Birch Cottage
A cosy cottage with an idyllic setting amidst the parkland and gardens of Dunglass Estate.
Set within the celebrated 5,000-acre Dunglass Estate, Birch is one of a trio of cottages that make up the stylishly restored former stables. Fronted by a striking arched entrance, the Courtyard Cottages form the remaining three sides of a square around the tranquil courtyard that has housed the Usher family’s horses, carriages and motorcars over the generations.
Since catching the eye of Robert Burns in 1787, when he described Dunglass as “the most romantic sweet place I ever saw”, the estate’s beautiful parkland, woodland and landscaped gardens have been nurtured while part of its acreage has been transformed into a sustainable farm. Ideally located for strolls down to the beach, rounds on East Lothian’s famous golf courses, day trips to nearby historic towns and even visits to Edinburgh (the city is under an hour’s drive away), the Dunglass Estate has it all.
The front door of Birch cottage, the only two-storey property in the courtyard, leads into a cosy country kitchen complete with Rangemaster oven, rustic wooden dining table and chairs and sweeping views over the Dunglass parklands. Also on the ground floor, there’s an inviting sitting room, framed by a pretty arched window and offering the choice of a large Chesterfield sofa and double sofa, as well as an attractive family bathroom with a claw-foot bath and separate shower. Moving upstairs, two double bedrooms and a twin bedroom share access to a snug with additional sofa for two.
For larger parties able to holiday together, Birch cottage can be let with two other three-bedroom cottages in the courtyard, Willow and Laurel, while Seaview House (four bedrooms) and the captivating Treehouse (one bedroom) sit just a few hundred yards away.
Property Layout
GROUND FLOOR
Shared courtyard with access door leading directly into:
Kitchen with dining table and seating for six. Rangemaster oven and five-burner hob, large fridge / freezer, dishwasher, microwave and Nespresso machine with an initial supply of pods. A cupboard off the hallway has a washing machine and a separate dryer.
Sitting room with large sofa and double sofa, wood burner (with initial supply of logs provided), Smart TV.
Bathroom with roll-top bath, walk-in corner shower with rainforest head and separate hand mixer, heated towel rail, basin and WC.
FIRST FLOOR
Bedroom one with fixed 4'6" double bed, side tables, dressing table, wardrobe with hanging space.
Five steps up to inner hall leading to:
Bedroom two with 4'6" double bed, side tables, dressing table, wardrobe with hanging space.
Snug area with a two-seater sofa and coffee table.
Five steps down to:
Bedroom three with zip and link beds, which can be set up as a 5' king size double or 2'6" twin beds, as preferred. Side tables, dressing table, wardrobe with hanging space.
OUTSIDE
There is a shared communal courtyard area to the front of the property and an additional communal garden to the west side of the courtyard shared between guests of Birch Cottage and Willow Cottage. This is a lawned area with a sun house and charcoal barbecue (initial supply of charcoal provided).
The wider estate extends to 5000 acres and guests are welcome to walk and enjoy the wider area.
There is parking available to the right-hand side of the courtyard, where the rear of the Dunglass Collegiate Church can be seen. While parking within the courtyard is prohibited, guests are welcome to offload belongings and then move cars to the parking area.
Location
Belhaven Smokehouse in Dunbar (9 miles) offer a super range of smoked fish, meat, cheese and local produce, and there are a number of quality butchers in the area selling locally sourced meat as well as game. Andersons Butchers in North Berwick (19 miles) come highly recommended, selling pork from the locally reared Mangalica or ‘hairy pigs ‘(a Hungarian cross between domestic breeds and wild boar). There is also a traditional fishmonger in Dunbar High Street. Larger supermarket shopping can all be found in Dunbar, Haddington and North Berwick.
For eating out, there are a wide range of dining options in the area but try The Creel in Dunbar for warm, informal dining and locally sourced food and seafood, or the Rocks Hotel for their excellent seasonal menu.
Further afield, the Waterside Bistro in Haddington is a super choice for lunch or evening dining, along with plenty of lovely coffee stops along the way.
Amenities
- Allows babies in armsUp to 12 months.
- Allows children1 - 16 years.
- Barbecue
- CotA travel cot is available on request. Travel cot bedding is not supplied.
- Hairdryer
- HeatingOil fired central heating throughout the property and there is a wood-burning stove in the sitting room.
- Highchair
- Linen & towels provided
- Open fire/ Woodburning stoveInitial supply of logs, firelighters and kindling provided.
- Outside space
- Pet freeSorry, dogs are not permitted.
- Wi-FiWi-Fi is provided on the Dunglass Estate network. Please note that this is not a direct supply for guests of Birch Cottage and bad weather may impact the connection. If this occurs, please be aware that this may not be an immediate fix. Mobile and 4G signals are generally good.
All Amenities
Important Information
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.
Arrival time: 4pm
Departure time: 10am
Accessibility
Getting availability
Things to See & Do
Explore our map of recommended things to see and do in our regions and discover the best ways to spend your stay with us. Select the filters below to highlight everything from restaurants to local events, so you can start building an exciting itinerary around your holiday home with the support of our in-depth local knowledge.
Plan Your Trip
Activities
Arts & Crafts
Boutique Shops
Food & Drink
Health & Wellbeing
Experiences
Inspired by the wealth of brilliant activities on offer in the North of England and the South of Scotland, we offer an exciting collection of experiences for you to enjoy while holidaying with us. From snorkelling with seals around the Farne Islands to barefoot pilgrimages to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, each experience has been drawn from our in-depth local knowledge and is exclusive to C&C guests.
Find out moreServices
With numerous additions to make your stay extra special, from doorstep deliveries of regional hampers and fine wines to daily housekeeping, the arrangement of dog sitters, and the organisation of chefs for special occasions, we have all the finest contacts to help make your stay smooth and enjoyable.
Find out more
