The Laird's Garden

The Laird's Garden: East Lothian

Featuring on “most stylish stays in the UK” lists, this 1960s home sits within acres of walled gardens, landscaped in the 18th century and built by Napoleonic prisoners of war. Mid-century on the outside, the interior is an ode to decadent manor homes with a vast library of books, oil paintings of the Dalrymple family and collections of private artefacts that should be in a museum. You won’t find any “don’t touch” signs though – guests are encouraged to pick fruit and veg from the kitchen garden, rack up a game of snooker in the games room and make use of the grand fireplaces with wood from the neighbouring forest provided. The coastal golf town of North Berwick is a ten-minute drive away and you can practice your pitching on the golf pitching range in the garden.

Home truths:
*Most of this home is on ground level with wide doors so may be suitable for those with limited mobility
*In a remote location, having a car is recommended and there is plenty of private parking
*Your host provides plenty of logs from the surrounding woodlands for the fireplaces
*Guests are welcome to pick fruit, flowers and vegetables from the kitchen garden in season
*Your host welcomes up to two dogs of any size, just let them know beforehand
*Though there isn't a dedicated desk here, the dining table doubles up as a laptop-friendly workspace
*You'll have your own private entrance here