Roulotte Retreat

• Sleeps: Varies
• Bedrooms: Varies
• Minimum stay: 2 nights

Are you looking for a reviving break that imbues all the exotic style and elegance of an Asian palace, combined with an unspoilt meadow setting to take you on an enchanting journey of nature, self-discovery and creative contemplation with thriving local wildlife as far as the eye can see?  Well, now you’ve found it!

Roulotte Retreat comprises a delightful circle of roulottes – delicately hand-crafted French Romany wooden caravans made from sustainable timber – lovingly placed around a natural wildlife lochan in a secluded meadow near the renowned Eildon Hills in the heart of the Scottish Borders.  For slightly larger groups or for extra privacy, there’s also Horseshoe Cottage and little Ruby, a beautiful 1930s gypsy bowtop caravan, in their very own woodland garden next door!

Each roulotte enjoys private space around the lochan – perfect for an authentic taste of al fresco relaxation!  Mostly sleeping two people, each one boasts a unique style and personality reflected in their vibrant colours, expertly sourced sumptuous furnishings and hand-crafted carvings…all designed to transport you far, far away from the pressures of everyday life.  Two of the roulottes even come with their very own eco hot tubs, for you to take that delicious feeling of relaxation a luxurious step further, and there is also a wood fired eco sauna for Maharani roulotte, where guests can watch sunset over the fields beyond whilst relaxing and benefitting from the warmth of the sauna. Gain a sense of wellbeing from the views over the wildflower meadow, watching deer, hares, barn owls, frogs and so many bired, from this haven of hygge – total spa bliss!

When evening falls, you’ll be able to make your way through the meadowland to the communal firepit…don’t forget to practise your singing voice for campfire songs under the twinkly night sky!  Why not pack your telescope to really appreciate the beauty of life under the stars as Roulotte Retreat enjoys dark skies overhead.

The meadow is truly abundant ground for the natural world.  Heavenly birdsong will enliven your mornings, and you’ll soon be on first-name terms with the deer, badgers,  foxes, hares, voles, moles, moorhens, wild ducks and herons that pop in for a visit when they think no one is looking! You’ll also find Roulotte Retreat is a haven for  butterfly, dragonfly and birdwatching, with a stunning array of species just outside your door.  Bring your binoculars!

Each roulotte contains a kitchen area with oven and fridge, a comfortable original roulotte bed, and a stainless steel shower room with separate toilet.  With their individually eclectic interior design, you’ll find there’s a roulotte to match every possible taste.

Devanna, with her rich oriental feel, is decked in the deep hues of a peacock’s plumage, with delicate lamps and a plush Rajasthani carpet – no need for slippers here!

At a glance

• Luxury, individually styled roulottes in the meadow, sleeping two people, with one (Rosa Bella) sleeping up to four.
• Horseshoe Cottage and Ruby sleep four to six people in their own secluded wild woodland garden.
• Minimum stay for all accommodation is 2 nights.  No children permitted (excludes Horseshoe Cottage and Ruby where children are welcome). Up to two well behaved dogs are allowed in Horseshoe Cottage and one in Rosa Bella roulotte.
• Situated in the Scottish Borders, just over the Eildon Hills from Melrose and near the River Tweed.  Easily accessible by car, train, bus, taxi or bicycle.
• Heating is from woodburning stoves and electric radiators.
• All bed linen and towels are provided, along with kitchen equipment, crockery, cutlery, cafeterias and champagne flutes.  Just bring food and refreshments.
• A variety of activities are offered either on site or nearby, including yoga and massage, hot tub, wood-fired eco sauna (in Maharani) and the site is close to many local restaurants and fabulous walking terrain.

Features

• Adults Only
• Dog Friendly
• Hot Tubs
• Large Groups

More information

Karlotta is beautifully carved in chic art deco style, featuring Celtic knotwork designs entwined with horses, flowers and foliage for a gypsy life with an elegant twist.

Gitana – Spanish for wild gypsy lady! –  has her very own eco hot tub for you to relax in whilst enjoying the meadowland views. She also boasts exquisitely carved walnut interiors with stunning multi-coloured ‘butterfly’ windows and doors that gives the natural light a vibrant ambience.

Maharani, the Rajasthani Queen and Indian-inspired ‘Palace on Wheels’, is adorned in true Maharani fashion with ‘elephant-ear’ windows, ornate carvings of elephants and lotuses and jewel-toned silk and velvet finishings. Guests in Maharani can enjoy watching sunset from their very own wood-fired eco sauna, payable separately (see below).

Zenaya, for some ‘Zen’ time and space in your life is Japanese-inspired with elegant shades of red and gold throughout, comes with a huge bed with ornate carvings and also has her very own secret eco hot-tub.

Shivanni, for that Himalayan mood captures the natural opulence of life high in the mountains, resplendent in stunning blues and golds with just a hint of ochre. Check out the view from the huge carved bed up to the Eildon Hills and sit on the deck to enjoy sunset.

The spacious Rosa Bella, is a Dutch roulotte or ‘woonwagen’ as they are known in Holland sleeps up to 4 people in two double beds, is reminiscent of a cabin on the Orient Express, featuring a cosily romantic alcove bed complete with colourful drapes, and rich gem-toned furnishings.  You may also bring one well-behaved four-legged friend to Rosa Bella.

Last but by no means least, with the spacious and imaginatively decorated Horseshoe Cottage, converted from the original stables, and the delightful little bowtop wagon Ruby waiting for you in their own woodland garden like old friends, you’ll discover a wondrous secluded hideaway for four to six people.

If you’d like to come as a group to celebrate a special occasion, get married, elope or spend time together with friends you can also enjoy the 1950s wooden Studio with outdoor deck which wraps around Scots Pine trees and offers outdoor space for alfresco time.  The Studio has a wood burning stove at its heart and offers kitchen facilities so you can wine and dine together with friends before heading back to your own roulotte in the meadow, just the two of you.

In addition to the abundance of natural outdoor pursuits available throughout this beautiful landscape, Roulotte Retreat offers massage treatments nearby, yoga and mindfulness experiences. Whether its walking, horse riding, clay pigeon shooting, visiting stately homes, being creative within the arts and crafts arena or exploring the artisan workshops and galleries nearby, Roulotte Retreat can point you in the right direction. It will certainly be hard to leave the retreat for the real world, but if you can tear yourself away you’ll discover a fine selection of restaurants and bistros to suit every palate, including the popular Provender, The Townhouse, Apples for Jam or Burts in Melrose. The Hoebridge in Gattonside or the Buccleuch in St Boswells, amongst many other dining experiences in the Borders.

So come and discover the colourfully natural world of Roulotte Retreat …which personality will you choose?

Things to note

No children permitted in the roulottes (excludes Horseshoe Cottage and Ruby where children are welcome).  Up to two dogs are permitted upon prior arrangement in Horseshoe Cottage and one in Rosa Bella roulotte. Dogs must be kept on a lead due to chickens on property, and dogs are charged at £10 per night, payable on arrival. WiFi is available from the Studio Deck. Please note the map marker is a guide to general location only, to ensure privacy for guests – on booking, guests will be advised of the actual location by the property owners. Well-behaved hen parties can be accommodated.  Please note that the eco hut tubs and eco sauna are available at a supplement payable prior to arrival, from £85 for two days, £100 for three days exclusive use, etc. If you would rather not use the eco hot tub or eco sauna, it is best to choose another roulotte.