- 4
- 2
- 1
- 2
- Map
Overview
From tiny hidden harbours to secluded sandy coves, Windyrig in the pretty village of Cockburnspath sits in a gem of a spot for exploring the Berwickshire and East Lothian coastline.
A delightful period cottage with cliff top walks on the doorstep and a hop, skip and a jump to the sandy beach
Sitting on the east end of the Southern Upland Way, walkers and outdoor enthusiasts will be drawn to this area for fantastic cliff-top walks with dream views, and miles of serene sandy beaches right along this stretch of coastline.
Dating back 250 years, Windyrig is a charming period cottage located on the edge of this peaceful little village, complete with a local community shop.
The endearing cottage exterior with a characterful red pantile roof opens into the sitting room on one side and the kitchen on the other, each enjoying a sunny open aspect and private views into the cottage garden.
Both rooms benefit from working shutters, while the sitting room includes a lovely feature window and original Victorian picture rail. A multi-fuel stove adds warmth and ambience while a Smart TV and super-fast fibre broadband ensures that all the demands of modern living are met.
The smart shaker style kitchen with granite work surfaces leads into a utility/boot room with washing and drying facilities, and the bathroom with a large multi-jet spa bath will be a welcome addition for easing those aching legs after a day in the great outdoors.
Upstairs are two small cosy bedrooms with coombed ceilings, with zip and link beds offering good flexibility for couples of families alike.
Outdoors, guests can enjoy the pretty cottage garden with views towards the church spire, and a hidden garden adds complete privacy for sunshine days and summer barbecues.
Property details
Important
The cottage sits on the ground and first floor level. There are a number of steps within the property which may leave it unsuitable for guests with restricted mobility. Given the period nature of the property, a number of the door and ceilings have variable heights. Please contact us if you have any concerns.
Ground Floor
Sitting room with wood burning stove (initial basket of logs provided), two double sofas. Smart TV, DVD player, selection of books and games.
Kitchen with double electric oven and grill, induction hob, dishwasher, fridge/freezer, microwave. A washing machine/dryer is located in the utility/boot room. Dining space with seating for four.
Family bathroom (one step up) with multi-jet spa bath with shower over, heated towel rail, basin and WC.
Utility/boot room (one step down) with with belfast sink, hanging rail, washing machine/dryer.
First Floor
Bedroom one with zip and link beds which can be configured to 3’ twin beds or 6’ super king as required, side tables, fitted wardrobe with hanging and storage space.
Bedroom two with zip and link beds which can be configured to 3’ twin beds or 6’ super king as required, side tables, fitted wardrobe with hanging and storage space.
Outside
The cottage has a lawned garden with a separate private garden accessed via a separate locked gate. Bench seating and outdoor furniture.
Storage for bicycles and other outdoor kit is available on request.
Parking
There is parking for one car in the driveway or on-street parking in the immediate vicinity.
Electric Vehicle Charging
For safety reasons, we do not permit electric vehicle or hybrid car charging at this property. If you’re travelling by EV, discover your nearest electric vehicle charging point here.
Babies & children
A highchair and travel cot can be made available on request.
Dogs
Two dogs are welcome with £25 charge for the first dog and a £10 charge for the second dog. Dogs must be kept to the utility room until clean and dry. Dogs must be kept out of the bedrooms and off the furniture.
Guest amenities
The beds are made up with good quality bed linen. A hair dryer is supplied in the master bedroom. Towels and guest toiletries are provided.
Wi-Fi & Mobile Coverage
Superfast fibre broadband is available. There is good mobile coverage on most networks.
Heating
Electric heating throughout the property which is individually controlled. Wood burner in the sitting room - first basket of logs supplied.
SHORT-TERM LETS LICENSING
Scottish short-term lets licence number: Pending
The current EPC rating for this property is band G, a copy of the certificate can be found here.
Location
There is a Community Shop in the village stocking newspapers, basic groceries, bakery items, fresh fruit and veg, butcher meat, alcohol and local artisan products.
Belhaven Smokehouse in Dunbar (8.5 miles) offer a super range of smoked fish, meat, cheese and local produce, and there are a number of quality butchers in the area selling locally sourced meat as well as game. Andersons Butchers in North Berwick (19 miles) come highly recommended, selling pork from the locally reared Mangalica or ‘hairy pigs ‘(a Hungarian cross between domestic breeds and wild boar). There is also a traditional fishmonger in Dunbar High Street. Larger supermarket shopping can all be found in Dunbar, Haddington and North Berwick.
For eating out, there are a wide range of dining options in the area but try The Creel in Dunbar for warm, informal dining and locally sourced food and seafood, or the Rocks Hotel for their excellent seasonal menu.
Further afield, the Waterside Bistro in Haddington is a super choice for lunch or evening dining, along with plenty of lovely coffee stops along the way.
Activities
Just a 20 minute walk from the cottage, is the very picturesque harbour at Cove (1.2 miles), with access to the main quay via a track along the cliff-side, and a secluded sandy cove on the other side of the harbour via an old salted storage tunnel cut through the hillside.
More recently, Cove Harbour has featured in a number of films, including “Mrs. Brown”, the film about Queen Victoria’s prolonged stay in Scotland. It also featured in the art of ‘The Glasgow Boys” as several of this informal alliance of Victorian artists visited the Cockburnspath area to paint the local scenery in the early 1880's.
The John Muir Country Park covers some of the most spectacular East Lothian coastline, featuring expansive sandy beaches which are a haven for wildlife and birdlife. The Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick offers the opportunity to view the rich marine-life and birdlife of the area using powerful webcams and telescopes, including some curious seals and dolphins if you are particularly lucky!
Here you can also take boat trips to some fantastic locations. Enjoy a seabird catamaran cruise, a three island seabird safari or for nature lovers and photographers, an unforgettable experience on the Bass Rock or Isle of May.
Other favourite spots include the vast glorious beach at Gullane; the dune-fringed sands at Belhaven; or the secluded sands at Seacliff - an enchanting gem with a tiny harbour and wonderful views north towards Tantallon Castle.
For cycling you can join Sustrans 76 which runs all the way down the coast to Berwick upon Tweed or you can enjoy some leisurely cycling circuits along traffic free paths and minor roads, taking time to explore the quaint coastal villages of the area.
Bikes can be hired from Belhaven Bikes in Dunbar, while fatbiketours.co.uk in North Berwick run lessons and guided treks on specially designed ˜fatbikes” which are a fantastic way to explore the remote sandy bays and ancient clifftop castles of the area on two wheels.
Take the John Muir Way for walking, a scenic route passing through North Berwick and following the line of the East Lothian coast, or walk sections of the Southern Upland Way which ends right in the village of Cockburnspath.
For watersports, superb kayaking can be found around the waterways off Dunbar, with thrilling wakeboarding and ringo rides at nearby Foxlake. Surf buffs can enjoy some enjoy some wonderful sport right along the coast and there is a surf school in Dunbar offering lessons in paddleboarding, surfing and coasteering. There are also dive charters from the harbours in Dunbar and North Berwick taking in the stunning nature reserve sites around the Forth, Bass Rock and Isle of May.
For golf, the area is world-famous for its stunning links courses with North Berwick, Muirfield, Luffness, Gullane all within easy reach.
Finally take a visit to the magnificent city of Edinburgh (36 miles or half-an-hour by train from Dunbar) where you can explore the fascinating architecture of the old town and soak-up the culture and heritage of this beautiful vibrant city. Wander the cobbled closes and narrow stairwells of the Royal Mile; take a candle-lit tour of the underground vaults of the old city for some fascinating tales of Edinburgh’s darker past; or perhaps partake in a wee dram or a tasting session at the Scotch Whisky Centre where you can learn to nose, swirl and taste like an expert.
If you’re lucky enough to be in the city in July and August, don’t miss the vibrant Fringe Festival, exceptional Jazz and Blues Festival or the Edinburgh Military Tattoo ending with a poignant lone piper lament high on the castle ramparts. Truly spectacular!
C&C experiences
We invite you to enjoy the most coveted and exclusive local experiences available in the North of England and the South of Scotland on your next Crabtree & Crabtree adventure.
Find Out More
Walking
From the lush green uplands to shimmering sea, the area boasts a hugely diverse and enticing landscape that is perfect for exploring on foot. From gentle rambles to long-distance hikes, there are a vast array of trails and waymarked routes for newbie walkers or experienced alike.
Find Out More
Historic houses and castles
With more stately homes, castles and historic sites here than you can shake a proverbial stick at, visitors are quite simply spoilt for choice.
Find Out More
Cycling & mountain biking
Whether you ride fast or slow, on-road or off-road, there is something uniquely special about enjoying some outdoor time on two wheels. Here in the region we have something for everyone from high-energy mountain biking blasts to gentle forest paths the whole family can enjoy.
Find Out More
Golf
There are 40 golf courses in Northumberland, and another 21 in the Scottish Borders offering visitors an incredibly wide and varied range of golfing options.
Find Out More
Children and families
Here at Crabtree & Crabtree, we like to think we’ve pulled together some rather nifty ideas to keep tots to teens happy and entertained during your stay.
Find Out More
Adventure Sports
If you love a challenge or just crave a little excitement away from the day-to-day bustle of working life, we have lots to offer - whether it be watery pursuits, muddy blasts or thrill seeking, adrenaline-charged adventures.
Find Out More
Fishing
Welcome to the realm of the king of fish, the mighty River Tweed. Every year thousands of Atlantic Salmon make their way up river, an annual odyssey that is one of nature's miracles.
Find Out More
Wildlife
Our region is home to outstanding scenery which boasts emerald forests, pristine lochs and rivers, heathery hillsides, sweeping moorlands as well as a picture perfect coastline.
Find Out More
Shooting
For sheer variety alone Northumberland and the Scottish Borders are irresistible to any gun.
Find Out More
Ancestral history research
Crabtree & Crabtree know that tracing the history of your family can be a wonderful journey of discovery. Here are our top tips for starting your family tree.
Find Out MoreServices
Holiday photography
Family holidays, reunions and honeymoons kindle priceless moments that deserve preserving.
Find Out More
Wine delivery
Crabtree & Crabtree have teamed up with Corney & Barrow one of the longest established independent Wine Merchants in the UK to offer a bespoke service.
Find Out More
Dog sitting
Our experienced dog sitters will look after your furry friends whilst you are out exploring.
Find Out More
Additional housekeeping
Award yourself a real break and let us provide a pair (or more) of helping hands.
Find Out More
Reviews
"We had a lovely stay at Windyrig, the cottage was just perfect for us and our 2 dogs. The garden was private and secure, and the cottage was very clean and had everything we needed. The local community shop was a real gem, and everybody we met in the village was very friendly. We will certainly be returning."
Wilson Party"We had an amazing time at Windyrig. The cottage was wonderful and spotlessly clean. We loved the mix of original features and modern touches. The weather was very kind to us so we had some fab times on the quiet beaches. We can’t wait to visit again!"
Mrs Wilson"We have had a fab week at Windyrig exploring the village and surrounding area. Great community spirit with the shop having lots of essentials and treats and the weekend pizzeria was excellent, well worth finding down at the Old Smiddy. We also enjoyed the walking from the cottage to Cove Beach and onwards along the southern upland Path to Pease Bay then cross country home to the cottage. Golf at Eyemouth was spectacular, followed by amazing fresh local scampi and fish at The Heathers restaurant at the golf club - best views in town. It was also lovely to sit reading in the secluded garden at the cottage and we had all our breakfasts al fresco. Great week in a beautiful area of the country."
Mrs & Mr Cochrane"What a wonderful stay at Windyrig. A beautiful cottage in a perfect location. Even the walks directly from the village were stunning. We will be back!"
Mrs Tyler"This is the third time we’ve stayed in one of your cottages and again, really couldn’t fault it. Beautifully furnished, immaculately clean and very well equipped."
Mr & Mrs Sheail"We had a most relaxing stay at Windyrig. Its a lovely property in an excellent position to explore the coast. The view from the bedroom is beautiful, looking out past the garden to the church and sea. The house has everything we needed and more! The spa bath was a real treat and the 'secret garden' was an extra hideaway. On the first night we saw a hedgehog on the drive! It was all a haven of peace which we both very much needed. The owner kindly offered to drop some more logs off if the weather turned cold, which it did, and also brought some delicious apples from her garden. I would highly recommend this wonderful house and location to anyone and I can't wait to visit again."
Ms Haswell"We had a wonderful few days over Christmas staying at Windyrig. It really is a fantastic cottage: warm, very comfortable (especially the beds), a lovely wood burner, and the owners had put up a decorated Christmas tree for us which was a really kind touch. The cottage was also very practical: a fully equipped kitchen which we used a lot, a proper utility area, and a genuinely enclosed, private and dog-friendly garden. It's perfectly located in a small and friendly village for walking the coastal path and visiting the beautiful coves, harbours and bays: there are walks from the cottage or you can take the car. If we'd had longer we'd have explored the hills inland, too. The cottage made the perfect Christmas break and we've sent the link to family and friends. We were also really impressed with Crabtree & Crabtree: an excellent selection of cottages to choose from on a website that was easy to search through and that was full of the right, useful information; and a very friendly and efficient service the whole way through the booking process. From our experience, C&C has a very thoughtful and helpful approach that sets it apart from others."
Adrian G"Thank you for a wonderful week at Windyrig!! We loved having beautiful beaches, almost all to ourselves, and visiting the wonderful castles in the area. Also, Edinburgh Fringe was fab!"
Sheehy family"What a fabulous week in your beautiful cottage. The beds and luxury linen made it so comfortable, like a home from home. We enjoyed the secret garden being so private. The area has so much to offer. We loved having the local cove all to ourselves for a picnic. Thank you to the owners for making us so welcome."
Morrin family"Lovely few days in sparkling new Windyrig cottage. Fine weather allowed us to enjoy great walks, especially to Cove & Pease Bay. Definitely return to this beautiful area."
Mr & Mrs Robertson"Our few days stay at this cottage was most enjoyable and very comfortable. The cottage itself was quiet, well appointed with attention to detail. The appliances were all brand new and everything worked perfectly. The village has pleasant walks around it and there are plenty walks further afield, and old harbours to explore. A good centre for touring around Berwickshire and East Lothian and for accessing small towns."
Young family"Another C & C triumph, our 3rd cottage in the last 12 months.
Splendid little cottage, comfortable and well provisioned with all of the little bits one needs for a stay of one week.
Owner came very promptly to fix a couple of minor issues and is a delightful man.
Location good for visiting surrounding area.
Highlights St Abbs (a harbour owned and managed by local residents) and nearby nature reserve - makes a good walk, 3 places to buy a light lunch."
Pontifex Family"Windyrig is truly a special wee place to stay ideally based for all that East Lothian,Edinburgh,and the Borders has to offer it was a treat to stay there with it’s luxurious bathroom and secret garden we most definitely will be back."
Mr & Mrs SmithAvailability
- Two dogs are welcome with a £25 charge for the first dog and a £10 charge for the second dog.
- Typical arrival day: Friday during high season. Flexible out of high season.
- Arrival time: 4pm
- Departure time: 10am
"A Smart TV and superfast fibre broadband ensure that all the demands of modern living are met."Sue, Crabtree & Crabtree
