About this property
The Lighthouse Retreat is a charming, spacious accommodation for four in the midst of the St. Abbs Head Nature Reserve, situated in a stunning setting overlooking the sea, cliffs, and Lighthouse. Step inside to a relaxing sitting room, a great place to unwind after a day by the sea, before moving through to the dining room with adjoining kitchen, where you’ll find everything needed to prepare and enjoy meals together without fuss. The property features two bedrooms, including a king-size and a twin with zip/link beds that can be arranged as a super-king-size on request, giving flexibility for families or friends.
A bathroom with bath, shower over, basin, and WC completes the interior. Outside, off-road parking keeps things simple on arrival. Cliff and coastal trails at the entrance lead to St. Abbs harbour or Coldingham village with restaurants, shop, and pubs. The dramatic coastline is just a short walk away, where clifftop paths open up to wide sea views and that unmistakable blast of fresh coastal air. This striking headland, shaped by rugged cliffs and teeming with seabird colonies, is also home to the historic St Abbs Head Lighthouse, designed by David and Thomas Stevenson and guiding vessels along this stretch since the 1860s following earlier shipwrecks in the Firth of Forth.
A walk around the headland is straightforward yet rewarding, taking in Mire Loch, sweeping cliff-top scenery, and excellent vantage points for spotting nesting birds in their thousands during the warmer months. Wildflowers scatter the grassland in season, adding colour to the coastal landscape, while the surrounding waters are just as rich in wildlife. The Reserve Visitor Center, with daily sightings reports, has a tea room and gallery. The surrounding waters rich in wildlife are a Marine Sanctuary and diving site. Dolphin, seals, and occasional whales are to be observed – and on some evenings, the northern lights. A further walk over the coastal trail brings you to the sands of Coldingham Bay.
Explore monastery ruins, shop, and pubs in the nearby village. Further by coastal trail, or by road, come to the historic fishing town of Eyemouth, stocked with bakeries, multiple eateries, galleries and a museum. Despite its remote feel, the reserve sits conveniently just off the A1, and there’s a tea room and facilities nearby for an easy stop along the way. Within driving distance, Berwick-upon-Tweed is known for its historic walls and independent shops, while Edinburgh delivers a full day of culture, history and dining. Walkers can also follow stretches of the Berwickshire Coastal Path, making The Lighthouse Retreat a well-placed base for exploring this memorable corner of the Scottish Borders.
Note: This property can be booked with refs. 1193960, 1193961, 1197364, and 1199727, sleeping 14 guests.
Just over the Border into Scotland, St Abbs is a picturesque fishing village with a delightful harbour and fishermen's cottages hugging the hillside, situated on a beautiful stretch of Berwickshire coastline. Diving can be enjoyed from the harbour, while the nearby St Abb's Head National Nature Reserve has a rich variety of wildlife and is a paradise for birdwatchers! An ideal location for walks - the Cheviots, Scottish Borders and the spectacular coastline all offer excellent walking. There is a safe, sandy beach 3 miles away in nearby Coldingham, which is very popular with surfers. The historic fortified Border town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, with shops, a museum and a castle, is nearby, and is well worth a visit. Holy Island, the Farne Islands, the attractive seaside villages of Craster, Eyemouth and Seahouses, and Edinburgh, capital city of Scotland, are all within touring distance.
Short-term Holiday Let Licence No: SB-00277-FEPC Rating: Band F
Accommodation
Two bedrooms: 1 x king-size, 1 x twin (zip/link, can be super-king-size on request).
Bathroom with bath, shower over, basin and WC.
Kitchen/diner.
Sitting room
Central heating.
Oven, hob.
fridge, freezer, dishwasher, washing machine, kettle, toaster, blender.
WiFi, Smart TV.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Off-road parking available.
Sorry, no pets and no smoking.
Shop and pub 3.5 miles