The Hayloft, Cranshaws
Hidden away above stables on a peaceful hamlet in the Scottish Borders, The Hayloft is a luxurious studio-style retreat which benefits from unique access to its own wellness suite. Surrounded by the mind-quieting forests and pastoral views of the Lammermuir Hills, it’s an idyllic spot for a holiday spent slowing the pace and restoring your energy – whether you’re spending quality time with a loved one or enjoying the longed-for space of a solo escape. Balancing a warm country style with elevated features, it’s a dog-friendly haven that’s every bit as comforting as it is well suited to trips spent exploring the area.
Climb the stairs and enter the loft through the front door beside a small viewing balcony with a table and chairs. Inside, a living area with two sofas is set beside floor-to-ceiling windows which capture wonderful views across the open countryside. The king size bed lies opposite the log burner, filling the room with warmth and glowing light as dusk falls, and the bathroom with a rainforest shower sits next door. A generous wooden dining table is situated in the centre of the open-plan space, while the kitchen is tucked away at the end of the loft, where you’ll find rustic wooden countertops, a Nutribullet, and a professional Pavoni espresso machine.
The wellness suite is situated next door with a sauna, yoga mats, massage table with essential oils, and chrome weights available for your use. Why not relax in the sauna before taking a plunge in Whiteadder Water – a river which flows only a few minutes’ walk from The Hayloft – for a little cold-water therapy? Massages and restorative treatments and therapies can be arranged by the owner according to your requirements, as well as yoga classes and guided meditations to complete your retreat. The suite can also be changed to a twin room should this be preferable for your stay. True to the slow-living ethos, there’s no Wi-Fi or TV available, however mobile reception and 4G are generally good so you can keep in touch with the outside world as much or as little as you’d like.
Look forward to long lie-ins spent reading beside the log burner before pulling on your boots to explore your surroundings. You'll have use of the wider grounds with easy access to the river and Community Orchard just a short stroll away, creating a dog-friendly route which is perfect for a leg-stretch. There’s also the option to bring your horses along with you and keep them in the stables below the loft by separate arrangement with the owner, should you like to explore the trails on horseback. The small village of Cranshaws is situated just four miles from the border with East Lothian, where the pretty village of Gifford is home to excellent shops and cafés, while the capital city of Edinburgh lies about an hour away.
There’s an abundance of trails for walking, cycling, and horse riding in this area, including two long-distance paths that cross the stunning Lammermuir Hills – the historic Southern Upland Way and the Herring Road which runs all the way to the coastal town of Dunbar. Diverse wildlife thrives here, from roe deer and otters to ospreys and short-eared owls. Opportunities for water sports, wild swimming, and fishing are available at the nearby Whiteadder Reservoir, while a self-service cycle repair station at Longformacus Village Hall reflects how popular this area is for those exploring on two wheels – the Lammermuirs having been traversed in the Tour of Britain on several occasions.
With so much to see and do both on your doorstep and in the South of Scotland at large, The Hayloft is the ideal base for laid-back and adventurous escapes alike. Browse available dates in the calendar and book your stay now.
ADDITIONAL ACCOMODATION
The Hayloft, Cranshaws sits alongside two shepherds huts Thyme Shepherd's Hut (sleeping 2), Heather Shepherd's Hut (sleeping 2) and Rosemary Safari Tent (sleeping 4+1).
Special Offers
15% discount on 7 night stays.
Property Layout
FIRST FLOOR
Access via a set of external steps with a handrail. Small viewing platform at the top of the steps with a café table and two chairs overlooking open countryside.
Open-plan studio accommodation comprising:
Living area with two double sofas, two armchairs, log burner with top hob and oven, cast-iron potato baker, Roberts DAB radio with separate speaker. There is a guitar and a selection of books and games for guest use. Please note there is no TV.
King size bed with bedside tables and a chest of drawers.
Generous dining space with a table and seating for eight guests.
Kitchen area with two burner gas hob, slow cooker, four slice toaster, Nutribullet blender, juicer, professional Pavoni espresso coffee machine, full size fridge, breakfast bar with two stools.
Bathroom with shower (rainforest head and separate mixer), heated towel rail, basin, and WC.
Wellness suite with massage/treatment table for restorative therapies, along with a selection of essential oils available for guest use. There are yoga mats with bolsters and a set of chrome weights for a range of wellbeing, fitness and workout use. This room can be converted to a second bedroom with twin beds. Important - please note that if you book the property for four guests, you will lose the use of the wellness suite. The sauna will still be available.
Sauna with bench seating, powered by a modern electric heating element.
OUTSIDE
There is a small viewing balcony at the top of the main access door with a café table and two chairs.
Secure storage for bikes and outdoor gear can be provided on request.
Guests have use of the wider grounds, with access to the Whiteadder Water and a Community Orchard approximately 250m below the site.
Guests may park to the side of The Hayloft on the hardstanding area.
Floorplans
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Location
The pretty village of Gifford lies just over the regional border into East Lothian, while a little further north the town of Haddington is home to many excellent independent shops and cafés. The town of Duns lies a similar distance away in the Borders, where you can visit the Jim Clark Motorsport Museum, the grounds of Duns Castle, and the splendid stately home of Manderston House. A 45-minute drive will take you to the historic market town of Kelso, and a day trip in this area will enable you to take in the magnificent ruined abbeys of Kelso, Jedburgh, Melrose, and Dryburgh – the burial place of Sir Walter Scott, who was so inspired by this region.
The coastline of East Lothian can be reached in just 30 minutes, where you'll find some of the best links golf courses and surfing beaches in the country, as well as the popular town of Berwick-upon-Tweed just over the English border. The capital city of Edinburgh is also only an hour's drive away, perfect for guests travelling up on the fast trains from London and Newcastle, or simply for day trips to visit its many cultural attractions and thriving food scene.
Amenities
- Barbecue
- Dog friendlyTwo dogs welcome (£20 fee per dog). Dogs must be kept off the furniture and bed.
- Hairdryer
- HeatingAir source heating system with radiators and heated towel rail in the bathroom.
- Horses welcomeThere are stabling facilities for two horses and a paddock site. To be booked directly with the owner at additional cost.
- Linen & towels providedWool pillows and duvets.
- Open fire/Woodburning stoveWood burning stove with top cooking plate. Unlimited supply of logs.
- Outside space
- Sauna
All Amenities
Dog Friendly
Important Information
It is important to note that if the property is booked for four guests, the wellness/therapy room will be converted to a bedroom and guests will lose the use of this facility. The sauna will still be available.
Two stable blocks sit directly below The Hayloft and access will be required in and around this area on a regular basis, and when horses are being stabled. Please contact us should you have any queries or concerns prior to booking.
It should be noted that there is no TV in the property and no Wi Fi. Mobile signal strength is good, including 4G.
There are four holiday lets on site along with the owner’s property, set in a peaceful, rural countryside location on the edge of the farming hamlet of Cranshaws. The owners are on hand to help with any queries, but equally respectful of guest privacy.
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 SB01088F. An EPC is not applicable for this property.
Departure time: 11am
Accessibility
Getting availability
On The Doorstep
Discover our curated picks of things to see and do nearby.
On The Map
Duns, Scottish Borders
