The Bonnie Wee Bothy

• Sleeps: 2
• Bedroom: 1
• Bathroom: 1
• Minimum stay: 2 nights

If you’re looking for a jaw-droppingly scenic couples’ retreat that’s heavy on comfort but light on environmental impact, The Bonnie Wee Bothy is it!

Nestled on a family farm just outside the ancient East Lothian village of East Linton, the eco-friendly owners will not only plant a tree for each booking made, but farm activities also include creating nutrient-rich compost from garden cuttings.

You’ll also find The Bonnie Wee Bothy uses sustainably-sourced materials, including local wood and hemp insulation, which blend perfectly with the surrounding nature.

Naturally, this is a peaceful off-grid sanctuary with no distracting TV or Wi-Fi anywhere in sight, and with well-behaved pets also permitted to stay it’s the ideal setting to just breathe, relax, and take long, beautiful walks together. The John Muir Way – one of Scotland’s Great Trails – is right on the doorstep, waiting to lead you through iconic landscapes, history, and heritage.

But what of the Bonnie Wee Bothy itself? Rustic, soft-toned and sumptuous, there’s a wood-burning stove to unwind around (perhaps with a wee dram in hand) as you get lost in dreamy conversation with your loved one.

Don’t worry if you’re all talked out, as the owners have thoughtfully provided a wide selection of books, games, and a radio for no-effort entertainment. Oh – and there’s also the option of running an indulgent bubble-bath outside and soaking under the stars.

Light the firepit in your private garden afterwards, and toast marshmallows to a soft backdrop of rustling leaves and nocturnal wildlife… a glorious pre-bedtime treat.

At a glance

• An off-grid sanctuary for two, set on a sustainability-focused family farm in East Lothian, with Edinburgh accessible in a 20-minute train journey.
• Well-behaved pets are also permitted to stay.
• Facilities include a well-equipped kitchen and shower room, with an outdoor bath for sublime stargazing!
• Enjoy a sunset barbecue, or eat out at one of the many places you’ll find in the local area.
• Take the iconic John Muir Way for a beautiful walk or cycle-ride, head for the coast, or take a sightseeing tour – there is plenty to do and the owners are happy to recommend their favourite local places.

Features

• Adults Only
• Dog Friendly
• Off-Grid

More information

Dressed in fresh linen, the comfy bed all but guarantees a sound night’s sleep, and there’s a well-equipped kitchen on hand for hearty breakfast preparation – along with a charcoal grill barbecue for sizzling sunset suppers later on.

What will you do with the time in between? You’ll have plenty of incredible options. Take an invigorating stroll, head straight for the nearby coast to swim, indulge in thrilling watersports, or join an adventure boat tour to the Bass Rock and view one of the world’s largest gannet colonies. You could even catch a train from East Linton and be in Edinburgh in under half an hour.

You could also arrange a tour of the local eco-distillery – whose philosophy is “learn, sample and relax!” – and learn all about gin and rum-making before savouring a guided tasting session in the lounge.

Or how about immersing yourselves in history with a visit to Hailes Castle: one of Scotland’s oldest stone castles and just a few miles’ walk from the bothy?

However you choose to while away your holiday time, there are plenty of places to eat, drink and be merry close by, making this a truly versatile – and naturally beautiful – break.

Things to note

A tree will be planted on the farm for every booking made. There is no TV or Wi-Fi, but the owners have provided plenty of books, games, and a radio for entertainment – once you’ve settled in, it’s unlikely you’ll miss those digital distractions!