Doorway To Elphame
16 guests
-
7 bedrooms, 10 beds
4 bathrooms
+1 extra toilet
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In 1450, the first tower of this historic Scottish house was constructed by monks. It still forms a part of the house to this day. Embedded scallop shells and long-buried charms tie the history of this place with the fae folk. Each bedroom retains the feeling of a medieval castle with its stone fireplaces and hand-carved four-posters beds, but some have been updated to the turn of the 20th century with William Morris wallpaper. Walking through the social spaces is like a private tour of a preserved castle. The vaulted old kitchen feels as though a 15th century monk could walk in at any second, but there’s a 21st-century modern kitchen on the first floor for those that prefer a gas stove to a cauldron on an open fire. Further along the vaults you’ll find a games room and an antique toilet in the WC. A series of drawing rooms and sitting rooms each have their own distinct character from the bookcase-lined library to the pine-panelled lounge with its glorious fireplace. Our favourite room has the be the Chinese Room, a staple in manor homes of the 18th century, its ornate mantlepiece (photographed by the National Museum of Scotland as... an outstanding example of Neo-Chinnoise design) and wooden dragon lamps feeling untouched since 1800. In terms of location, you’re in the East Lothian countryside, a five-minute drive from the seaside town of Musselburgh where you’ll find a beach and golf course. Edinburgh’s historic centre is just a twenty-minute drive away too.
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Ask the host anything
Do you have a question about this home or the local area?
What to expect
Highlights
Make the twenty-minute drive into the centre of Edinburgh
Settle in to the 19th-century Chinese room with its striking decor
Sit down to a feast fit for royalty at the formal dining table
Spend hours browsing the books of the library room
Choose a bedroom with a beautifully-crafted four poster bed
Host a film night in the rooftop cinema room
Like what you see? Explore more of this home
Home truths
Two of the bedrooms and a bathroom are in a separate cottage in the grounds with its own living area and kitchen
One of the castle bedrooms is a family room with a king-size bed and bunkbeds best suited for children
There is plenty of parking with this home
If you would like to organise catering, your host can recommend a local company
Your host can provide a cot and high chair, just ask
All the bedrooms are upstairs which may not be suitable for those with limited mobility
Two additional guests can be accommodated in bunkbeds in the library room
About this stay
Amenities
Home cinema setup
Outdoor fireplace / firepit
Outdoor seating
Wi-fi
Pets allowed
Parking available
Washing machine
Dryer
Bedrooms & bathrooms
7 bedrooms, 10 beds
4 bathrooms, 1 additional toilet
Extras
VIP services
Arrange a chef
Luggage storage
Extras are subject to availability. Please enquire with your host.
Local guide
About Newington & The Grange
Located to the south-west of the vast Holyrood Park, these suburbs are out of the way of the classic tourist trails. Because it borders on Southside, the part of Old Town adjacent to the university, Newington is particularly popular with students. If you don’t mind the slightly younger crowd it’s a great spot, central but without too many tourists. Its architecture is distinctly Victorian, and there’s an ample choice of...
Explore the area
Local restaurants, cafes, museums, sites and activities, recommended by our community of hosts and travel experts
Dine at The Sun Inn
Indulge in delicious food and cask ales at this rustic former coaching inn with individually decorated rooms. Enjoy the wonderful outdoor patio for drinks and the delightful woodland creature wallpaper throughout.
Explore Inch Park
A hidden gem in the city, Inch Park offers a tranquil escape with its open spaces, spaces for different sports, kids' play area, and even a stream. Perfect for a peaceful sunbath or a leisurely stroll with a furry friend.
Get around
Airport
Edinburgh
34 min
Perth
1 hr 20 min
Dundee
1 hr 24 min
Train station
Musselburgh
24 min
Bus stop
Cowpits Road
8 min
Local shops & services
Supermarket
8 min
Cafe
11 min
Points of interest
Beach
Portobello Beach
15 min
Booking policies
House Rules
Children welcome (1-12 years)
Infants welcome (under 12 months)
Pets welcome
No parties or events
No smoking
Good to know
Arrival from 15:00
Departure before 11:00
Wifi
No air con
Cancellation policy
Up until
60
days
Cancel at least 60 days before your check-in date for a 50% refund.
Not eligible for a refund once your check-in date is under 60 days away.
Host
This home is managed by Anna-Luise
This home is managed directly by its owner who will be your point of contact before and during your stay. Andy and Anna bought Monkton House after falling completely in love with it, and are only the seventh owners in more than five centuries. Their dream is to make the house as eco-friendly as possible whilst keeping its unique character.
This home is nominated for the Plum Guide Award.
- Great hosts, not just great homes – We reject homes managed by hosts who don’t meet our standards of excellence.
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- Every home scrutinised by experts, they have to meet our standards.
- Hosts we knowHigh-quality hosting, with track records of high-quality hosting.
- Impeccably clean, well maintained homes.
- Peace of mind in the rare event your host cancels.
- Rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot, delivering exceptional service before, during and after your stay.