Top 10% of guest reviews in this areaTop 10% of guest reviews in this area
2 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 4
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Free Wi-Fi
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue
Explore the area
Balerno, Scotland
Potter Around
Place, Potter Around
4 min drive
Malleny Garden
Place, Malleny Garden
5 min drive
Heriot-Watt University
Place, Heriot-Watt University
9 min drive
Edinburgh (EDI)
Airport, Edinburgh (EDI)
16 min drive
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)
Bedroom 1
1 Double Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Double Bed and 2 Single Beds
1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom
Bathroom 1
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Bathroom 2
Toilet
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Rural chic - The Hayloft others style and comfort with a rustic charm.
Great care has been taken in the design to reflect the colours and textures of the surrounding Pentland Hills Regional Park, throughout the seasons. In the heart of peaceful countryside yet only half an hour from Edinburgh city centre, the hayloft is in a unique location for your perfect holiday.The hayloft has a double bedroom with en-suite toilet and wash hand basin. There are two bedside tables and a wardrobe and soft Egyptian linen. The twin room has two single beds and a large cupboard for clothes. The Bathroom has a large bath with centre taps and an over bath shower. Light streams into the principle living space, which accommodates the Lounge, Kitchen and Dining area. The high ceiling and exposed original timber beams create an impressive and airy space to relax and enjoy views of the Pentland Hills to the South. There is a wood burning stove, which heats the room well in the colder months. On ground level a separate Laundry Room houses the washing machine, freezer and a molly maid rack for drying clothes and space to store bikes. There is a small enclosed garden with garden table and chairs for the patio and BBQ for the long summer nights. You can walk or cycle directly into the Pentlandhills regional park from the Hayloft gate. Buteland Farm - where the hayloft is located - has the unique advantages of being nestled in the Pentland Hills whilst being only ten miles from Edinburgh city centre. The surroundings offer peace and tranquility where the local flora and fauna can be enjoyed in abundance. Our local village of Balerno was established as a centre for paper and flax production, until recent times, using water power from the Water of Leith and many streams running off the Pentland Hills. The village hosts a farmers market, once a month, where delicious, high quality Scottish produce can be purchased. There are several pubs and restaurants in the vicinity where you can get a great selection of beers and food. Take away meals are also available. The village also has a post office and two small supermarkets. From the doorstep there are many walks and cycles into the Pentland Hills where you can also take a swim in warmer weather.
Getting around
The hayloft is 2.5 miles from the nearest bus stops in Balerno and 3 miles from the rail link at Kirknewton where you can catch a train to Edinburgh, Glasgow and beyond. Edinburgh airport is a mere 20 minute drive away. The magnificent Forth Road and Rail bridges are 30 minutes to the North at South Queensferry.
Other things to note
Locally there are sports centres,swimming pool,cinema and Ratho International climbing arena. We are 1 mile from Kirknewton Stables where many beautiful weddings are hosted. Jupiter Art land is 2 miles away and host a private and visiting collection of sculpture as well as having stunning grounds. Glasgow,Perth and Stirling are only an hour away as are the scenic villages and beaches of East Lothian and Fife.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue
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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
About the area
Balerno
Located in Balerno, this holiday home is in a rural area. Grassmarket and Dean Village are notable landmarks, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Princes Street and George 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. Take in the nearby slopes with skiing, or try out other outdoor activities such as sledging and ice skating.
Almondell and Calderwood Country Park - 7 min drive - 8.3 km
Heriot-Watt University - 9 min drive - 8.7 km
Edinburgh Park - 11 min drive - 12.3 km
Getting around
Kirknewton Station - 5 min drive
Edinburgh Park Tram Stop - 12 min drive
Edinburgh Airport (EDI) - 32 min drive
Restaurants
The Yard - 7 min drive
The Bridge Inn - 11 min drive
Riccarton Arms - 7 min drive
Dalmahoy Lounge - 11 min drive
The Corner Cafe - 8 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Rural chic - The Hayloft others style and comfort with a rustic charm. pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Rural chic - The Hayloft others style and comfort with a rustic charm.?
As of 8 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Rural chic - The Hayloft others style and comfort with a rustic charm. on 13 April 2026 start from NZ$556, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Rural chic - The Hayloft others style and comfort with a rustic charm.?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Rural chic - The Hayloft others style and comfort with a rustic charm.?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Rural chic - The Hayloft others style and comfort with a rustic charm.?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Rural chic - The Hayloft others style and comfort with a rustic charm. located?
Situated in a rural location, this holiday home is within 9 miles (15 km) of Heriot-Watt University, Bonaly Country Park and Jupiter Artland. Dalmahoy Golf Course and Edinburgh International Climbing Arena Ratho are also within 9 miles (15 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
This home was extremely comfortable and had all the comforts of home.Welcoming hosts. Enjoyed the garden and walking the streets along the cow pastures.
Frederick J.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 22 July 2025
Thank you for coming and enjoying our peaceful haven
Safe home
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Barbara M.
24 July 2017
Highly recommend the Hayloft
This was a beautiful relaxing location away from our busy site seeing vacation. My family and I hope to return soon.
Barbara M.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2020
Thank you for your kind words and I hope that the rest of your trip went well. We would welcome you back any time and thanks for leaving the Hayloft clean and tidy.
Keep well.
Susan and Chris
The apartment was neat and clean and well laid out. The location and view was very nice. In the middle of nature and yet close to all amenities and Edinburgh. Top vacation!
M.B. B.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 6 June 2023
Thank you for your review...glad you enjoyed your stay in our lovely part of the country
Beautiful quite location within easy travelling distance to Edinburgh and many other attractions. Nothing was too much trouble for the owners Susan and Chris.
Perfect stay in The Hayloft, a cosy and very convenient place to visit Edinburgh neighborhood. Reality perfectly matches the description on the site. We can recommend to all.
Koen D.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 2 August 2022
Thanks for your review hope the rest of your trip was a success.
Best wishes
Susan
We had a very relaxing stay out in the farm lands of Scotland. Our children loved the fresh air, quiet and the roads for my son to continue his running training. Susan and Chris were very kind and considerate. We got some nice recommendations for dinner in Balerno which was a nice break from crowded Edinburgh.
Allison W.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 7 July 2024
thank you guys for staying and leaving the Hayloft clean and tidy.
Hope the rest of your trip is great and have a safe journey home
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Ruth M.
30 December 2017
This is a magical spot combining luxury and great natural beauty!
This Haylofti is divine: beautiful and luxurious and cozy with the softest bedding and attention paid to every detail.. The natural setting is stunning and you feel as if you are removed from everything and yet you are just a drive from Edinburgh and Glasgow. Recommend very highly!
Ruth M.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2020
Thanks Ruth for such a lovely review...It sums up everything that we wanted to create for people travelling away from home.
I hope you all had a safe trip back to North Carolina and have a good 2018.
Haste ye back
Susan
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Rosalyn B.
12 August 2018
Quality accommodation in a peaceful location within easy reach of Edinburgh
Great location , a peaceful haven within easy reach of Edinburgh.
Exceeded our expectations, beautiful accommodation with lovely welcome gifts, thank you.Very comfortable and well equipped and a welcome back each evening from Hobbs the cat !
We enjoyed visiting The Fringe festival , The Royal Yacht Britannia, Sunshine on Leith and Trainspotting locations in the city, a Harry Potter themed escape room and the graveyard where JK Rowling used some of the names for her books, close to the Elephant cafe where she wrote.
Rosalyn B.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2020
Thank you for a great review, hope you got home safely...enjoy the rest of the summer.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Stuart V.
5 November 2017
Perfect!
Beautifully converted, well equipped and comfortable for the four of us (two children 11 and 14). No sounds, apart from the nearby cows. Really lovely to have a welcome pack including 2 local beers and lovely touches such as fresh cut flowers and handmade soaps. Clearly you had thought of children too, with two giant beanbags (which we never got near!) The check-in time of midday, much earlier than we're used to, was really helpful. Just 20 minutes from the city centre meant we could get there in no time and leave the hustle and bustle to reach beautiful countryside at the end of the day.
Stuart V.
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2020
Thank you for taking time to send this lovely review.
Hope you come back sometime.
Cheers Susan
It was a beautiful farmland setting with many walking trails, yet close to attractions in the area. Chris & Susan were very helpful and attentive. Chris let us know the train into Edinburgh was close by, and a 10 minute ride to the city. Great breakfast place The Carlisle, in town, as well as very good pizza at the Bocca Bona. Beds so comfortable and warming wood stove for the cool nights after a busy day. Amazing!
Loyce (Bunny) M.
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 21 May 2023
Lovely to meet you and glad that you enjoyed your visit to Edinburgh
Very cute cottage with lovely hosts. We enjoyed our stay very much. Highly recommended :-)
Brigitte Z.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2020
Thank you Brigitte we enjoyed meeting you and the family... Have a great summer 😀
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Rebecca M.
20 March 2019
Great property, quiet location, lovely owners
We had a lovely stay, nice and quiet but close enough to places that you want to visit like the centre of Edinburgh. Owners gave great advice with parking etc and left lovely touches such as eggs and home made cheese scones. Furnishings were really nice and high spec facilities. Would definitely stay here again
Rebecca M.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2020
Thanks for taking time to leave a lovely review.Hope the rest of the year is good for you and yours...
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Clare C.
25 October 2018
I can’t recommend the Hayloft highly enough!!!
Situated just outside Edinburgh but in a rural setting, you feel like your in the middle of nowhere. The Hayloft is so cosy and stylish that it oozes luxury and charm. The hosts go to so much trouble to make it welcoming too. We loved the little touches of fresh eggs and cake on arrival.
The location is perfect. We visited Edinburgh. Called at a local farm shop and also went for a beautiful autumnal walk through the nearby woodland. Back at the Hayloft was a log burning fire and a cosy surround to relax and while away the hours!!! Perfect!!!
Clare C.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2018
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Suzanne T.
28 August 2018
Fabulous accommodation fitted out to a very high standard.
This property is lovely and an ideal location for either local good eateries or for a short drive into Edinburgh. There are lovely country lanes with great views for walking out in good weather.
A very peaceful location, with good parking. The welcome basket with home made scones was a lovely touch too.
Suzanne T.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2020
Thank you for your lovely review glad you got to explore locally what Balerno and the Pentland hills have to offer.
Hope you got home safely
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Sandra S.
6 August 2018
Eine wunderschöne Ferienwohnung
Eine wunderschöne Wohnung, liebevoll eingerichtet mit tollen Details.
Liegt sehr ruhig und idyllisch, Edinburgh ist mit dem Zug jedoch in einer halben Stunde erreichbar
Sandra S.
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2020
Danke fur Ihre freundlichen Worte und ich hoffe, das Sie eines Tages wiederkommen konnen
Susan
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Linda S.
22 July 2018
Quiet, quaint, and just perfect!
I would highly recommend staying at the Hayloft for your visit to Scotland. It was the perfect place for a family of 4, close enough to take the bus into Edinburgh, close enough to drive to northern England, St. Andrews, Stirling, Loch Lomond, Oban, and surrounding areas, and it was the perfect quiet, Scottish country retreat. We loved the little village of Balerno, Carlyle's restaurant and The Riccarton pub. The Hayloft was clean, and well kept, and just perfect. There was plenty of space and we loved sitting outside in the garden with our visitor, Hobs, the friendly cat. Susan and Chris were so helpful and warm and welcoming. We sincerely enjoyed our stay.
Linda S.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2018
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Paul C.
28 June 2018
Quaint Country Setting
My family of 4 (2 adults and 2 teenagers) enjoyed our stay at the Hayloft. The place is in quiet setting the country, but close enough to Edinburgh (via car or train). Susan was a wonderful host and provided fresh eggs from her chickens which were very tasty. The layout of the apartment is perfect for 4 people and has a well stocked kitchen. Great place to stay to be away from the hustle of the big city, but only a few minutes from downtown Edinburgh or nearby sites. Highly recommended!
Paul C.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2020
Thanks guys for coming to stay and sharing a moment in time with us.
Hope you enjoyed visiting Scotland and come back some day.
A lovely review....haste ye back
Susan
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Lauren M.
10 January 2018
Lovely clean and cosy little get away!
We will definitely go back next time we want to visit Edinburgh.
Lauren M.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2018
Archival
10/10 Excellent
3 December 2017
Thanksgiving in Scotland
We stayed at the Hayloft while visiting our daughter to celebrate Thanksgiving. We loved the wood stove, the heated floors in the bathrooms, and the peacefulness of the surrounding countryside. It was the perfect setting to have Thanksgiving abroad. There was even a little snow to remind our daughter of New England!
The rooms are decorated with local art which blends beautifully with the exposed stone and wood. Its the ideal environment for unwinding after touring Edinburgh and the Christmas markets. Susan is a great hostess and provides extra little touches that make you feel even more welcome. We loved our stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2020
Thank you for your lovely review, hope that you all got home safely and have a Merry Christmas. Lovely to meet you all.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Peter B.
30 October 2017
A lovely place to stay... it exceeded our expectations
We absolutely loved it. Very clean modern place to stay
Peter B.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2020
Thank you for your kind words and for leaving the Hayloft tidy.
Haste ye back 😀
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Janine R.
9 July 2017
Lovely views
Spotlessly clean very well maintained lovely retreat from the hustle and madness of the city centre. Would definitely recommend and return again if in the area
Janine R.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2017
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Irina D.
18 June 2017
Excellent short holiday in a lovely home away from home.
Superb!
All you can ask for.
Nothing to add.
Will be back soon.
Thanks for the opportunity to stay in this lovely place
Irina D.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2017
About the host
Hosted by Hayloft Edinburgh
We bought the derelict Mill house in 1998 and Chris, who has his own architectural practise, sensitively designed and converted the building into a spectacular family home. The Hayloft was originally used in the early 1900s for ceilidh dances and during the conversion we found an old dancing shoe in the wall head that we took down. Our children used the hayloft for parties and band practise and now that they have left we decided to convert the space into a 2 bedroomed flat and share this magical area. We have done most of the renovation ourselves over the last year, providing stylish comfort that we ourselves expect when we go on holiday. When not building we enjoy socialising with friends, gardening, walking, cycling and water sports. Our garden also takes up a lot of time with growing vegetables and tending to our chickens.
Why they chose this property
We love the peace in this area, we can walk out of the door and into the hills and escape from the madding crowd, or we can travel into Edinburgh which is 10 miles away. From the hayloft on a clear day we can see Ben Lomond in the west and often have a view of snow capped hills in the winter.In the summer we get the most fantastic sunsets to the East and clear dark skies at night.
What makes this property unique
We fell in love with this building 20 years ago when it was derelict.
We have left the original beams exposed in the hayloft to give a feeling of space and light and used colour and fabric that reflects the wonderful landscape outside.