REVIEW: LUXURY STAY IN THE CHARMING BOATHOUSE AT DUNDAS CASTLE, EDINBURGH
“If you’re looking for the ultimate cosy countryside escape where you will only be disturbed by birdsong, this is where you need to head. The Boathouse is a truly luxurious, romantic and serene Scottish gem - perfect for nature enthusiasts with a penchant for modern conveniences.”
We recently had the great pleasure of visiting The Boathouse, a charming self-catering cottage situated on the bank of the loch within the picturesque Dundas Estate, just outside of Edinburgh. The vast and beautiful Dundas Estate is home to Dundas Castle, a stunning and luxurious exclusive-use wedding venue. We were excited to be surrounded by history and nature within the comfort of this incredibly unique boat house property that very much resembles a Sylvanian Families House!
As we drove onto the Dundas Estate, we were wowed by the majestic castle and well-kept grounds. We passed the occasional residential property as we explored the estate in the car and envied the people who get to live in such a serene and film-like area. The Boat House is only a 5 minute drive from the castle and has it’s own parking space right outside. It’s set back from the quiet road where the occasional resident or wild deer will take a stroll around the loch. Here, you are completely surrounded by beautiful rolling hills and forestland. There are not many times this year where we have truly felt as though we had escaped the hustle and bustle of work and the city, but here we really did switch off from the stresses of life almost immediately.
The Boathouse is equipped with an open plan bedroom and living area, en-suite shower room with bathrobes, towels and L’Occitane toiletries and a fully fitted kitchen. In the living area, guests will find a complimentary nightcap of whisky or gin. In the kitchen, there are tea and coffee making facilities. Because it’s a self-catering property, I had pre-prepared a delicious veggie casserole, although you could easily cook lovely meals from scratch in the small but well-equipped kitchen. The veranda is my favourite part of all. It is the perfect viewing platform for observing the local geese, ducks and swans as they glide past on the loch.
In terms of history, Henry Dundas built the ‘modern’ Dundas castle on the vast estate in 1818. It replaced an earlier Seventeenth Century building, which was pulled down. William Burn, one of Scotland’s greatest architects, designed the magnificent house as it currently stands. Sir Jack inherited Dundas Castle in 1995, restoring the ‘Auld Keep’ and the castle in a truly magnificent way, with new and improved electricity, banqueting and toilet facilities. His wife, Lydia, an interior decorator, directed a fabulous refurbishment of the property. The Boathouse itself is equally as charming in design, featuring antiques, nature-inspired artworks and a range of colourful patterns and textured fabrics that add to the charm and cosiness of the little house.
Above: Dundas Castle (more of this to come in a separate post!)
Beyond the Dundas Estate, guests will find plenty of wonderful places to explore nearby, including local pubs, South Queensferry, Hopetoun House, Deep Sea World, Queensferry Tours and (weather permitting) Port Edgar Watersports. If you fancy visiting Edinburgh City from Dundas, you are only 35 minutes away by car.
The Boathouse is undeniably romantic and can comfortably accommodate two people, so it is perfect for couples. This idyllic and peaceful haven is available from £130 per night. Mr Musings and I agreed that our trip to the Boathouse felt a lot like a really luxurious glamping experience - we felt wonderfully immersed in nature but not at the expense of a decent latte and a brilliant night’s sleep!
Please note: Dundas Castle is a private home that can be used for exclusive use events. Therefore, it is not open to the public and the team asks that you walk on the marked paths outside the immediate vicinity of the Castle.
Please click here to book: Dundas Castle, South Queensferry, Edinburgh, EH30 9SP | Tel: 0131 319 2039
