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Doorway To Elphame

  • 16 guests

  • 7 bedrooms

  • 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...


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What to expect


Highlights

Make the twenty-minute drive into the centre of Edinburgh

Make the twenty-minute drive into the centre of Edinburgh

Settle in to the 19th-century Chinese room with its striking decor

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

Sit down to a feast fit for royalty at the formal dining table

Spend hours browsing the books of the library room

Spend hours browsing the books of the library room

Choose a bedroom with a beautifully-crafted four poster bed

Choose a bedroom with a beautifully-crafted four poster bed

Host a film night in the rooftop cinema room

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

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

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.

12 min
Explore Inch Park

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.

16 min

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.
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  • Peace of mind in the rare event your host cancels.
  • Rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot, delivering exceptional service before, during and after your stay.