Thyme Shepherd's Hut
Tucked away in a private spot in a Scottish hamlet, Thyme is an elevated and dog-friendly shepherd’s hut where couples and solo travellers can truly decompress. Surrounded by the magical forests and rural views of the Lammermuir Hills, it’s an excellent base for active holidays filled with walks through the countryside as much as slow stays spent relaxing by the log burner. Thoughtfully curated in a laid-back Scandi-Scot style with natural textiles and an understated colour palette, it’s made all the better by the curved glass ceiling above the bed which is designed for stargazing on clear nights.
Climb the four steps up to the front door and enter the open-plan living space. The handmade kitchen features an induction hob and slow cooker, while the table and sitting area is set to the side with plenty of storage space in the drawers beneath the bench. This converts into a double bed and makes the most of that beautiful stargazing window above, with another placed opposite to capture views of dawn breaking across the hills. In the corner, the log burner with an unlimited supply of wood will keep you nice and cosy on cooler nights, while the heated towel rail in the bathroom will provide you with warm fluffy towels after your showers. 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.
Whiteadder Water flows just a few hundred metres from the door and is perfect for evening strolls along its banks before returning to your own quiet clearing, perhaps to fire up the charcoal barbecue and fire pit and relax in the outside seating area. Should the nearby Hayloft be available, there’s also the option for guests to book the wellness suite and sauna as well as yoga classes, massages, and guided meditations directly with the owner.
In the mornings, look forward to throwing open the double doors and enjoying slow breakfasts to the sound of birdsong before setting off to explore your surroundings. You’re free to roam the wider grounds with easy access to the river and a 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 rent stables and bring your horses along with you 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, Thyme is the ideal base for unhurried and outdoorsy escapes alike. Browse available dates in the calendar and book your stay now.
ADDITIONAL ACCOMODATION
Thyme Shepherd's Hut sits alongside Heather Shepherd's Hut (sleeping 2), Rosemary Safari Tent (sleeping 5) and The Hayloft, Cranshaws (sleeping 2+2).
Special Offers
15% discount on 7 night stays.
Property Layout
GROUND FLOOR
Four steps up to the shepherd’s hut.
Open-plan living area with kitchen and a seating area which converts into a double bed.
The handmade kitchen has a two-ring induction hob, fridge, kettle, toaster, and a slow cooker. Roberts DAB radio and a separate speaker. Log burner with an unlimited supply of logs. Electric fan heater.
A seating area with cushions and small table converts into a double bed, with a curved glazed canopy over the bed for stargazing. There are pull-out storage drawers under the seating area and a small cupboard next to the kitchen has a small hanging rail.
OUTSIDE
Outside seating area with a fire pit and grill.
A small charcoal barbecue is provided. Secure storage for bikes and outdoor gear can be provided on request.
Thyme Shepherd's Hut sits midway on the paddock between Heather Shepherd's Hut and Rosemary Safari Tent.
Guests have use of the wider grounds, with access to the Whiteadder Water and a Community Orchard approximately 250m below the site.
Should the nearby Hayloft be available, it may be possible for guests to book the wellness suite and sauna at an additional cost.
Guests may park on the turning circle at the main access gate. Should weather and ground conditions allow, it will be possible to park directly to the side of the shepherd’s hut.
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
- Allows children
- Barbecue
- Dog friendlyTwo dogs welcome (£20 fee per dog). Dogs must be kept off the furniture and bed.
- Fire pit
- Hairdryer
- HeatingElectric fan heater and heated towel rail in the bathroom
- Horses welcomeThere are stabling facilities for two horses and a paddock on site. Booked directly with the owner.
- Linen & towels providedWool pillows and duvet.
- Open fire/Woodburning stoveWood burning stove with unlimited supply of logs.
- Outside space
All Amenities
Dog Friendly
Important Information
It should be noted that there is no TV in the property and no Wi Fi. Mobile signal strength is good, including 4G.
For guests who wish to bring their horse, there are stabling and paddock facilities on site at additional cost. To be arranged separately with the owners.
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. The shepherd’s huts and safari tent sit in the adjoining paddock. The Hayloft sits separately.
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 SB01067F. An EPC is not applicable for this property.
Arrival time: 4pm
Departure time: 11am
Accessibility
Getting availability
The Little Things We Love
Settling beside the fire pit in the evening, wrapped up in a blanket and watching the birds fly home to roost.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.
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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.
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