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 brand new tennis court available for guest use, with a stunning view from the Lammermuir Hills to the Eildon Hills.
why stay with us
HILLHOUSE ESCAPES FAMILY RUN
ENJOY A QUIET GETAWAY
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.
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, 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 new, professional-grade tennis court. Whatever you do, you will be surrounded by wonderful views across the Lammermuir Hills and the 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. We completed the new surface in 2021.
You can bring your own tennis rackets and balls, though we are also happy for you to borrow ours.
The tennis court has an amazing 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.
Latest News
View all Blog Posts >
29th July 2023
Take your horse on holiday
Taking your horse on holiday is something that many riders dream of doing. Did you know we offer this option at Hillhouse? Humans get to stay in outstanding self-catering cottages,…
21st September 2021
10 great places for coffee & cake
Coffee and cake stops are an absolutely essential element of any holiday. Here are our top 10 recommendations for coffee shops with homebaking in the south-east of Scotland. The list covers Scottish Borders, Midlothian and East Lothian.
