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The Tower, Keith Marischal

Humbie, East Lothian

A 16th-century historic tower adjoining a Scots Baronial mansion that blends rural charm with proximity to Edinburgh.

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Overview

A 16th-century historic tower adjoining a Scots Baronial mansion that blends rural charm with proximity to Edinburgh.

Set amidst 10 acres of glorious private grounds, this spectacular tower places Edinburgh, the North Berwick coastline and a host of golf courses on your doorstep

It’s impossible not to be awed by the distinctive Scots Baronial Keith Marischal House as you approach it via the private drive flanked by rhododendrons. Pulling up to the gravel sweep and turning circle in front of the sprawling mansion, you’ll spot the Tower, which forms the east wing and features a solid timber front door.

For all its imposing façade, Keith Marischal Tower is actually a warm, welcoming home with elegant interiors and sweeping views of the surrounding gardens and woodland from every room. The owners of the property have transformed the vaulted ground floor into a bright and homely country kitchen, which blends modern appliances and fitted cupboards with a rustic timber dining table and dresser dotted with charming blue and white crockery. Make your way through a thick arched wall to find an adjoining dining room with ample space for eight guests.

Ascending to the first floor by a spiral staircase, painted soft aqua to maximise the light, you discover a large, light-filled drawing room with dual aspect windows affording views across the grounds. A subtle palette of greens and blues echo the Tower’s lush setting while the towering ceilings and panelled walls add a fitting sense of grandeur.

Also located on the first floor are a large bathroom, and magnificent ensuite bedroom, which comes complete with a four-poster canopy bed, antique mahogany furniture and a window seat from which to admire the estate’s gardens.

Continuing up the spiral staircase to the second floor brings you to a second four-poster bedroom served by the large bathroom on the floor below, a spacious twin bedroom, a single bedroom and a separate bathroom and loo.

Every detail has been considered in the restoration of Keith Marischal Tower, retaining original features such as the fireplaces, large sash windows and internal timber shutters, while adding modern comforts such as contemporary bathrooms and a kitchen brimming with top-notch appliances. Beyond the comforts of the house, the estate boasts beautiful, south-facing enclosed gardens with views stretching all the way to the Lammermuir Hills, manicured lawns to the north and, just beyond a small pond towards the edge of the estate, the ruins of the Keith family’s 13th-century chapel.

Property details

Ground floor

Access door into inner hall/boot room with coat rack and boot rack.

Kitchen (one step down) with Cookmaster oven with double oven and grill, five burner electric hob and warming plate, Ambiano coffee maker (pod type), dishwasher, large fridge/freezer, microwave. Informal dining area with seating for eight.

Vaulted ceiling leads into the formal dining room with seating for up to ten guests.

Utility room with washing machine and separate dryer.

First floor

Bathroom - bath with shower over (rainforest head) and separate mixer tap, radiator, basin and WC.

Drawing room - two large sofas and one small sofa, fireplace with wood burning stove, Smart TV.  Views over the garden and grounds.

Bedroom one with king size four-poster bed, side tables, small sofa, wardrobe, dressing table, large chest of drawers.

En-suite bathroom with double basin, bath with shower over (rainforest head) and separate mixer tap, heated towel rail, and WC.

Second floor

Bedroom two with king size four-poster bed, side tables, single wardrobe, amchair, chest of drawers, dressing table.

Bedroom three with 3' twin beds, side tables, chest of drawers, armchair, door hook with hangers.

Inner hallway leads to:

Bathroom three with bath with shower over (rainforest head) mixer tap, heated towel rail, and basin. Separate WC.

Bedroom four with 3' single bed, side table, chair, chest of drawers.

Outside

Extensive grounds and garden which is shared with the owner property, however the walled garden creates a natural divide between the owner space and the guest area. Guests are welcome to walk in the wider area.

The garden is not enclosed and bounds onto wider farmland with grazing animals.

There is a tennis court which is available for guest use.

Parking

There is ample private parking to the front of the Tower in the main access courtyard.

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

While the owners are happy to accommodate children, please note that supervision of children is required at all times due to the steep, spiral staircase and open well in the garden. There is a pond to the north of the house.

A full-size cot and highchair can be made available along with other items on request. 

Dogs

Two dogs are welcome at a cost of £20 per dog. Dogs should be kept to the utility room until clean and dry and then kept to the ground floor of the property. They are not permitted on the furniture or in the bedrooms.

It is very important to note that the area around The Tower, Keith Marischal is farmland with grazing animals therefore dogs must always be closely supervised and on leads when out walking in the wider area.

Guest amenities

All bed linen and towels are provided. There is a hairdryer provided in each of the bedrooms. Duvets and pillows are feather. Guest toiletries are provided.

Wi-Fi & Mobile coverage

Wi-Fi is available. Mobile reception can be more limited in certain areas of the house due to the thickness of the walls but otherwise generally good.

Heating

There is gas central heating and underfloor heating through the ground floor. There is a wood burner in the drawing room with initial basket of logs provided. 

Guest privacy

The Tower adjoins the The Keith Marischal House which is occupied by the owners, however while the owners are on hand and very willing to assist with any requests, they are equally respectful of guest privacy.

In the summer months, there will be garden furniture on the lawned area to the side of The Tower for guest enjoyment.

The wider garden and grounds are communal however the walled garden to the rear creates a natural divide between The Tower and Keith Marischal House.

The tennis court is available for guest use.

SHORT-TERM LETS LICENSING

Scottish short-term lets licence number: Pending

The current EPC rating for this property is band F, a copy of the certificate can be found here

Location

The nearest village of Humbie (1.5 miles) has a lovely shop, Humbie Hub, selling all the essentials, including delicious produce from local businesses, such as Belhaven Smokehouse cured fish and Jarvis Pickle Pies. There’s also Post Office facilities here and a country café with views of the Lammermuir Hills; perfect for a morning coffee, light lunch or freshly baked afternoon tea.

Alternatively, The Strawberry Barn in Dunbar (19 miles) has a great deli, café, Gin Bar as well as pick-your-own berries during the summer season. Extensive shopping and amenities can be found in Haddington (10 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 breads and oven-fresh produce. The Waterside Bistro is very good, as is the Cottage Garden Kitchen, which is very special (booking is essential).

For more elegant dining, head to Gullane (18 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 (3 miles) offers some excellent whisky tasting and distillery tours.

The Restoration Yard and Wellbeing Lab sits within Dalkeith Country Park (10.5 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 Newcraighall (12 miles) or Wallyford and a 10-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.

Activities

The location of Keith Marischal, just off the A68, offers easy access to an incredibly diverse range of options when it comes to things to see and do. Despite the rural location, Edinburgh is only 30 minutes away.  Also in the area are beaches, golf, walking, historic castles and abbeys, fishing, boat trips, cycling, whisky and much more.   

Nearby is Dalkeith Country Park (10.5 miles), 1,000 acres of beautiful parkland with family-friendly routes for walkers and cyclists and a jam-packed events calendar featuring music festivals and shows, wellbeing retreats and trail runs. The Fort Douglas Adventure Park, with its sky maze, magical turreted treehouses, zip wires, suspension bridges, slides, climbing walls and secret tunnels, will keep children entertained for hours. Later, stop by the Restoration Yard and Wellbeing Lab for great shopping, homeware, food and drink, giftware and more, grab a coffee and cake from their café, or dine in The Kitchen restaurant.

The John Muir Country Park (20 miles) covers some of the most spectacular East Lothian coastline, featuring expansive sandy beaches which are a haven for wildlife and birdlife. Favourite spots include the glorious family-friendly beach at Gullane; the dune-fringed sands at Belhaven; the dog-friendly cove at Yellowcraig; or the secluded sands at Seacliff - an enchanting gem with a tiny harbour and wonderful views north towards the Bass Rock and Tantallon Castle. Take time to visit The Scottish Seabird Centre where you can watch 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.

For watersports, there is canoeing inland on the River Tyne and Esk; superb kayaking around the waterways off Dunbar; and thrilling wakeboarding and ringo rides at Foxlake. Surf buffs can 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 and sightseeing trips from the harbours at Dunbar and North Berwick taking in nature reserve sites around the Forth, Bass Rock and Isle of May.

The area is world-famous for its stunning links courses with Muirfield, Luffness, Gullane and North Berwick all within easy reach offering some fantastic sport for the golfing members of your party.

For cycling, you can join Sustrans 196 route in Tranent (3 miles), which runs from Penicuik to Haddington, or you can enjoy some leisurely cycling circuits along traffic-free paths and minor roads, taking time to explore the quaint rural or coastal villages of the area. Bikes can be hired from in Mikes Bikes in Haddington or Belhaven Bikes in Dunbar, while FatBike Tours 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.

There are miles of scenic paths across the wider area offering leisurely low-level walks to more demanding treks across both coast and country. Set off on foot and wander through the Humbie Woods and Keith Water for a mini-adventure, or head to Haddington (10 miles) where there are four lovely walks around the town, taking in the picturesque River Tyne or up to the ridge of the Garleton Hills, which offers wonderful panoramic views across East Lothian and the Firth of Forth.

Take a visit to the magnificent city of Edinburgh (16 miles) 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, take a visit to the 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 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

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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Adventure Sports

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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Historic houses and castles

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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Golf

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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Walking

Walking

From the lush green uplands to shimmering sea, the area boasts a hugely diverse and enticing landscape that is perfect for exploring on foot. From gentle rambles to long-distance hikes, there are a vast array of trails and waymarked routes for newbie walkers or experienced alike.

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Children and families

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

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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Wildlife

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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Cycling & mountain biking

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

Shooting

For sheer variety alone Northumberland and the Scottish Borders are irresistible to any gun.

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Ancestral history research

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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Services

Cooks and chefs

Cooks and chefs

Make your stay hassle-free with your own personal cook

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Additional housekeeping

Additional housekeeping

Award yourself a real break and let us provide a pair (or more) of helping hands.

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Dog sitting

Dog sitting

Our experienced dog sitters will look after your furry friends whilst you are out exploring.

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Wine delivery

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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Beauty and spa treatments

Beauty and spa treatments

Everyone needs some pampering, whatever the occasion.

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Fresh flowers

Fresh flowers

Fresh cut flowers delivered to your holiday home.

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Holiday photography

Holiday photography

Family holidays, reunions and honeymoons kindle priceless moments that deserve preserving.

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Reviews

"We had a wonderful time at The Tower, it is very beautiful."

Ms Morrison

"The place was absolutely stunning, and so well equipped we loved it.

Would highly recommend 

Your communications and service great too"

Hiller Party

"We have had a wonderful weekend here at The Tower!! So different. Extremely comfortable and warm. On our way home this morning but wished that we could stay longer in this area to explore more. We would certainly love to come back again. Will be in touch for a future vacation. Thank you all at Crabtree & Crabtree."

Ms Riley

"We had an amazing time in a beautiful part of the Scottish countryside, within easy reach of both Edinburgh and the coast. The Tower was beautifully furnished and homely, with the added excitement of a large spiral staircase which led to wonderfully charming, characterful rooms. The grounds of the property were stunning, complete with a ruined chapel and lake. The owners as hosts were truly welcoming and made our stay all the more relaxing."

Allchurch Family

"We have had a lovely week discovering East Lothian as well as popping into Edinburgh. The owners have been great hosts."

Mr Zealley

"We all loved staying at The Tower. It's in a beautiful spot with amazing walks all around it, Humbie Hub village stores and cafe just down the road, super quiet and more snowdrops than I have ever seen! The house is very comfortable and beautifully decorated. Everything works. The kitchen and dinning room are lovely spaces for a group to share cooking and meals together. A beautiful sitting room with views on two sides, a wood burning stove and three sofas. The fourposter beds are delightful and very comfortable. There is lots of hot water and the house is warm. We all highly recommend staying here."

Zinovieff Family

Availability

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Location Rural - 2 miles from Humbie, 10 miles from Haddington
Dogs
  • Two dogs are welcome at a charge of £20 per dog.
Arrival / Departure
  • Typical arrival day: Friday and Mondays
  • Arrival time: 4pm
  • Departure time: 10am
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The Tower, Keith Marischal in East Lothian
The little things we love...
"The way the Tower blends Scottish history and grandeur with elegant modern living."
Alex and Sophy, owners of The Tower, Keith Marischal
email us or give us a call on 01573 226711 for details.

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