Papple Steading
Sensitively restored with meticulous attention to detail, Papple Steading comprises four adjacent properties - The Farmhouse, Grieve’s Cottage and two Bothies - making it ideal for large family get-togethers or groups of friends who want to holiday together without compromising on space.
The interior styling is a beguiling juxtaposition of contemporary and period. Georgian and Victorian antiques sit alongside local Chippendale-school Windsor chairs, artisanal hemlock log side tables and contemporary seating by Charlotte James and Morgan. Sleek polished concrete floors and exposed stone and tulipwood walls meld seamlessly with exquisite William Morris wallpaper, Philippe Starck light fittings and bespoke light sculptures by Planet Flowers in Edinburgh.
Maps and drawings from the 19th Century along with original artworks by the Steading’s Artist in Residence sing against rich Craig & Rose paint colours.
The bedrooms and bathrooms quietly exude understated luxury with rich, natural fabrics and sumptuous Harrison Spinks’ beds and mattresses dressed with hypoallergenic vegan down duvets and pillows from the Fine Bedding Company along with high-quality cotton bed linen and towels.
All the bath and shower rooms have powerful showers, heated mirrors, underfloor heating and Heritage or original fittings. Guests are provided with vegan Moo & Yoo guest amenities.
Each of the four properties has a fully fitted hand-crafted oak kitchen with quality appliances and AGA ovens and a fabulous welcome pack of local goodies awaits guests on arrival.
The Farmhouse is the social hub of the Steading with a more formal entertaining space in the form of the impressive drawing room and grand dining room which seats 22 around a majestic Edwardian table.
The aptly named Chillout Wing hosts the library, television room and garden room / exercise studio with doors opening onto the patio for early morning yoga or Pilates.
Superfast broadband is delivered throughout the Steading via a direct dedicated fibre BT connection to ensure an excellent signal in every room.
Guests have exclusive use of six acres of lawns, paddock and woodland. There’s a pristine lawn for a game of croquet, a large paddock for rounders, football, picnics or a sunrise Yoga session taking in views to nearby Traprain Law, a volcanic intrusion and the site of a Stone Age fort. A firepit and log seating area sits beneath the mystical ruins of the ancient Papple Convent – recorded in 1458 - ideal for marshmallow toasting and campfire singalongs.
A woodland area comes complete with wooden follies – hand-crafted shelters which can be used as wildlife watching hides, playhouses or picnic shelters, there’s also boardwalks, bridges and swings for children in addition to another log picnic area. There is plenty to spot in terms of wildlife, including hares, badgers, rabbits, owls, bats, shrews, newts, and myriad birdlife.
The wider grounds include a wildflower meadow dissected by Papana Water and a further eighteen acres of ancient woodland perfect for walking. It’s said that the land was gifted to the nuns of Haddington.
Papple, within the old Whittingehame Estate, is an excellent base for exploring the local area. The outstanding local countryside and renowned coastline have much to offer keen walkers, runners, riders, cyclists and water sports enthusiasts. There are world-class golf courses on the doorstep, an array of museums, pretty villages and ancient churches to explore. Central Edinburgh is a 45-minute drive or a 25-minute train journey from Drem station (10 miles from Papple Steading).
For smaller groups, the properties can be booked individually with Papple Farmhouse sleeping 8, Grieve's Cottage sleeping 8, Shepherd's Bothy sleeping 2 and Ploughman's Bothy sleeping 2.
Papple Steading can be booked exclusively at any time of year, where availability permits. Please contact us if dates are showing as available online to confirm pricing and book your holiday.
We are pleased to announce that as of 2025 Papple Steading’s capacity will increase by 2-3 beds (4-6 people) with the launch of the exciting new property THE GRANARY. If interested in further capacity (beyond 10 bed / 20 people) please call to enquire.
Property Layout
THE FARMHOUSE
Ground Floor
Outer entrance hall with coat and boot storage.
Inner entrance hall.
Drawing room with two four-seater sofas, five armchairs and open fire.
Dining room seating 22 guests with an impressive Edwardian dining table.
Hand-crafted oak kitchen with breakfast dining area for six guests, five-oven electric Aga with two hotplates and warming plate, electric oven, large fridge, large freezer, drinks fridge and two single-drawer dishwashers.
Utility room with sink, washing machine and dryer.
Cloakroom with basin and WC.
Library with seating.
Garden room / Yoga Studio (yoga mats are provided) with log burner and sliding doors opening onto terrace.
Wet room with walk-in shower, heated towel rail, basin and WC.
Rear entrance hall with hanging space.
First Floor
Bedroom one with 3’ zip and link beds, which can be set up as a super king or twin beds, as requested. Wardrobe with hanging space, fitted cupboard with shelves, chest of drawers, desk, dressing table and cheval mirror.
En suite bathroom with roll-top bath, separate walk-in shower, heated towel rail, basin and WC.
Bedroom two with 3’ zip and link beds, which can be set up as a super king or twin beds, as requested. Fitted wardrobe with hanging space and shelves, dressing table / desk and cheval mirror.
En suite shower room with walk-in shower, heated towel rail, basin and WC.
Bedroom three with 3’ zip and link beds, which can be set up as a super king or twin beds, as requested. Wardrobe with hanging space, dressing table / desk and cheval mirror.
En suite bathroom with bath with shower over, heated towel rail, basin and WC.
Bedroom four with 3’ zip and link beds, which can be set up as a super king or twin beds, as requested. Wardrobe with hanging space and shelves, dressing table / desk and cheval mirror.
En suite bathroom with bath with shower over, heated towel rail, basin and WC.
A second rear staircase leads only to the television room on the first floor with a large corner sofa and 50” Digital Smart TV.
GRIEVE'S COTTAGE
Ground Floor
Sitting room with two three-seater sofas and two armchairs, hemlock log side table, open fire, Smart TV, books and games.
Hand-crafted oak kitchen / dining area with three-oven electric Aga with two hotplates, fridge / freezer, dishwasher, microwave and double Belfast sink. Dining table for eight guests with additional Chippendale-school Windsor chairs and hemlock log side tables. Pocket sliding doors opening onto terrace.
Bedroom one with 5’ 2” king size bed, bespoke, handmade cupboard with hanging space, shelves, suitcase storage and full-length mirror, built-in desk / dressing table.
Bathroom with original roll-top bath, separate walk-in shower, heated towel rail, basin and WC.
Bedroom two with 3’ zip and link beds, which can be set up as a super king or twin beds, as requested. Bespoke, handmade cupboard with hanging space, shelves, suitcase storage and full-length mirror, built-in desk / dressing table.
Shower room with walk-in shower, heated towel rail, basin and WC.
Utility / boot room with double sinks, washer / dryer and space for storing and drying outdoor kit.
First Floor
Bedroom three with 3’ zip and link beds, which can be set up as a super king or twin beds, as requested. Bespoke, handmade cupboard with hanging space, shelves, suitcase storage and full-length mirror, built-in desk / dressing table.
Shower room with walk-in shower, heated towel rail, basin and WC.
Bedroom four with 3’ zip and link beds, which can be set up as a super king or twin beds, as requested. Bespoke, handmade cupboard with hanging space, shelves, suitcase storage and full-length mirror, built-in desk / dressing table.
SHEPHERD'S BOTHY
The accommodation is all on the ground floor and is therefore suitable for less mobile guests.
Open-plan living area comprising:
Hand-crafted oak kitchen with two-oven electric Aga with hot plate, fridge with freezer compartment, microwave, half-size dishwasher, Belfast sink, cookery books.
Seating area with two-seater sofa, armchair, Chippendale-school Windsor chair, hemlock log side table, Smart TV.
Dining table for two guests.
French doors opening onto terrace.
Bedroom with 3’ zip and link beds, which can be set up as a super king or twin beds, as requested. Bespoke, handmade cupboard with hanging space, shelves, suitcase storage and full-length mirror.
Bathroom with bath and shower over, heated towel rail, basin and WC.
Hallway with two large utility cupboards, one of which contains a washer / dryer.
PLOUGHMAN'S BOTHY
The accommodation is all on the ground floor and is therefore suitable for less mobile guests.
Open-plan living area comprising:
Hand-crafted oak kitchen with two-oven electric Aga with hot plate, fridge with freezer compartment, microwave, half-size dishwasher, Belfast sink, cookery books.
Seating area with two-seater sofa, armchair, Chippendale-school Windsor chair, hemlock log side table, Smart TV.
Dining table for two guests.
French doors opening onto terrace.
Bedroom with 3’ zip and link beds, which can be set up as a super king or twin beds, as requested. Bespoke, handmade cupboard with hanging space, shelves, suitcase storage and full-length mirror.
Bathroom with bath and shower over, heated towel rail, basin and WC.
Hallway with large utility cupboard containing washer / dryer.
OUTSIDE
Papple Steading sits in six acres of grounds including lawned areas, a paddock and woodland which guests are welcome to explore. The wider grounds include an additional 18 acres of woodland and wildflower meadow which provide excellent walking.
To the rear of the Steading is a paddock which is ideal for outdoor activities such as football, rounders, picnics or yoga. There is a fire pit (supply of wood provided) and log stool seating area to one side beneath the ruins of Papple Convent. The cart shed will have a table football and table tennis table (due to be installed in Autumn). A croquet set is also provided for a game of croquet on the lawn.
Below The Farmhouse is a woodland area with wooden follies which can be used as a playhouse, picnic shelter or as a hide for spotting wildlife, along with a picnic table, boardwalks, bridges and swings for children. Guests can also enjoy the fruit patch with strawberries, redcurrants, blackcurrants, gooseberries and raspberries.
The Farmhouse has a large lawned garden with outside dining for eight guests and a wood-fired barbecue (supply of wood provided). Grieve’s Cottage has a terrace with a dining table and chairs for eight guests along with a charcoal barbecue (guests must supply their own charcoal). Both Bothies have a small terrace with two chairs.
There is parking for at least one car outside each of the smaller properties and ample parking at The Farmhouse.
Location
The nearest village of East Linton (5 miles) has a small Co-op supermarket, newsagents and Farm Shop at The Mart, which sells a wide range of locally sourced, high quality produce. Plus, there's a lovely cafe there too to refuel before browsing their gift shop or craft fair held on Saturdays and Sundays each week. Also worth visiting is Bostock Bakery for their wonderful bread, pastries, cakes and coffee - but get there early, as there's often a queue, but it's definitely worth waiting in line for.
Extensive shopping and amenities can be found in Haddington (5.5 miles) where you will find an excellent selection of grocers, wine shops, florists and butchers sitting alongside charming gift, clothes shops and craft galleries. Here, you can relax and watch the world go by in one of the many cafes, delicatessens or tea rooms in the town, including The Loft for fabulous artisan bread and oven-fresh produce. The Waterside Bistro is very good, as is the Cottage Garden Kitchen, which is very special (booking is essential). Alternatively, The Strawberry Barn in Dunbar (6 miles) has a great deli, café, Gin Bar as well as pick-your-own berries during the summer season.
For more elegant dining, head to Gullane (14 miles) for delicious seafood and award-winning cuisine at La Potinière, or the fabulous 5 star AA restaurant of Tom Kitchin, The Bonnie Badger, which uses locally sourced produce and serves artisan beers and wines from an impressive selection. The Glenkinchie Distillery (11 miles) offers some excellent whisky tasting and distillery tours.
The Restoration Yard and Wellbeing Lab sits within Dalkeith Country Park (20 miles) offering great shopping, homeware, food and drink, giftware and more. There is the Fort Douglas Adventure Park to keep children entertained with treehouses, zip wires, suspension bridges, slides and climbing walls. The Coffee Bar and The Kitchen restaurant offer tasty breakfasts, lunches or afternoon tea using fresh, local produce.
Hop on the train at Drem (10 miles from Papple) or Dunbar and a 25-minute journey will take you into the centre 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.
Amenities
- AGA or Everhot stove
- Allows babies in armsUp to 12 months.
- Allows children1 - 16 years.
- Barbecue
- Cinema room
- CotTravel cots are available on request. Travel cot bedding is not supplied.
- Dog friendlyOne dog is welcome in each of the Bothies and up to two dogs each in Grieves Cottage and The Farmhouse. Additional dogs may be permitted with prior agreement from the owners depending upon size and breed. Dogs must be kept to ground-floor uncarpeted areas and are not allowed on the furniture. Guests must clear up after their dogs.
- Games room
- HairdryerA hairdryer is provided in each bedroom.
- HeatingIn line with the Steadings ethos, the buildings are heated by heat transfer pump systems with both shallow and deep bore exchangers. There is underfloor heating throughout the ground floor of each property with radiators on the first floor of Grieves Cottage and The Farmhouse. Each bathroom has a heated towel rail in addition to underfloor heating. There are log fires in the sitting room of Grieves Cottage and the drawing and dining room of The Farmhouse in addition to a log burner in the garden room.
- HighchairHighchairs are available on request.
- Linen & towels providedHypoallergenic vegan down duvets and pillows are provided.
- Open fire/ Woodburning stoveLogs are provided.
- Outside space
- Wi-FiSuperfast broadband is delivered on a direct dedicated fibre BT connection with excellent signal strength throughout allowing for streaming and Wi-Fi calls. The mobile coverage is adequate but patchy on most networks.
All Amenities
Important Information
Guests have exclusive use of Papple Steading regardless of group size and no part of the Steading will be let to another party. The estate office is adjacent to The Farmhouse and the Papple team are on hand to assist guests with any queries during weekdays from 9am to 5pm but also fully respect guest privacy.
The adjacent steading is currently undergoing redevelopment. This has been screened off and whilst no major works will take place when guests are in residence, there may be some minor noise from the site. Please contact us if you have any concerns.
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.
Scottish short-term lets licence number: EL00063F. The current EPC rating and a copy of the certificate can be found on the individual property listings - Papple Farmhouse, Grieve's Cottage, Ploughman's Bothy, and Shepherd's Bothy.
Arrival time: 4pm
Departure time: 10am
Accessibility
Getting availability
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