Botanical inspiration

In the British social calendar, excitement builds throughout the month of May as the spectacle of RHS Chelsea Flower Show, arguably the world’s most popular flower show, edges ever closer. With breathtakingly beautiful gardens showcasing the latest trends and cutting-edge designs with a flourish, visitors from near and far experience a quintessentially British celebration.

In homage to horticultural design we showcase the diversity of the gardens at our handpicked holiday homes and cottages. From wildflower meadows and winding woodland walks to structured planting and pretty bunting-clad summerhouses, your wildest garden dreams become reality during a stay with us.  Whatever your summer style, find your botanical inspiration from our selected highlights.

Perfect for… wholesome family fun à la ‘Swallows and Amazons’

With rural views and wide-open spaces where children can run and play in the great outdoors, delectable Cranshaws Manse is a sublime country house designed with families in mind. French doors lead from the kitchen into a large walled garden where the sand-bunker, swings and slide offer happy hours of fun and frolics. Pick fruit when in season to add to bowls of ice cream and jelly or enjoy making summer fruit pies for the family.

We asked the owner of Cranshaws Manse how her family like to spend days in the garden. “Our son spends a carefree hour or so in our paddock flattening the moles hills, climbing trees or collecting firewood for the fire pit - here he is blissfully happy. A short amble down to the stream with a picnic and his trusty net and a little boy’s perfect day is complete! The adults reward at the end of such adventures is a gin and tonic, a roaring fire pit and blissful silence save for the odd hoot of an owl.”

View Cranshaws Manse
Read our Cranshaws Manse owner blog

 

 

Perfect for… a taste of Vitamin Sea

With dream sea views as far as the eye can see, you could be forgiven for spending your days at East Bay Beach House doing nothing more than sitting in the garden watching the comings and goings of life in the bustling seaside town of North Berwick, named one of the top Scottish locations in the Sunday Times picks of the Best Places to Live 2019.

Flanked by golden beaches to the front and conical North Berwick Law and a large park to the rear, the garden here is perfectly situated for easy coastal living.  Spend mornings partaking in sandcastle competitions and enjoying long beach walks before returning to the garden for a relaxed al fresco lunch and a spot of sunbathing. Perfect your skills on the putting green in summer, enjoy a happy game of frisbee in the garden or get competitive on the local tennis courts.

View East Bay Beach House

Sand dunes at East Bay Beach

 

 

Perfect for… al fresco soirées and sundowners aplenty

Where do we start... Old Purves Hall is made for convivial gatherings and the impressive garden space adds to the sense of occasion! Cook up a storm in the state-of-the-art kitchen and let the afternoons roll into evenings whilst you graze on al fresco garden suppers and make your way through the cocktail menu.

Sitting in large attractive grounds bounded by mature woodland, the enclosed garden boasts antipodean trees, pretty planting, a large gas barbecue and welcoming fire pit. Extending to over 3 acres with woodland walks to the north of the property, wander along to the converted stable where a table tennis table provides an opportunity for healthy competition among friends. Spend your evenings toasting marshmallows around the fire pit under the starriest night skies imaginable before wrapping up under blankets on the garden swing seat to share stories by moonlight.

View Old Purves Hall

 

 

Perfect for… you and your adventurous four-legged friends

Picture a serene countryside location where fantastic river views are accompanied by the gentle twitter of birdsong and sightings of the resident wildlife. Depending on the time of year, the large garden at Garden House is resplendent with cheery daffodils and delicate bluebells. Follow your private pathway down to the river and a network of wonderful walks, just perfect for starting your day with a bracing dose of countryside air.

Have your four-legged friends in tow? Head into the Tails of the Tweed Dog Park in the estate’s former Victorian kitchen garden. This bright, sunny spot sits next to Garden House and is a perfect space for relaxation while your furry friend can play and run freely. A range of dog agility obstacles and toys are sure to add some extra fun!

View Garden House, Milne Graden
Smaller parties may prefer West Lodge which sleeps 2 guests and has been beautifully refurbished this year.

 

 

Perfect for… a taste of the good life

Located on a small 37 acre working farm in an area with a strong philosophy on good locally produced food, the country character of East Cottage, Middle Cottage and West Cottage is sealed by the original animal feeding troughs which sit outside the cottages and are filled with overflowing pretty flowers. These three cosy boltholes flaunt oodles of charm, beautiful nature reserves and stunning landscapes on the doorstep.

Pop on your wellies and head outdoors to make use of a lovely vegetable garden and greenhouse where guests are welcome to pick fruit and veg when in season, perfect for adding the finishing touches to your supper. Go for a wander and say hello to the farm animals, sweetly named Tulip, Betsy and Barty. If you’re looking for something a little different for a special celebration, the owners can provide from informal suppers to hog roasts during the summer months as well as workshops in everything from art, cookery, furniture painting, flower arranging and even classic car restoration!

View East Cottage, Middle Cottage and West Cottage

 

 

Perfect for… outdoor enthusiasts who are raring to go

Our newest arrival offers a perfect escape whether you're looking to hunker down and enjoy a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature or fill your days with active beach adventures. Tucked away in a tiny farm hamlet in the heart of the Northumbrian countryside, idyllic Berryburn Cottage offers a treasured escape from it all. From down-time enjoying the simple joy of nature to active beach adventures, the area surrounding the cottage really has it all.

Summer days will inevitably end in the garden with locally produced sausages sizzling on the barbecue and gin and tonics perfectly mixed in the garden tiki hut, with your evening soundtrack provided by the twitter of bird life and nearby trickle of the Berry Burn. From stomps across the vast beauty of the National Park, to biking, surfing and watersports on the glorious Northumberland coast, your outdoor gear, surf boards and bikes can all be stored in the cottage's shed. 

View Berryburn Cottage