Imagine arriving in Scotland and, within an hour, sinking into the plush velvet sofas of your own private, historic estate. This was the reality for one group embarking on a celebratory weekend retreat at the magnificent Penicuik House, a stone's throw from Edinburgh.
A Grand Arrival and Estate Exploration
Their Scottish adventure began just sixty minutes after touching down at Edinburgh Airport. The destination was Penicuik House, a stunning property originally constructed in the 1770s as a stable block for the Old Penicuik House. Today, this grand 16-bedroom bolthole can accommodate up to 32 guests for a truly exclusive getaway, with the entire place available from £9,750 per night.
By 3pm on Friday, the exploration of the estate's vast grounds commenced. The group wandered through 12 hectares of parkland, passing grazing Highland cattle and the stabilised ruin of the Old Penicuik House, which was tragically lost to a fire in 1899. Their walk continued through the serene American Garden and up to the High Pond, where they were rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Pentland Hills.
Gourmet Feasts and Hillside Hikes
While the property boasts an enormous, fully-equipped kitchen, the group had opted for a hassle-free celebration by enlisting The Edinburgh Catering Company for all their meals. Their first evening featured a delicious menu of grilled salmon, cauliflower cheese, and hasselback potatoes.
Saturday morning saw the group refreshed after a great night's sleep, aided by the heavenly Verden toiletries in the bathrooms. After a breakfast where porridge topped with mango, blueberries, and almonds won out over the full Scottish, they prepared for a guided walk. Undeterred by the rain, they kitted themselves out with Le Chameau wellies and Patagonia waterproofs from the property's mud room.
Their guide, Richard, a local PE teacher, led them on a invigorating two-hour trek to the top of the Pentland Hills and back. The afternoon was dedicated to rest and relaxation in the estate's private cinema room, where they drew the curtains, collapsed on comfortable sofas with homemade hot chocolates, and streamed the classic film You've Got Mail.
The evening culminated in a spectacular candlelit dinner in the sitting room. With a fire roaring in the marble fireplace, the group enjoyed a feast of venison, crispy potato pavé, and celeriac purée, all paired with plenty of red wine and followed by a show-stopping baked Alaska.
A Final Stroll and a Traditional Roast
On Sunday, the group took advantage of the numerous hiking trails right on Penicuik House's doorstep. They embarked on the four-mile Penicuik Paper Trail at the Low Pond, following the River North Esk into town and spotting the Knight's Law Tower in the distance.
For a final culinary treat, they made a pitstop at The Craigie Hotel for a proper Sunday roast complete with Yorkshire pudding and all the trimmings, costing £20.50. After burning off their lunch with an hour-long stroll back to the house, they collected their bags and departed for the airport, concluding their memorable Scottish estate escape.
