Alastair Sawday's Special Escapes: Self-catering in the UK

8 Victoria Road

8 Victoria Road, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland

At one end of this street lies the beach and harbour, at the other the quaint coastal town of North Berwick on the Firth of Forth. No. 8 stands in a row of neat stone cottages, 200-years-old but you'd never guess that: Lorna (who lives just opposite) has helped to totally revamp the place, and it's stunning. Most striking is the high-ceilinged greenoak sitting room, white and flooded with daylight, with a funky wood-burning stove for when the sun goes down and games, books, DVDs to keep kids busy; beyond lies a long garden dotted with scented plants, shrubs, trees; scurry past an old well to the small sauna cabin. There's a snug front room as well for 'me' time and you'll be drawn to the wood-clad kitchen, warmed by an Aga in winter (a modern cooker is used in summer). Simple bedrooms have a sun-bleached, seaside feel: nautical maps and brass paraphernalia lead to two uncluttered doubles at the front, yachts sail across the curtains of the bunk room at the back, a sweet downstairs single has soft blue walls and stripped wood. It's a place for simple pleasures: there's a shop a few metres away, plenty of places to eat in town (no need for a car), and the Scottish Sea Bird Centre down the road which leads to the beach. A lovely spot for families.

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Details

8 Victoria Road

Contact: Lorna Armstrong

• Tel: +44 (0)1620 890284
• Sleeps: 7 (8 with sofabed).
• Rooms: 1 double with shower room, 1 double, 1 bunk, 1 single
• Price: £590 – £1,100. 
• Closed: Never

Checklist

• Dishwasher
• Electricity included
• Washing machine
• Microwave oven
• Central heating
• Mobile reception
• Television
• BBQ
• Beach within 3 miles
• Cooked meals available
• Restaurant nearby
• Short breaks possible
• Extra bed/cot available
• Shop within 3 miles

Points of interest

• After a busy day at the beach you can retreat to the privacy of the wonderful sheltered garden but still hearing the sounds of the sea.
• One minute from the harbour area and two lovely sandy beaches, one with a Victorian boating pond (very popular with kids), and only a minute from the shops, cafes and resturants of the High Street you will hardy need to get into your car for anything.
• Regular boat trips from the harbour (April - Sept) on the famous 'Sula II' to see the gannets on the Bass Rock, an awesome sight. In early summer you will also see puffins which nest on some of the neighbouring islands
• Only 30 minutes, by train or car, from Edinburgh, 'Athens of the North'.
• Endless beach walks from the doorstep, several great castles close by, Concorde at the Museum of Flight, the Scottish Seabird Centre, walking in the Lammermuir Hills, all just up the road.
• With an Aga in the kitchen and a woodburning stove in each of the two sitting rooms this house is perfect as a retreat even in the deepest of winter.

This information is provided by owners and is not endorsed by ASP. If you have questions about it, please contact the owners.