An intimate cottage in a tranquil setting that comes complete with the guest key to the historic Fatlips Castle
The former gamekeeper’s residence for the Minto Estate, Lilylaw is a delightful period lodge set on a private track amidst the lush grounds of the estate. Nestled into the folds of the land, between a small wood and open parkland, Lilylaw sits within its own enclosed garden with a sheltered, partially walled terrace to the rear for outside dining. The only things likely to interrupt the solitude of your romantic bolthole for two are the occasional noise from the resident sheep and birds.
Stay at Lilylaw and you’ll not only enjoy direct access to estate’s rolling parkland and fabulous walks but can even request a key to the recently restored Fatlips Castle, an iconic Pele tower situated on the estate at the top of Minto Crags with panoramic views reaching all the way to England.
Viewed from the surrounding grounds, Lilylaw is a simple, single-storey stone cottage with large, 18-pane sash windows to the front. As soon as you set foot inside this dainty property, you realise you’re in for a real treat. Decorated in the quirky English style of some of our favourite country house hotels, the cottage is virtually entirely open plan, with a slightly removed kitchen and a low privacy wall separating the bedroom from the living area (and a separate loo). Styled with sumptuous antique and upcycled designer furnishings, striking ikat Lewis & Wood curtains, Pooky lights and a mix of antique and contemporary artworks, the cottage feels both sophisticated and intimate.
You can enjoy candlelit dinners for two by the wood burner, soak in the clawfoot bath while watching sheep gambol in the fields and rustle up a picnic in the kitchen to feast on while you visit Fatlips Castle. When you’re not simply luxuriating in each other’s company and the tranquillity of the surroundings, you can enjoy a round of golf at the local Minto Golf Club or pop into nearby Denholm for a pub lunch or afternoon tea at the Denholm meet café/bistro, which features an enticing antiques and interiors shop upstairs.
GROUND FLOOR
The accommodation is all on the ground floor and may be suitable for less mobile guests.
Fully open-plan living area comprising:
Compact kitchen with Belfast sink, four-ring electric hob, electric oven and small fridge / freezer, microwave. Please note that due to the compact kitchen, there is no dishwasher or washing machine available.
Leads into small rear boot room / entrance hall with door to the terrace and garden.
Seating area comprising wood burning stove (logs provided), dining table seating two guests, two-seater sofa, armchair, TV with DVD player and Amazon Firestick (guests must use their own subscriptions), selection of DVDs, books and games.
Half-height wall separating the bedroom area with 5’ king size bed.
Feature claw-foot bath and fabulous views across parkland.
Bathroom with walk-in shower with rainforest head and separate mixer, heated towel rail, basin and WC.
OUTSIDE
Lilylaw sits in a very attractive, private garden with a sheltered terrace to the rear with an outside dining space and firepit. There is a large lawned garden to the side of the cottage.
The garden is enclosed, however we can offer no guarantee that it is dog-proof. It should be noted that the area around Lilylaw is farmland therefore dogs should always be carefully supervised.
The garden leads directly into estate parkland and extensive walks. Guests can request a key for nearby Fatlips Castle from the owners on arrival.
PARKING
There is parking adjacent to the cottage.
Access is via an estate track with a hardcore surface which is suitable for all but very low-slung cars. Please contact us if you have any concerns.
BABIES & CHILDREN
Regretfully, the cottage is not suitable for children. Babes in arms are welcome but please note that a travel cot and highchair are not provided.
DOGS
One well behaved dog is welcome and a second dog may be considered on request at a charge of £15. Dogs must be kept off the furniture. A dog towel is provided.
The Minto Estate is a working farm and shooting estate, with livestock and gamebirds, and dogs must be kept under control at all times. The garden is enclosed by metal and wire fencing but we cannot guarantee this is dog-proof.
GUEST AMENITIES
The bed features high-quality linen. Towels are provided along with a hairdryer and guest hand soap.
WI-FI & MOBILE COVERAGE
There is a SIM card-operated 4G router with unlimited data provided. 4G signal and mobile reception are generally good and the 4G signal is reliable enough to support the Amazon Firestick provided for various streaming services (guests must use their own subscriptions to access this).
HEATING
There is electric underfloor throughout the property, a heated towel rail in the bathroom and a wood burner in the sitting room (logs provided).
GUEST PRIVACY
Lilylaw sits in a very private and peaceful position on a private estate amidst parkland. The Minto Estate is a shooting estate and we can provide details of shoot dates prior to booking, if required.
