School Holidays 2017 Cottages In Midlothian

Reviews

What our customers say about their holidays

• Corinne - Verified booking

  Nice cottage and convenient location for us.

  It would have been useful to have more information on the contents in advance (the website has little detail) as I took things I didn't need (e.g. hairdryer) and didn't take things I could have used (e.g. CDs). The cottage was neat and comfortable, lots of cushions, and on arrival superficially appeared clean. However, the wardrobe in the dining room needed to be wiped inside before using. The doors did not run properly because they have been poorly fitted, though we managed to improve them slightly. Various other bits such as skirting boards and less accessible corners had dog hair and there were muddy paw prints on the wall under the dining room window. Not been wiped off. The hoover really did not work well (spat out more dirt than it took up) and this turned out to be because it was completely clogged inside with dog hair. We emptied it and managed to clear most of the blockage, but it still wasn't great. It needs a proper clean. I noticed that its stand was filthy (fluff and dirt behind and underneath); clearly no one has moved it and cleaned the floor properly for some time. We wiped up a couple of water drips on the kitchen floor with kitchen roll and it came up black - not caused by us as we always left our shoes by the door! It needs a thorough scrub. I didn’t feel that it was my job to clean longstanding dirt. The washing machine leaked some foamy water over the floor during the rinse cycle. My guess is the filter is blocked with dog hair, or possibly the waste pipe is not into the drain far enough. The blind on the large bedroom window fell down when I was trying to lower it. Managed to get it back up but it is not very secure it is only screwed on with 1 screw each side and they are a bit loose. These windows could not be opened. The door of the ice compartment in the fridge is broken - the door falls off if you open it. Medium saucepan lid handle is broken. There's a rotary dryer for the garden but no base for it. The rug in the lounge is worn and rather threadbare in places. It might be a good idea to plant some shrubs along the fence by the cattle grid: they might mitigate the noise when cars go over it.

  Read more less >

• Fraser - Verified booking

  Well equipped rural cottage within a well run farm setting that has everything you’ll need to be at home away from home.

  The nearest building is a field away if you don’t count the cute old outbuildings in the garden. Booking and dealing with the owners was a cinch and the welcome of some milk and biscuits with fresh flowers on arrival was a nice touch. Kitchen is well equipped and although I brought tea and coffee there was already some there along with a range of condiments. Central heating plus log burners meant it never had to get cold and the large garden is a nice spot to sit when the sun’s out. A comprehensive welcome book sits in the kitchen for details of nearby attractions and services. WiFi covers the main living areas of kitchen and lounge with 5MBits down and 1.5 up (for those that care because the main thing about this house is the retreat away from the noise and distractions of home). I had work to do during the day and my video calls were uninterrupted. No mobile signal due to the location but calls and messages over wifi worked a treat. There’s a landline for emergencies. Some great walks to nearby Stenton and Garvald. The cottage is in a spot from where you can walk for a few miles in different directions and loop back round without returning the way you came. Bedding and towels were provided and the place was very clean. Loads of books and board games etc if you need them along with a TV if the weather turns bad. It’s an old cottage and not a city centre new build apartment … expect the old. It’s been two cottages turned into one and extended to create a large social space in the kitchen … you can see the quirk of where the old second front door must have been. Large dishwasher and a good working washing machine made the stay easier and there are clothes horses plus a washing line you can tie up if you want to. Haddington and Dunbar are short drives away for anything you’ve forgotten or need; and are well worth a visit anyway. I’d buy it if I could!

  Read more less >

• Julie - Verified booking

  We loved the cottage feel and it had so much character.

  It was a great cottage to come home to after a day exploring. The area was outstanding and we will definitely return in the future. The location couldn't have been better for a walking holiday along the North Berwick coastline. The milk and packet of biscuits were a nice touch, but we could've done with some washing up liquid/dishcloth and hand soap for our first evening. Some firelighters for the fire would've helped as well. Access after 5pm meant, after 200 miles travelling, we weren't in the mood go to the nearest shop over 5 miles away. Wifi was very good. There was so much positive about the cottage we are reluctant to say anything negative but would like to make a couple of points so the owners can address them if the feel they would like to. The bathroom could do with some attention - the toilet makes a very loud 'singing' noise when flushed, which kept waking people up in the night. The shower screen is broken to such an extent that the floor floods each time you have a shower. The garden is a fantastic size and was very secure for the dogs. Unfortunately it is very overgrown - to such an extent that the sun is blocked by trees and shrubs late afternoon. The views from the house could be wonderful if a little garden maintenance was carried out. The garden furniture could do with updating - the existing furniture is rusty/mouldy/broken. It is such a shame because the setting is so peaceful and would've added to a wonderful holiday if we could've sat out when we returned in the afternoon/evening. Overall the cottage is very well equipped but some pint glasses would've been handy.

  Read more less >

• Melanie - Verified booking

  Stayed here at old smiddy cottage for a week during Easter.

  Such a beautiful cottage in the middle of nowhere which was perfect and the views stunning.Our only neighbours were the cows. Would love to know about the history of the cottage so maybe a little piece in the welcome book. Arrived to some shortbread biscuits which were delicious, some milk and daffodils which were lovely . The cottage is very comfortable and well equipped with all you need including dishwasher and washing machine . Wi-Fi was excellent in the cottage. Beds comfy but we found the pillows too soft for us but still slept well. Our 6 yr old son slept all night and said his room was lovely he didn’t want to get out of bed in the mornings. The garden is lovely and secluded, we didn’t really get a chance to sit out as was a bit chilly still but I bet in the summer it’s amazing. The cottage is about 25 mins to north Berwick which was lovely and Edinburgh was 40 mins. We did lots of day trips including Stirling castle, Edinburgh and the zoo, museum of flight, Preston mill and Dunbar. We had an amazing week and was lovely coming back to the peaceful cottage after busy days. We hardly saw any cars pass the cottage. We would definetly recommend and would come back here. Our son cried because we had to leave and said he didn’t want to go because he had the best time. Thank you, we will be back. Mel, Dave and Finley x

  Read more less >

• Dave - Verified booking

  The cottage was beautiful, clean and very well presented.

  The location was perfect for visiting the Fringe and Tattoo in Edinburgh as you could get the train from Linlithgow and travel in. The bed was very comfortable and everything we needed was provided. The wifi was great and heating system very efficient when necessary. The premises is located at the gate of an historic house, which was closed to the public for renovations, but the grounds still open. We had a lovely run/walk around the clearly marked pathway. On a constructive note, the cattle grid was quite loud and noticeable during the day. Clearly no traffic was there in the evening or at night so we were not disturbed then. Also, in the kitchen, there was no cupboard to put any food as they were all used for crockery and/or pans etc or the recycling bins. I had to put the food we bought on the window sills which was a bit cluttered but we managed by shifting things around. I would try to move the glasses to the lounge perhaps to create some cupboard space. Other than that, highly recommend this property for its quality and location. A welcome retreat from the hustle of the City.

  Read more less >