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Overview
On East Lothian's golden coast, this captivating apartment sits close to not one but three prestigious golf courses.
A bijou pad perfectly placed for weekend escapes, with top-notch restaurants also right on the doorstep
In the picturesque and prosperous coastal town of Gullane stands a striking red-sandstone building. In 1892, this opened as The Royal Archers Hotel; today, its ground floor today houses Archer’s Retreat, a wonderful, contemporary apartment.
On Gullane’s thriving Main Street, the spot remains ultra-convenient, particularly for foodies: Michelin-starred chef Tom Kitchin's informal restaurant The Bonnie Badger is just a hop, step and jump from your front door (but probably a slightly slower and more contented walk back), while fine-dining La Potinière restaurant, situated just opposite, is owned by acclaimed chefs Keith Marley and Mary Runciman — founder members of the Scotch Beef Club and local-produce fanatics.
Golf aficionados will be equally cock-a-hoop. Atop a volcanic plug, the town’s Gullane Golf Club features not one but three world-class, 18-hole links courses with beautiful, undulating greens and spectacular views over the Firth of Forth. On top of that, you’ll be just a few booming drives away from Muirfield, a regular venue for The Open Championship, and the world’s 13th oldest club in North Berwick.
Following days out — cycling, seabird safaris, hikes along part of the long-distance John Muir Way and nature-reserve walks are easily enjoyed locally, too, while Gullane Bents’ sublime curve of golden sand is just a ten-minute walk away — you’ll return to a hugely relaxing base. Archer’s Retreat’s bright, open-plan living space features calming blue hues dotted with nostalgic artwork evocative of coastal colours.
Small but very well-equipped, the kitchen faces onto a comfortable sofa and armchair beyond its neat breakfast bar for two. Ahead, double doors open out to a small balcony and table: ideal for al-fresco morning coffees, sundowners or one last glass of wine (or nip of local Glenkinchie malt whisky).
Set at the apartment’s front, your spacious sleeping quarter features a king-size bed and en-suite loo. Soft light floods into the room courtesy of its large window; to one side, a Smart TV enables viewing from under the duvet. A bathtub and shower combo await in the separate bathroom.
Edinburgh is just a 45-minute drive away. Just up-coast, the nearby seaside towns of North Berwick and Dunbar promise more beaches, more golf and some great, cafe-sponsored shopping in independent stores. If architecture or gardens are more your cup of tea, try the local Greywalls Hotel: overlooking Muirfield, this listed building was built to Sir Edwin Lutyens’ blueprint and accompanies greenery designed by Gertrude Jekyll.
Property details
GROUND FLOOR
Access door leads directly into small access hall.
Open plan living area comprising:
Kitchen with induction hob, electric oven, fridge with small ice-box, slimline dishwasher, washing machine. Breakfast bar with two stools.
Living area with double sofa, armchair and Smart TV. This leads out to a small balcony with café table and two chairs which looks out onto a shared lower ground floor courtyard.
Bathroom with bath and shower over, heated towel rail, basin and WC.
Large bedroom (front facing) with king size bed, side tables, chest of drawers, hanging rail, chair, Smart TV.
En-suite WC with basin.
OUTSIDE
The apartment benefits from a small balcony which is accessed via the open plan living area. This has a café table and two chairs. A barbecue is not provided. There is a communal garden which is shared between all apartments with bench seating.
PARKING
There is a designated private parking space for one car. Additional on-street parking can be found opposite on Main Street.
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
The property is not felt to be particularly suited to babies and children.
DOGS
Sorry, dogs are not permitted.
GUEST AMENITIES
Bed linen and towels are provided. A hairdryer is provided.
WI-FI & MOBILE COVERAGE
Wi-Fi is available. Mobile coverage is good on most networks.
HEATING
The property has gas central heating throughout which is thermostatically controlled.
GUEST PRIVACY
The apartment is a ground floor apartment in a building that comprises four other apartments in this wing, with four apartments on the other side. The garden area is a communal space.
Additional Accommodation
For guests looking to holiday together, Little Archer is available to book and is within the same building.
Location
In Gullane, you can find La Potinière for fine dining, or Tom Kitchin's restaurant 'The Bonnie Badger', a fabulous 5 star AA restaurant using locally sourced produce with artisan beers and wines. Gullane also benefits from The Main Course, a family run Italian restaurant and The Old Clubhouse, originally the clubhouse of Gullane golf club now offering a varied menu.
There is also a Co-op supermarket on the Main Street in Gullane with larger supermarkets nearby in North Berwick (4.5 miles).
North Berwick offers plenty of quality independent traders and fresh, local producers. There are two small supermarkets with a good selection of provisions, along with a butchers shop, fishmonger and bakery. There's also a large Tesco approximately a mile away which will do home delivery.
There are plenty of places for eating out with everything from sweet cafes and ice cream parlours mixed with characterful restaurants and bars ranging from the small and intimate dining experience of Osteria; regional dishes and cocktails at The Herringbone; or the distinctly rustic outdoor experience of the Lobster Shack!
Alternatively for a comfy nook and a perfectly roasted espresso head to The Steampunk Coffee House based in an old characterful warehouse in the centre of the town. And did we mention cakes? You can enjoy a scrumptious selection here including a rather heavenly pistachio and white chocolate brownie!
Hourly trains run from Drem (4 miles) and can take you into central Edinburgh in less than 30 minutes.
Activities
The spectacular long, sandy beach known as Gullane Bents is within easy walking distance from the apartment (approx 10 mins on foot) and is popular spot for picnics, wildlife watching, windsurfing and kite-flying
With three golf courses within easy striking distance, the area is a haven for golfers with access to world-renowned links courses, including the hallowed turf of the championship course at Muirfield as well as Luffness and Kilspindie. Craigielaw and Archerfield are a short drive away with further links courses in North Berwick and Dunbar.
For walking, take the John Muir Way, a scenic route passing through North Berwick and following the line of the East Lothian coast, or take a hike to North Berwick Law where you will be rewarded with fantastic panoramic views over the town.
The John Muir Country Park covers some of the most spectacular East Lothian coastline, featuring expansive sandy beaches which are a haven for wildlife and birdlife. The Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick is a top spot for watching the rich marine-life and birdlife of the area using powerful webcams and telescopes, including some curious seals and dolphins if you are particularly lucky!
Here you can also take boat trips to some fantastic locations. You can enjoy a seabird catamaran cruise, a three island seabird safari or for nature lovers and photographers, an unforgettable experience on the Bass Rock or Isle of May.
Other favourite spots include the dune-fringed sands at Belhaven; or the secluded sands at Seacliff - an enchanting gem with a tiny harbour and wonderful views north towards Tantallon Castle.
For cycling you can join Sustrans 76 which runs all the way down the coast to Berwick-upon-Tweed or you can enjoy some leisurely cycling circuits along traffic free paths and minor roads, taking time to explore the quaint coastal villages of the area.
Bikes can be hired from in Law Cycles North Berwick or Belhaven Bikes in Dunbar, while fatbiketours.co.uk in North Berwick run lessons and guided treks on specially designed ‘fatbikes’ which are a fantastic way to explore the remote sandy bays and ancient clifftop castles of the area on two wheels.
For watersports, superb kayaking can be found around the waterways off Dunbar, with thrilling wakeboarding and ringo rides at Foxlake. Surf buffs can enjoy some enjoy some wonderful sport right along the coast and there is a surf school in Dunbar offering lessons in paddleboarding, surfing and coasteering. There are also dive charters from the harbours in North Berwick and Dunbar taking in the stunning nature reserve sites around the Forth, Bass Rock and Isle of May.
Next take a visit to the magnificent city of Edinburgh where you can explore the fascinating architecture of the old town and soak-up the culture and heritage of this beautiful vibrant city. Wander the cobbled closes and narrow stairwells of the Royal Mile and Grassmarket; take a candle-lit tour of the underground vaults of the old city for some fascinating tales of Edinburgh’s darker past; or perhaps partake in a wee dram or a tasting session at the Scotch Whisky Centre where you can learn to nose, swirl and taste like an expert.
Finally a visit to iconic Edinburgh Castle which sits majestically over the city and houses the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, 15th Century gun Mons Meg, and the National War Museum of Scotland. And if you’re lucky enough to be in the city in July and August, don’t miss the vibrant Fringe Festival, exceptional Jazz and Blues Festival or the Edinburgh Military Tattoo ending with a poignant lone piper lament high on the castle ramparts. Truly spectacular!
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Shooting
For sheer variety alone Northumberland and the Scottish Borders are irresistible to any gun.
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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.
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Dog sitting
Our experienced dog sitters will look after your furry friends whilst you are out exploring.
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Additional housekeeping
Award yourself a real break and let us provide a pair (or more) of helping hands.
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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.
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Holiday photography
Family holidays, reunions and honeymoons kindle priceless moments that deserve preserving.
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"A comfortable, cosy, well equipped apartment in a great location for beaches, golf, shops, restaurants and a short journey to Edinburgh. Attentive friendly hosts who gave us very generous welcome gifts. Though it is on a main road the traffic noise is minimal & inside is quiet & peaceful. A delightful patio garden too. We would return. Another good property on your portfolio."
Mr & Mrs Dansey"A very comfortable and well equipped apartment in an ideal situation within Gullane. Also, the welcome pack was very generous indeed. In summary a property to be highly recommended."
Mr Dobson"We had a fabulous stay at Archer’s Retreat. The accommodation is absolutely beautiful and tastefully decorated throughout. Lovely bedroom with gorgeous bedding and linen. The apartment is equipped with everything needed. Lovely balcony with beautiful planters and window boxes. Gullane is lovely, we enjoyed every minute."
Mr & Mrs McAllister"Archer’s retreat suited us perfectly as it’s very easy and well equipped. We had everything we needed in the flat and we appreciated the welcome gifts of bread,wine,milk and chocolates. After moving house we wanted somewhere to stay where we could have a bit of a rest and peace. We enjoyed visiting the tea and coffee shops and thought that Mariotta (round the corner) was very well stocked. It was nice to have the little patio to sit out. It gets lots of sun and even in October we were able to sit down as it is sheltered. Gullane is a lovely little place and has the most beautiful beach."
Mrs GreenAvailability
- Sorry, dogs are not allowed.
- Typical arrival day: Friday
- Arrival time: 4pm
- Departure time: 10am
"Wonderful weekends can be spent exploring the East Lothian coast, including an odd round of golf on Gullane’s stunning links courses."Tom and Wendy, owners of Archer's Retreat
