My wife and I are Retirees from Australia. We stayed here for one night in late September, 2014, on the last night of our self-drive tour of Scotland. We chose it primarily because of its location-viz proximity and ease of access to Edinburgh Airport from where we were flying out to France the next day. Thanks to Vicky's directions, including hand-drawn map, driving to the Airport the next day was a stress-free breeze.
Whilst the accommodation may seem to be somewhat on the western outskirts of Edinburgh, it is very close to the Airport, from which one can catch the Shuttle Bus or Tram/light rail into the City Centre. There is also a railway station at nearby Ratho village; you just have to be able to get to each of these. Or you could drive into the CBD, avoiding the peak hour congestion if possible.
The accommodation was exactly as advertised and fully met our expectations. It was very comfortable (including the bed) and clean, well- furnished and provisioned and exceptionally spacious - more an apartment (it has large living room and a fully equipped kitchen) than just a B&B room. Having separate His and Hers bathrooms was great. The accommodation is at one end of a wing of an immense farmhouse built around a central courtyard, in a quiet rural setting. Its rurality may not suit guests without a car. The accommodation has its own private entrance from the courtyard plus another door to the extensive private garden on the other side of the wing.
Vicky is a charming, welcoming and helpful host. Her recommendation for us to have dinner at the delightful canal-side Bridge Inn Hotel at the nearby village of Ratho was inspired. This hotel has recently been rated Scotland's best hotel by the
AA and had just that day been adjudged as having the best pub food in all of Scotland and neighbouring Yorkshire. Dinner there lived up to our expectations; the food and service were excellent. The canal-side setting is a lovely bonus for diners, as was the music of the Jazz trio in the bar on the night we were there. But a cautionary word of advice: the pub has become very popular so that you should make sure to reserve a table for dinner.
As Vicky and husband John were off very early to the Ryder Cup golf on the morning of our departure, they very kindly arranged for their daughter to provide us with a lovely cooked breakfast which we much appreciated.
In summary, an exceptionally fine place to stay with very welcoming and considerate hosts. We would highly commend it.
Thank you Vicky for a memorable stay.
Tasman and Patricia Dally
Melbourne, Australia