Escape to the hill

a little about us

Looking for a holiday cottage or venue in Scotland? Hillhouse Farm Escapes offers a collection of holiday cottages, group accommodation, tennis, outdoor activities and farm experiences as well as providing a venue for events. Hillhouse Farm has been run by the Sutherland family for 90 years, over 4 generations. We have a few thousand sheep across 1400 acres of hillside.

Come for upland landscapes and big skies at the farm. Stay to explore hidden gems in the Scottish Borders and Lothians, and for easy access to Edinburgh.

our cottages

We have a collection of holiday cottages at Hillhouse Farm Escapes, all available on a self-catering basis. Some of the properties have the option to be taken as a whole, or as a half. Each of the properties sleeps 4-10 guests and we can provide extra beds and cots for children. The cottages are Highfield House (also available in parts as Highfield and Hernie Cleugh), Fairnielees and Bracken House (also available in parts as Bracken Hill and Berry Hill). So, if you’re looking for a holiday cottage in Scotland, please have a look around – we have something to suit everyone!

Our cottages are all former shepherd’s houses or gamekeeper’s cottages, with rural views from the hill. Each cottage has been renovated with modern-country interiors, cosy heating systems and well-equipped kitchens.

We are family-friendly, dog-friendly and even horse-friendly. You can walk, or cycle, or ride, right from the door and we also have a fantastic tennis court available for guest use, with a stunning view from the Lammermuir Hills to the Eildon Hills.

why stay with us

holiday cottage in scotland run by the Sutherland family

FAMILY-RUN FARM & ACCOMMODATION

ENJOY A QUIET GETAWAY

holiday cottage in scotland in a stunning rural spot

STUNNING RURAL LOCATION

WALKS ON THE DOORSTEP

GREAT ACCESS TO EDINBURGH

the area

Find Hillhouse Farm Escapes in Lauderdale on the edge of the Lammermuir Hills. It’s a fabulous location for a holiday cottage on Scotland. Find us on the edge of the quiet and beautiful Scottish Borders region and just 30 minutes from the sights and sounds of Edinburgh.

Guests can visit the pretty market towns of the Royal Burgh of Lauder, Melrose, St Boswells, Kelso, Selkirk and Jedburgh. There are “big houses”, castles and country gardens aplenty, distilleries, museums, coastal adventures, hill walks, mountain bike trails, independent shops and boutiques, and restaurants and coffee shops to fuel you on your way.

the farm

Hillhouse Farm has been owned by the Sutherland family for 90 years, spanning 4 generations. It’s 1500 acres and the landscape rises from 800ft to 1200ft above sea level. You’ll find grassy fields, woodland, small streams (or burns as we call them), ponds, hedges and moorland.

Across it all, there are great farm tracks which will help you navigate on cycles and walks. Alongside the sheep, you’ll quickly see that Hillhouse Farm is teaming with wildlife. We have countless species of wild birds, hare, rabbits, deer, badgers, foxes and hedgehogs.

house on the hill holiday cottage in Scotland

groups & venue

We welcome groups to Hillhouse Farm Escapes. We can accommodate 25+ guests across our cottages.

We have a flat field with an incredible view if you’d like to pitch a teepee, tent or marquee. It’s a great location for a wedding, special birthday, hen weekend or corporate event. There is also a shed which you can hire for a barn wedding or informal party. We are very happy to discuss catering requirements.

You’ll find lots of activities available right here at Hillhouse to keep all of your guests busy!

farm experiences

When staying at Hillhouse, we can arrange for you to experience a range of country pursuits and outdoor activities. These include clay pigeon shooting, archery, tomahawk throwing and wilderness skills.

You will, of course, want to partake in some farm wanderings too – either by foot or by bike. There are hills and streams to explore, and we even have an Iron Age fort!

You can play tennis to your heart’s content, on our professional-grade tennis court. Whatever you do, you will be surrounded by beautiful views across the Lammermuir Hills and the Scottish Borders.

farm experiences
Tennis court Lauder Scottish Borders

book the tennis court

Guests of Hillhouse Farm Escapes, as well as members of the public, can make use of the tennis court at Hillhouse.

You can bring your own tennis rackets and balls, though we are also happy for you to borrow ours.

The tennis court has a fantastic view to the south over Lauderdale and the Scottish Borders, with the Eildon Hills visible in the distance.

rural location

Hillhouse Farm Escapes nestles in the quiet countryside of the Scottish Borders, 22 miles south of Edinburgh.

 
 
 
 

our guestbook

Federica - Hernie Cleugh - April 2024

We had a wonderful stay at Jo’s lovely place. Super peaceful location, surrounded by nature and plenty of space for walking and playing outside. Our kids loved the tyre swings and spotting birds, tiny frogs and seeing all the sheep and cows. The house was really well equipped, so much space and lots of room for kids and us to chill out on our own or in groups. Gorgeous logburner which we made good use of for cosy evenings in front of a movie. Fabulously well equipped kitchen and comfy beds. Great location from which to explore the Scottish Borders and close to Edinburgh and the east coast for day trips.

Rachel - Fairnielees - Aug 2024

The cottage was perfect for me and my family, wife and two children.. We really enjoyed the farm and the peace for two days.. Great location if you plan to visit Edinburgh from the farm 40 min driving. Wifi available with decent speed. The kitchen fully equipped you don’t have to bring anything. The rooms are spacious and very clean. Jo the host is friendly and helpful.

Mohammed - Highfield - July 2024

Well appointed and stylishly designed cottage. Would definitely recommend to friends or to return myself.

Seb - Berry Hill - December 2020

We had a wonderful stay at Jo's cottage. We were a group of 4 adults and 3 children and we couldn't have asked for more from the house or the surroundings. Very spacious and well equipped house with everything you could possibly need for your stay and more. We particularly enjoyed the garden and the tennis courts which had racquet s and balls for all ages and levels. Jo was a great host and gave clear information. Would definitely recommend this place to other guests!

Ben - Highfield House - July 2024

Lovely cottage on a working farm. The cottage had everything we needed to make our holiday special. Very clean and comfortable. Good area with the coastal towns not too far away. The local village of Lauder had some great little shops and a great bakery. Would definitely stay again.

Andrew - Berry Hill - June 2024
 

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