You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
A beautiful Dower House
Cranstoun Riddel in the grounds of Oxenfoord Castle and Estate have been owned by the same family for nearly five hundred years. The house is set in beautiful scenic grounds and is situated in the depth of the countryside while at same time being only 12 miles from the centre of Edinburgh. There is not another property in sight of the house or the garden there - though you will see deer; hares; birds of all sorts from black birds to owls and birds of prey.
At the same time as being very secluded we are ideally placed for travel to and from other areas. Being so near to Edinburgh we are close to both rail and airport and on a good road system for travel to all parts of Scotland. We are with 15 mins of the beautiful coastlines on East Lothian and at the same time equally close to the wonderful Pentland Hills if sights from on high and hill walking are one of your passions.
We have the culture and history of Edinburgh on our doorstep combined with shopping and all the city activities that appeal to the young.
Cranstoun Riddel is a very happy and characterful house. Ideal for family or group holidays for any reason; suitable for all ages with a bedroom and its own bathroom on the ground floor for those who may not be so agile on the stair.
The views over the parks are spectacular and the surrounding trees appear to protect the house. There is a towering Wellingtonia very close to the house with its huge trunk is seem from the drawing room window.
Property manager
Harriet Dalrymple
Languages
English
Property amenities
Ski
Close to skiing
Internet
Available in the house: Free WiFi
Parking and transportation
Parking on site
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee grinder
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Electric kettle
Kitchen island
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Spices
Stovetop
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
6 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
4 private bathrooms
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Fireplace
Living room
Wood stove
Entertainment
Books
Games
Smart TV
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Laundry
Washing machine
Comfort
Heating
Pets
No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Wheelchair accessibility
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
In a rural location
Near a hospital
Things to do
Bicycles
Golf
Snow sports gear
Water sports equipment
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Sailing nearby
Swimming nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Deadbolt lock
General
Bicycles
Garden
Unit size: 11 square feet
Similar properties
Charming, family sized period Villa 5 minutes from the beach
Charming, family sized period Villa 5 minutes from the beach
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number ML00077F
About the neighborhood
Scotland, Pathhead
What's nearby
Royal Infirmary - 12 min drive
Dalhousie Castle - 12 min drive
University of Edinburgh - 18 min drive
Royal Mile - 19 min drive
Edinburgh Castle - 20 min drive
Getting around
Newtongrange Station - 10 min drive
Edinburgh Airport (EDI) - 33 min drive
Restaurants
The Dean Tavern - 9 min drive
The Foresters - 3 min drive
Restoration Yard - 10 min drive
Bombay Lounge - 8 min drive
The Blacksmith's Forge - 7 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is A beautiful Dower House pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
What time is check-in at A beautiful Dower House ?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at A beautiful Dower House ?
Check-out is at 10:00 AM.
Where is A beautiful Dower House located?
Situated in a rural location, this vacation home is within 6 mi (10 km) of Dalkeith Country Park, Borthwick Castle, and Glenkinchie Distillery. Dalhousie Castle and Queen Margaret University are also within 9 mi (15 km).
A beautiful Dower House Reviews
Reviews
10
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 13 out of 14 reviews" "
10 - Excellent
13
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 14 reviews" "
8 - Good
1
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 14 reviews" "
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 14 reviews" "
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 14 reviews" "
2 - Terrible
0
9.8/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Jackie O.
Aug 29, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous
Everything about the house was superb.
It was spacious yet cosy and you felt at home as soon as you walked in.
The house is well equipped.
The beds were very comfortable with cosy duvets and crisp linen.
The grounds were peaceful, all topped off by deer in the garden wandering up to the house.
There is nothing vaguely critical to say.
Jackie O.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Holly S.
Aug 11, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Would come again!
Wonderful bucolic location, 10 minutes from the train station. 5 minutes from town for coffee and groceries. HUGE back lawn that our toddler had to walk across every day which was also great for playing frisbee. Wonderful estate, church and older graveyard a short walk away. Kitchen was well supplied, and there was a giant refrigerator and freezer. But I'm glad we had a local with us to explain the fantastic stove! Also puzzled by the tray of water needed to be emptied from the dryer. Difficult to pull out of the driveway onto fast street with limited view of traffic. Thank you Harriet!
Holly S.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Keith R.
Aug 7, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Party of six, on the estate
Being a lover of history I was thrilled to walk the grounds and stay in the Dower House! An American with a Downton fetish (I’ve even styled my business after it) I realized there were servants’ rooms as part of the house and the call bell system still in place though not functional was a stamp of authenticity. I honestly could have stayed the entire vacation and reveled in the place!
I will definitely return when in Scotland and Edinburgh!
Keith R.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Joe K., Phoenix, USA
Jul 17, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
The Riddle
I absolutely gorgeous property.. The children and adults enjoyed the large yard. Everything was perfect. I would highly recommend.
Joe K.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Aubrey H.
Jul 10, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing Stay at the Dower House
We stayed at the Dower House with a large group of 11 and LOVED our time there. The house and estate grounds were beautiful and peaceful. The house was a quick drive into Edinburgh. It was nice having so much land that the kids could run around in. The owners were so kind and welcoming. Couldn't recommend this place enough.
Aubrey H.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Peter L.
Jul 8, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect For a Family Gathering
We loved our stay here! The property was everything we had hoped for. Loads of space for us all - 11 adults and a toddler. The house has real character and we had everything we needed. The owners were easy to communicate with, and responded very quickly when we had a minor issue. And the letting and location are beautiful too - we saw deer, hare and buzzards from the garden!
Peter L.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Philip J.
Jun 28, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
A lovely house and beautiful garden
We had such a lovely time in a beautiful house. Set in a castle’s grounds you couldn’t ask for a better place to stay. The proximity to Edinburgh allowed us to explore the city and come back and relax. The host was very helpful and we had such a lovely time! Thank you!
Philip J.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
victoria m.
Jun 8, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Family
It was a great Scotland get away. Host was wonderful at communication. Bus location was close. Great experience.
victoria m.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Jamie T.
Sep 2, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Group stay exploring Edinburgh and surrounding areas
We really enjoyed our stay at Harriet’s place and especially enjoyed the extensive outdoor space and sense of privacy the location gives. Easy to access Edinburgh and lots of good local walks. Would definitely recommend.
Jamie T.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
10/10 Excellent
Catharine H.
Aug 22, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Convenient spot for the fringe and sightseeing.
Property very well kept with traditional style. Beds were very comfy with very clean crisp bed linens.
Lovely
Catharine H.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
10/10 Excellent
Laurent E.
Aug 13, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful and comfortable house in a great setting
Beautiful & stylish house on very nice castle grounds. Well setup & equipped and very comfortable and spacious
Laurent E.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
8/10 Good
Bibi A.
Aug 12, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Overall convenient
A nice spacious place, you feel isolated but yet close to nearby town and Edinburgh. Convenient for a family gathering
Bibi A.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
10/10 Excellent
Jonathan R., Buxton Derbyshire
May 30, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Family reunion & wedding
Great location, beautiful home, well equipped kitchen. Lots of towels and bedrooms were comfortable with loads of room. Nice efficient wood burner in the sitting room - needs some fire irons but lovely and cosy. Garden space is enormous - almost cricket pitch size! Fabulous for energetic children.