Doorway To Elphame

Doorway To Elphame: Edinburgh and the Lothians

In 1450, the first tower of this historic Scottish house was constructed by monks. It still forms a part of the house to this day. Embedded scallop shells and long-buried charms tie the history of this place with the fae folk.

Each bedroom retains the feeling of a medieval castle with its stone fireplaces and hand-carved four-posters beds, but some have been updated to the turn of the 20th century with William Morris wallpaper.

Walking through the social spaces is like a private tour of a preserved castle. The vaulted old kitchen feels as though a 15th century monk could walk in at any second, but there’s a 21st-century modern kitchen on the first floor for those that prefer a gas stove to a cauldron on an open fire. Further along the vaults you’ll find a games room and an antique toilet in the WC.

A series of drawing rooms and sitting rooms each have their own distinct character from the bookcase-lined library to the pine-panelled lounge with its glorious fireplace. Our favourite room has the be the Chinese Room, a staple in manor homes of the 18th century, its ornate mantlepiece (photographed by the National Museum of Scotland as an outstanding example of Neo-Chinnoise design) and wooden dragon lamps feeling untouched since 1800.

In terms of location, you’re in the East Lothian countryside, a five-minute drive from the seaside town of Musselburgh where you’ll find a beach and golf course. Edinburgh’s historic centre is just a twenty-minute drive away too.

Home truths:
*Two of the bedrooms and a bathroom are in a separate cottage in the grounds with its own living area and kitchen
*One of the castle bedrooms is a family room with a king-size bed and bunkbeds best suited for children
*There is plenty of parking with this home
*If you would like to organise catering, your host can recommend a local company
*Your host can provide a cot and high chair, just ask
*All the bedrooms are upstairs which may not be suitable for those with limited mobility
*Two additional guests can be accommodated in bunkbeds in the library room