Sitting high above Eyemouth harbour with the most stunning views of the North Sea, this historic and grand family home built for smugglers is brimming with period features, antiques and hidden secrets galore.
This five bedroom property overlooking the harbour is perfect for group get-togethers and coastal exploring
Step back in time into the Merchant’s House in Eyemouth, an 18th century grand family home and enjoy a stay in one of the most unique houses in Scotland. Pack your breeches, corsets and hooped petticoats as you will have the run of the top two floors of this historic house designed by renowned architect John Adam.
Sip champagne in the double reception room while watching the seals gliding around the harbour below. Explore the elegant rooms full of original features, antiques and artwork. You will be inspired to dress for dinner or perhaps ring a bell for afternoon tea. Please note, servants are not included!
Of course, catering can be arranged and the dining room which seats 10 is perfect for larger groups. Don’t be fooled that children won’t love this house too, there are free passes to the fascinating museum below and its secret cellars. There is even a perfectly hidden tea chute that runs down through the interior of the house, keeping the precious tea leaves hidden well away from the prying eyes of the dreaded Excise men!
IMPORTANT - Please note that Gunsgreen House Museum is currently closed due to essential maintenance.
Property details
Access
Guests have their own private entrance to the rear of the property. There is a lift which reaches every floor and also a wet room and bedroom on the first floor making the property suitable for wheelchair users.
First Floor
Entrance hall with chest of drawers, wine fridge and a selection of books.
Wet room with shower, basin and WC.
Dining room with seating for 10, decorative fireplace and views over the harbour.
Superb, spacious sitting room with views across the harbour, two sofas, three armchairs, Smart TV with DVD player and decorative fireplace.
Compact, well-equipped kitchen with dishwasher, under-counter freezer, integrated fridge (in the dining room), double oven, electric hob and microwave. There is a washing machine (no dryer) on the second floor.
Bedroom one with 5’ king size twelve poster bed, side tables, wardrobe, chest of drawers and chair.
Second Floor
Bedroom two with 4’6” double bed, side tables, chest of drawers, hanging space and decorate fireplace.
Family bathroom with freestanding clawfoot bath, decorative fireplace, basin and WC.
Bedroom three with two 3’ twin beds and charming built-in single box bed (suitable for an adult), side tables, chest of drawers, wardrobe, decorative fireplace and views over the harbour.
Bedroom four with 5' double bed, side tables, wardrobe, chest of drawers, dressing table, armchair, views over the harbour and access to the adjacent family bathroom.
Family bathroom with bath with shower over, decorative fireplace, basin, WC and sea views.
Bedroom five with two 3’ twin beds, chest of drawers, hanging space and decorative fireplace.
Bedrooms two, three and four have interconnecting doors which can be unlocked on request.
Outside
There is no private outside space dedicated to Merchant’s House but guests are welcome to use the lawned area in front of Gunsgreen House with views across the harbour. There is also a grass area above and to the right of the house which provides a lovely spot to sit and admire the views.
Parking
Parking for Merchant’s House is in the car park for Gunsgreen House where there is ample space.
Electric Vehicle Charging
For safety reasons, we do not permit electric vehicle or hybrid car charging at this property. If you’re travelling by EV, discover your nearest electric vehicle charging point here.
Babies & Children
Children are very welcome but guests with small children must be aware that the house has a number of quirky original features, such as the original tea chute, that children may require supervision to enjoy. Two highchairs and two travel cots can be provided on request.
Dogs
Two well-behaved dogs are welcome at Merchant's House for a fee of £15 per dog. Guests must respect that many of the floor coverings are original and dogs must be kept to the non carpeted areas and out of the bedrooms. Dog crates are preferred.
Guest Amenities
All the bedrooms are spacious with plenty of storage space. The beds are made up with high quality Egyptian cotton bed linen, with a combination of hypoallergenic and feather and duck down duvets and pillows. A hairdryer is supplied in each bedroom. Bath sheets and hand towels are provided for all guests.
Wi-Fi & Mobile Coverage
Fibre broadband is available. Mobile coverage is good on most networks.
Heating
Merchant's House has gas central heating with individual thermostatically controlled radiators.
Guest Privacy
Guests should be aware that Gunsgreen House is open to the public from end of March until end of October, seven days a week from 11am to 5pm - last admission is 4pm. The visitor’s tour is restricted to the ground and lower ground floors and does therefore not come up to the first and second floors on which the Merchant’s Tower is situated. Guests have their own private entrance at the rear of the building with a lift directly to the first floor. Staff at Gunsgreen House are on hand to ensure guests get their best from their stay but equally respect guests’ privacy.
Gunsgreen House
IMPORTANT - Please note that Gunsgreen House Museum is currently closed due to essential maintenance and following storm damage.
Guests receive a 10% discount on entry tickets for the visitor attraction Gunsgreen House, as part of their stay. Children may visit free of charge. Gunsgreen House is open to the public between April and end of October.
SHORT-TERM LETS LICENSING
Scottish short-term lets licence number: Pending
The current EPC rating for this property will be available soon.
Location
Eyemouth’s High Street has a small range of local shops, including a delicatessen, several fishmongers, an excellent butchers shop and bakery, and two Co-op supermarkets for those everyday essentials.
For eating-out, you can enjoy supremely fresh fish and chips from award winning Giacopazzi’s which sits right across the harbour, or choose from the dizzying choice of ice cream freshly made every day on the premises. Oblo bar and bistro sits on the harbourside for a crisp glass of wine or cosy lunches or suppers watching the comings-and-goings of this busy little fishing port.
Other excellent eateries nearby include the Craw Inn at Auchencrow and the Allanton Inn at Allanton.
Activities
Eyemouth has been a fishing port since the 13th Century. Today, as well as being home to a fishing fleet of about 80 boats, the harbour is also the base for a diving school, boat trips around the coast and exhilarating rides in a high-powered RIB. For those who prefer their holidays more relaxed, Eyemouth has a delightful sandy beach for walking, sandcastle building or just relaxing with a book. The stunning East Berwickshire coastline also provides superb walks along the 32 miles from Lamberton to Cockburnspath.
For a little bit of education and history, pay a visit to Gunsgreen House on the opposite side of the harbour, once described as a ‘splendid palace built by a smuggler’! Built in 1753, today it offers the chance to learn more about the life of ‘merchant’ John Nisbet through its interactive tours of the house, museum and cellars. Children can dress up as a smuggler, explore hidden tunnels, hide in barrels and discover the famous ‘tea chute’!
This area is a wonderful source of inspiration for art lovers where you will be drawn to the shifting colours of the seascape and can enjoy happy afternoons browsing pretty local galleries around this area. For those looking to explore their creative side, art classes can be arranged with local artists.
The gentle bay at Coldingham Sands has a lifeguard on duty through the summer season, and a rocky shore at either end provides an ideal spot for dabbling in the rock-pools. The area is much favoured by families and offers lovely golden sands just right for beach-cricket, volleyball or kite-flying. Surfing and bodyboarding is popular here and the St. Vedas Surf Shop nearby can provide rental and instruction. The area has a beach cafe, toilet facilities, and plenty of parking and there is a lovely family-friendly walk over the headland to the pretty fishing village of St. Abbs where thousands of seabirds can be spotted along the way.
For golf fans, Eyemouth’s golf club is just minutes from the house and boasts a sixth hole voted as “Britain’s most extraordinary golf hole.” There are a number of other well-regarded courses nearby including links courses at Goswick and Dunbar.
Eyemouth is an ideal base for exploring the miles of deserted golden sands and secluded rocky coves that make up the stunning Berwickshire and Northumberland coastline. The cliffs at nearby St. Abbs, a designated Nature Reserve, are the prime breeding and nesting grounds for thousands of seabirds, and seals are also a common sight here.
To the south, some of our favourite spots nearby include the stunning beach at Bamburgh, miles of pristine sand, popular for walking, riding and surfing and the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. This tiny, picturesque island linked at low tide to the mainland, is an overwhelmingly mystical place, home to the evocative remains of a ruined eleventh-century priory, a beautifully restored castle and the infamous Lindisfarne Mead.
The magnificent city of Edinburgh is a very easy day trip either an hour by car or 45 minutes by train from nearby Berwick-upon-Tweed.
C&C experiences
We invite you to enjoy the most coveted and exclusive local experiences available in the North of England and the South of Scotland on your next Crabtree & Crabtree adventure.
Find Out More
Children and families
Here at Crabtree & Crabtree, we like to think we’ve pulled together some rather nifty ideas to keep tots to teens happy and entertained during your stay.
Find Out More
Historic houses and castles
With more stately homes, castles and historic sites here than you can shake a proverbial stick at, visitors are quite simply spoilt for choice.
Find Out More
Walking
From the lush green uplands to shimmering sea, the area boasts a hugely diverse and enticing landscape that is perfect for exploring on foot. From gentle rambles to long-distance hikes, there are a vast array of trails and waymarked routes for newbie walkers or experienced alike.
Find Out More
Wildlife
Our region is home to outstanding scenery which boasts emerald forests, pristine lochs and rivers, heathery hillsides, sweeping moorlands as well as a picture perfect coastline.
Find Out More
Cycling & mountain biking
Whether you ride fast or slow, on-road or off-road, there is something uniquely special about enjoying some outdoor time on two wheels. Here in the region we have something for everyone from high-energy mountain biking blasts to gentle forest paths the whole family can enjoy.
Find Out More
Fishing
Welcome to the realm of the king of fish, the mighty River Tweed. Every year thousands of Atlantic Salmon make their way up river, an annual odyssey that is one of nature's miracles.
Find Out More
Adventure Sports
If you love a challenge or just crave a little excitement away from the day-to-day bustle of working life, we have lots to offer - whether it be watery pursuits, muddy blasts or thrill seeking, adrenaline-charged adventures.
Find Out More
Golf
There are 40 golf courses in Northumberland, and another 21 in the Scottish Borders offering visitors an incredibly wide and varied range of golfing options.
Find Out More
Shooting
For sheer variety alone Northumberland and the Scottish Borders are irresistible to any gun.
Find Out More
Ancestral history research
Crabtree & Crabtree know that tracing the history of your family can be a wonderful journey of discovery. Here are our top tips for starting your family tree.
Find Out MoreServices
Additional housekeeping
Award yourself a real break and let us provide a pair (or more) of helping hands.
Find Out More
Dog sitting
Our experienced dog sitters will look after your furry friends whilst you are out exploring.
Find Out More
Holiday photography
Family holidays, reunions and honeymoons kindle priceless moments that deserve preserving.
Find Out More
Wine delivery
Crabtree & Crabtree have teamed up with Corney & Barrow one of the longest established independent Wine Merchants in the UK to offer a bespoke service.
Find Out MoreReviews
"We really enjoyed our second stay at the Merchant's House. The updates to the large bathroom made a difference. We love the location as there are lots of great coastal walks nearby. Thanks for making the booking easy and answering our enquires promptly. The housekeeper was extremely responsive and helpful too."
Ms Travers"We had an excellent weekend celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary with our family. There were 10 of us but there was plenty of room for everyone to relax, we all had comfy beds and it was a fascinating building with its history from smuggling days. Impressive location overlooking the harbour, the sea and the headland with a choice of restaurants within a few minutes’ stroll. We all had an excellent meal in town. The management company for the house were very efficient and communicated very well with info and directions."
The Heaton Family"Merchant's House is lovely - we've really enjoyed our week here. We've been very comfortable and it's been great fun watching harbour and exploring Eyemouth and the surrounding area. We would recommend Merchant's House and Crabtree and Crabtree."
Mr Elphick"This is a really interesting old house with lots of history. Furnished with lovely antique furniture. It was very warm for us on arrival and contained a very nice hamper and wine. Highly recommended The Heathers seafood restaurant which is just a short walk up the hill behind the house and the gelato shop over the bridge."
Ms Linkleter & Party"Just to say a massive thanks - we have just enjoyed a great short break at the Merchant's house, Eyemouth. Beautiful, historic houses in superb setting, close to good restaurants. Could not have been better. Hopefully look forward to visiting again."
Mr Brand"Our family have just spent four nights at Merchant’s House. The house is beautiful and in a great position overlooking the working harbour at Eyemouth. The house was so thoughtfully equipped with everything required for our comfort and to top it all a lovely basket of goodies. We can highly recommend this property with all its history and great museum."
Condie family"We all loved our time at the Merchant's House in Eyemouth. The accommodation is delightful, full of atmosphere, very comfortable and well equipped. The manager of the museum down below the house, was welcoming and very informative about the house and its history. We came for a combination of study sessions, walks along the coastal path in both directions, etc. It was the third time our class had gotten together for this purpose (the other two were elsewhere) and we all agreed that our stay in the Merchant's House was the best of the lot. Any and all of us would come back in a trice!"
Galford family"From the ease of booking, to the friendliness of everyone involved, we have been impressed with the service offered. We were a group covering three generations, from grandparents to babies, and all were delighted with the accommodation and facilities offered. Our expectations were exceeded in the quality of bedding and towels provided, and we were very touched by the additional little luxuries such as the welcome hamper from Oblo and the Arran Aromatics in every bathroom. The staff we met (the Housekeeper who welcomed us on arrival and the team on duty in the Museum) were very friendly and helpful, checking that we had everything we needed and highlighting the local amenities. I will have no hesitation in recommending Crabtree & Crabtree, and Merchant's House, to family and friends."
Reid family"We had an excellent stay at Merchant’s House. Everyone in our group loved the house and the location. It was perfect for our needs! We used it as a base to go to some other places in the area. We’ll certainly think about booking again if we need a place for a big group."
Peskett family"We really enjoyed our visit to the Merchant's House. It was a lovely place with so much space, antiquity and history, lovely period furniture and with wonderful views over the harbour. The beds were very comfortable and we had everything we needed. Merchant's House was a very fitting place to stay and to celebrate my wife's 60th birthday."
Basden family"We all really enjoyed our stay at Merchant's House! The building was amazing, steeped in history and the children loved the cubby holes and hiding places where the smugglers had stashed their goods. The rooms were lovely and the views across the harbour were stunning! A fantastic weekend was had by all."
Wood-Mitchell family"We all had a fantastic stay at Merchant's House and will definitely be recommending it to friends and family. From the minute we arrived we were well looked after. Tony showed us around and gave an excellent tour of the museum as well. The welcome pack was lovely and the tablet on the pillows delicious. The following day we stayed in Eyemouth. Fish and chips, tablet ice cream, local fishmongers, walks along the front and a brilliant game of hide and seek in the house. All in all a memorable weekend. Thank you."
Crocker family"We very much enjoyed our stay at the Merchant's House. It is a very impressive house! The bedrooms and living area/dining room are fantastic and we all felt very relaxed and comfortable. It was very pleasant and we would all recommend it as being great value for money."
Wright family"We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Merchant's House in Eyemouth. It is a wonderful old house so nicely renovated and presented. All necessary equipment and the bed linen and towels were of a very high quality. A very friendly welcome from Tony who was most helpful and on hand if we had any queries. Our grandchildren enjoyed all the old hidey holes and tea chute - they found the place fascinating."
Turnbull family"We have had the most special time at Merchant's House, and truly could not fault it. The whole experience was perfect from start to finish and my parents absolutely loved the surprise. A wonderful house in a wonderful location, which we would love to visit again in the future."
Watson family"From start to finish the process was simple and easy. The house manager couldn't have been more helpful. The house is well equipped with everything you could possibly need and the location is superb. Fab meal at Oblo too just across the harbour."
Mrs Murray"We had a lovely weekend exploring the house and surrounding beaches. Fun for all ages! The accommodation was spacious with a great living area big enough for the whole group. I would definitely recommend this house."
Teig FamilyAvailability
- Two dogs are welcome with a charge of £15 per dog.
- Typical arrival day: Flexible
- Arrival time: 4pm
- Departure time: 10am
"The wonderful double reception room with views over Eyemouth harbour and across to the rocks where seals can regularly be seen basking."Emma, Crabtree & Crabtree
