Holiday lets

Fancy a truly historic getaway? With our unique holiday lets you can stay in an idyllic setting in the beautiful Borders, or in one of two lovingly-refurbished Victorian lodges in Holyrood Park, the green heart of Scotland's capital.

Cloister House stands in the middle of historic Melrose, offering unrivalled views over the magnificent abbey. Designed by the architect responsible for nearby Abbotsford House, it was home to minister of Melrose Church.

Duddingston Lodge and Meadowbank Lodge were built as part of Prince Albert's improvements to the park in the 1850s. Even though you're only a short stroll from Holyrood Palace, the Royal Mile and the attractions of Edinburgh city centre, you'll also be surrounded by a dramatic, volcanic landscape and an abundance of wildlife.

The Cloister House offers direct views of the magnificent Melrose Abbey and is perfect for history and country lovers to enjoy a time of relaxation. It's available to book exclusively through Crabtree & Crabtree.

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About the Cloister House

This house was originally built as the minister’s house of Melrose Church by architect John Smith, who also designed the home of Sir Walter Scott near Abbotsford.

Filled with charisma, this property has been sensitively restored to protect the integrity of the listed building. The overall look has been captivatingly pared-back, and incorporates a palette of period colours from Georgian, Edwardian and Victorian eras which creates an enchanting look throughout the house.

Everything which could be re-used has been, using local companies in the Borders to supply and re-upholster wherever possible, and local lighting companies to turn wonderful old wine flagons into lamps. The result is a house infused with the rich history of the area settled next to the most beautiful backdrop.

A living room with soft beige walls, two teal sofas opposite each other, a small footstool in the middle and a large, decorative cast iron fireplace — Photos: © Inside Story Photography

A large double bedroom, with light grey walls and carpet, a large, floor-to-ceiling bay window, and a large armchair

A large green double bedroom, with a sash and case window and double bed with a yellow throw on it

Key information

Location: Cloister Road, Melrose, Roxburghsire, TD6 9LH
Sleeps up to 8 people
4 bedrooms; 2 bathrooms
Two dogs are welcome
Arrival time 4pm; departure time 10am

Guests also receive a complimentary ticket to Melrose Abbey (collect from the shop at the abbey), which includes a free audio guide.

A white bathroom with a large, ironwork, black freestanding bath and large sash and case window looking out onto trees — Photos: © Inside Story Photography

A stairwell featuring a black banister with metal spindles, dark blue painted stairs with a cream carpet runner down the middle

A green dining room with wooden floor, large wooden dining table set with plates and decorated with flowers, a large armchair and old, dark wooden chest of drawers

Originally built in the late 1850s, Duddingston Lodge has been extensively refurbished throughout to create a contemporary feel and has a number of modern features to make your stay comfortable. It's available to book exclusively through Rettie Short Lets.

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About Duddingston Lodge

Duddingston Lodge offers a truly unique opportunity to stay in one of Holyrood Park’s historic lodges, nestled in a quiet leafy corner but affording excellent access to the city centre as well as the beautiful landscape of the Royal Park.

Built in 1858 at the instruction of Prince Albert, the Lodge has been extensively refurbished throughout to create a contemporary feel and has a number of modern features to make your stay comfortable. Downstairs there is a lovely living room a spacious dining room, family bathroom and a kitchen giving direct access to the private garden. Upstairs are the master double bedroom and a twin bedroom.

The lodge is perfectly placed for walks around Duddingston village, Arthur’s Seat and Dunsapie Loch. A 15-minute walk through the park takes you to Holyrood Palace and the beginning of the famous Royal Mile. The historic Sheep’s Heid Pub is on your doorstep!

A neutral coloured living room with colourful yellow chairs and a colourful blue sofa, with a nice fireplace and coffee table in the centre of the room

A cream-coloured bedroom with a wooden double bed and white sheets, with towels and bath products set out on the bed

A bedroom with soft yellow walls, two wooden twin beds and a view of trees from the window

Key information

Location: Duddingston Lodge, 32 Old Church Lane, Duddingston, Edinburgh, EH15 3PY
Sleeps 4 (2 Bedrooms; 1 bathroom)
No pets allowed
Off-street parking for one vehicle
Private garden

A clean and tidy kitchen with white white walls, wooden cupboard doors and drawers, and a white counter top

A bathroom with large grey tiled walls, a bath tub panelled with soft beige wooden slats and a unit with the same slats.

A long, wooden topped dining table flanked with two chairs and two long benches, in a nice, tidy room with a view of a green hedge out the window

Meadowbank Lodge offers a truly unique opportunity to stay in one of Holyrood Park’s historic lodges, nestled in a quiet leafy corner but affording excellent access to the city centre as well as the beautiful landscape of the Royal Park.

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About Meadowbank Lodge

Meadowbank Lodge is available as a holiday or short term let allowing you to enjoy a slice of history in a wonderful Edinburgh location. It's perfectly placed for walks around Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat. A 15-minute walk through the park takes you to Holyrood Palace, the Scottish Parliament and the beginning of the famous Royal Mile.

Built in 1858 at the instruction of Prince Albert, the lodge has been extensively refurbished throughout to create a contemporary feel and has a number of modern features to make your stay comfortable. There's plenty of space at the entrance for taking off muddy boots and coats before settling down in the cosy living room. The dining room is open and spacious, while the separate kitchen boasts modern appliances including a boiling hot water tap. From the kitchen there is direct access to a private garden.

The property benefits from private off-street parking for one vehicle in addition to ample free parking in the adjacent Meadowbank Car Park.