Entire home

A beautiful Dower House

Photo gallery for A beautiful Dower House

A large, historic stone building with a symmetrical facade, surrounded by well-maintained lawns and mature trees.
A dining area with a table set for four, large windows, and a view of a garden.
A kitchen with wooden cabinets, a gas stove, a sink, and a window with a view of greenery.
A four-poster bed with a wooden frame and white bedding, a bedside table with a lamp, and a chair in a bedroom with beige walls and carpet.
A living room with two sofas, a plaid ottoman, a floor lamp, and a large mirror.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area

Highlights

  • Room to spread out
    Enjoy spacious layout that give everyone more room to relax.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
6 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 14

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Barbecue
  • Garden
  • Free Wi-Fi

Explore the area

View map
Pathhead, Scotland
  • Place, Vogrie Country Park
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Royal Mile
    ‪28 min drive‬
  • Place, Edinburgh Castle
    ‪30 min drive‬
  • Airport, Edinburgh (EDI)
    ‪28 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

6 bedrooms (sleeps 14)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 4

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 5

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 6

2 Single Beds

4 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 3

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 4

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

Spaces

Kitchen
Garden

About this property

A beautiful Dower House

Cranstoun Riddel in the grounds of Oxenfoord Castle and Estate have been owned by the same family for nearly five hundred years. The house is set in beautiful scenic grounds and is situated in the depth of the countryside while at same time being only 12 miles from the centre of Edinburgh. There is not another property in sight of the house or the garden there - though you will see deer; hares; birds of all sorts from black birds to owls and birds of prey.

At the same time as being very secluded we are ideally placed for travel to and from other areas. Being so near to Edinburgh we are close to both rail and airport and on a good road system for travel to all parts of Scotland. We are with 15 mins of the beautiful coastlines on East Lothian and at the same time equally close to the wonderful Pentland Hills if sights from on high and hill walking are one of your passions.

We have the culture and history of Edinburgh on our doorstep combined with shopping and all the city activities that appeal to the young.

Cranstoun Riddel is a very happy and characterful house. Ideal for family or group holidays for any reason; suitable for all ages with a bedroom and its own bathroom on the ground floor for those who may not be so agile on the stair.

The views over the parks are spectacular and the surrounding trees appear to protect the house. There is a towering Wellingtonia very close to the house with its huge trunk is seem from the drawing room window.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number ML00077F
Property # 11188482
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

Pathhead

Located in Pathhead, this holiday home is in a rural area. Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle are notable landmarks, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Grassmarket and Princes Street. Check out an event or a game at Murrayfield Stadium, and consider making time for Edinburgh Zoo, a top attraction not to be missed. Sailing and fishing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling and ecotours nearby.
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Map
Pathhead, Scotland

What's nearby

  • Vogrie Country Park - 3 min drive - 1.9 km
  • University of Edinburgh - 26 min drive - 19.4 km
  • Royal Mile - 28 min drive - 20.6 km
  • Princes Street - 29 min drive - 20.7 km
  • Edinburgh Castle - 30 min drive - 20.7 km

Getting around

  • Newtongrange Station - 10 min drive
  • Edinburgh Airport (EDI) - 33 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Greggs - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Bombay lounge - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Restoration Yard - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Restoration Cafe - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Kebab Mahal - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is A beautiful Dower House pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at A beautiful Dower House ?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at A beautiful Dower House ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at A beautiful Dower House ?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is A beautiful Dower House located?

Situated in a rural location, this holiday home is 1.5 mi (2.4 km) from Vogrie Country Park and within 6 miles (10 km) of Dalkeith Country Park and Borthwick Castle. Glenkinchie Distillery and Dalhousie Castle are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 28 out of 30 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 30 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 30 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 30 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 30 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent stay
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This far exceeded our expectations. It was so peaceful and relaxing. The property was amazing the pictures on the website really didn’t do it justice. From the moment the car pulled up to the door we were transported to fairytale.The hosts of the property were so nice, friendly and very welcoming. We look forward to when we can visit again.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Spacious property, well kept grounds, serene surroundings. Had everything needed to cook and clean. We loved it.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very friendly hosts, house was bigger than expected. Everything we needed was there and would definitely stay again
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
There are not enough stars to rate this amazing home and the fabulous and friendly hosts. Harriet and Michael were fantastic, answering questions and providing guidance weeks before we even got there. The house was so incredibly special. Magical hidden rooms, a stunning dinning room, and a breath taking yard. We saw sheep, deer and beautiful butterflies and birds while sipping tea in the lovely sitting room. It was easy to get to Edinburgh, where we went several days to the Fringe Festival. (The hosts even supported our kids' musical by attending and bringing others).Any question we had, was answered immediately and the hosts made sure everything was perfect for us. We hope to make our lovely Scotland visit an annual event. We highly recommend and will definitely stay again.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Good hosts. Replied quickly to any problems. Just a pleasant experience overall.Easily accommodated our large family. We all enjoyed the castle grounds. Everyone had fun.
Stayed 28 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Harriet is a wonderful host, helping me with the smallest of enquiries before our group of 12 people arrived.All the beds and rooms where comfortable and the sitting room was a delight to keep the woodburner company in the evenings with a plentiful wood supply.The sun shone for our stay and we saw hares on the front lawn. The wellingtonia trees where magnificent to see.We hope to be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely brilliant cottage on beautiful grounds. Very easy to get into the city or drive out into the country. The owners are lovely people and make you feel very much at home. One of the best VRBO locations we're ever stayed at and we will certainly return in the future.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fit for Royalt

Absolutely ideal venue for our family! The location, grounds, house and host were all wonderful!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful family place

We had a large family gathering and the house and grounds are beautiful. Kitchen was well equipped. The outdoor area was beautiful and fun for the younger kids to stretch their legs. The furnishing was elegant but very comfortable. Everyone loved it and would stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was a great space for our family group of 13. There was a lot of space to spread out, outdoor space for the kids to run around and a great dining room for us to all eat together. I would definitely recommend this place for a large group. The kids were very happy to see deer, squirrels and lots of birds in the gardens. We had our own transport so it was easy to get around thankfully.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 30 September 2025
We are so glad that you enjoyed your stay at the Riddel. We very much enjoyed and appreciated the lovely message left by "One of the Kids". It is lovely to know that the whole family loved it.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great house

perfect for larger groups.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful and comfortable house in a great setting

Beautiful & stylish house on very nice castle grounds. Well setup & equipped and very comfortable and spacious
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Group stay exploring Edinburgh and surrounding areas

We really enjoyed our stay at Harriet’s place and especially enjoyed the extensive outdoor space and sense of privacy the location gives. Easy to access Edinburgh and lots of good local walks. Would definitely recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 4 September 2023
Dear Jamie, we are so pleased you liked the house and enjoyed yourselves there.. You were very good guests and we hope you may come back again. Thank you. Harriet
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful and cozy.

This was such a wonderful experience for our family. Harriet was a great host who always communicated promptly. Very comforting.We felt appreciated and we enjoyed the cosy home. She made us feel like part of her family.Such a classy place. We very much appreciated the stay. We definitely would return.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful spacious house and grounds

The place is located in a peaceful area outside of Edinburgh. Its an easy drive into Edinburgh but public transportation options are limited. The house and grounds are charming and very delightful. The house is very spacious with multiple large common areas. This place is ideal for large families who want privacy. The host was very responsive and accommodating.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Convenient spot for the fringe and sightseeing.

Property very well kept with traditional style. Beds were very comfy with very clean crisp bed linens. Lovely
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 6 September 2023
Thank you Catherine, I am so pleased you liked it. Harriet
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous place and host!

We had a great time and what a gorgeous house and grounds. Harriet (host) was so helpful and available when needed. Her tip on getting into Edinburgh by train was worth its weight in gold! Her restaurant recommendation was spot on and great….. we all loved it! Nick
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 July 2025
Thank you for saying those kind things and for choosing to come to stay at the Riddel. It was a delight to meet you and some of your party.
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Overall convenient

A nice spacious place, you feel isolated but yet close to nearby town and Edinburgh. Convenient for a family gathering
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 14 August 2023
Dear Bibi, Thank you for your kind words about the Riddel. It is a deeply loved house, as you say isolated and yet near enough the city that you can have best of both worlds. We are so pleased you enjoyed your stay.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A lovely house and beautiful garden

We had such a lovely time in a beautiful house. Set in a castle’s grounds you couldn’t ask for a better place to stay. The proximity to Edinburgh allowed us to explore the city and come back and relax. The host was very helpful and we had such a lovely time! Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family

It was a great Scotland get away. Host was wonderful at communication. Bus location was close. Great experience.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Stay at the Dower House

We stayed at the Dower House with a large group of 11 and LOVED our time there. The house and estate grounds were beautiful and peaceful. The house was a quick drive into Edinburgh. It was nice having so much land that the kids could run around in. The owners were so kind and welcoming. Couldn't recommend this place enough.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect For a Family Gathering

We loved our stay here! The property was everything we had hoped for. Loads of space for us all - 11 adults and a toddler. The house has real character and we had everything we needed. The owners were easy to communicate with, and responded very quickly when we had a minor issue. And the letting and location are beautiful too - we saw deer, hare and buzzards from the garden!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 10 July 2024
Dear Peter, thank you for you comments. We are so sorry there was an issue with the water; also so pleased you had a good stay with us. Best wishes, Harriet
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The Riddle

I absolutely gorgeous property.. The children and adults enjoyed the large yard. Everything was perfect. I would highly recommend.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family reunion & wedding

Great location, beautiful home, well equipped kitchen. Lots of towels and bedrooms were comfortable with loads of room. Nice efficient wood burner in the sitting room - needs some fire irons but lovely and cosy. Garden space is enormous - almost cricket pitch size! Fabulous for energetic children.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

About the host

Hosted by Harriet Dalrymple

Host profile image
Our family has lived here for centuries. The castle parks and surrounding working farms are all run by and part of the family business.

Why they chose this property

This particular property is very close to our hearts as it was where we started off our early marriage and had our 4 children. Every inch of the house and garden has been loved and played in by us. We know the special atmosphere it has.

What makes this property unique

Come and stay in a property on an estate with a castle and beautiful grounds that are steeped in history. You may walk in the private grounds of the castle and on request you may be able to have a tour of the castle.

Languages:

English

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They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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