The Tower, Keith Marischal
A 16th-century historic tower adjoining a Scots Baronial mansion that blends rural charm with proximity to Edinburgh.
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 Layout
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, armchair, 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.
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.
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.
There is ample private parking to the front of the Tower in the main access courtyard.
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.
Amenities
- Allows babies in armsUp to 6 months. Some baby items and equipment can be provided on request.
- Allows children12 - 16 years.
- Bath
- CotA full-size cot can be made available. Bedding is not provided for the cot.
- Dog friendlyTwo dogs are welcome (£20 fee 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.
- HairdryerThere is a hairdryer provided in each of the bedrooms.
- HeatingThere is gas central heating and underfloor heating through the ground floor. There is a wood burner in the drawing room.
- Highchair
- Linen & towels providedDuvets and pillows are feather.
- Open fire/ Woodburning stoveInitial basket of logs provided.
- Outside space
- Tennis court
- Wi-FiWi-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.
All Amenities
Dog Friendly
Important Information
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.
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.
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: EL00306F. The current EPC rating for this property is band F, a copy of the certificate can be found here.
Arrival time: 4pm
Departure time: 10am
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