Luxury Accommodation at Penicuik Estate: Ideal for Discerning Collectors and Appreciators of Fine Taste
Let's Check Out Penicuik Estate: A Blend of History and Modern Luxury
Get ready to rub elbows with the past and the present, my friend! Penicuik Estate, nestled at the foot of the Pentland Hills, offers just that, and then some. This stunning 7,500-acre property, about half an hour south of Edinburgh, is a dreamland where you can immerse yourself in history, bask in the beauty of nature, and unwind in luxury, all at the same bloody time.
Let's take a quick stroll down memory lane, shall we? In the early 17th century, a shrewd Merchant named John Clerk, who made a killing importing French goodies like silk stockings, medieval manuscripts, and possibly the OG Rembrandt in Scotland, decided to become a country gentleman. And boy, did he make the most of it! He acquired the Penicuik estate in 1654, and the Clerks have been holding fort ever since.
Penicuik Estate has been a canvas for each successive generation of the Clerks. Two standouts, though, are Sir John Clerk (1676-1755) and his son, Sir James Clerk (1709-1782). The former was a Renaissance Man in the truest sense – a judge, politician, art enthusiast, amateur architect, and landscape designer. His masterpiece, Sir John's Designed Landscape of Penicuik, has been officially recognized as a work of art of outstanding value.
Sir James, on the other hand, was a chip off the old block, leaving his mark by overseeing the construction of Penicuik House between 1761 and 1769. One of the earliest and finest Palladian buildings in Scotland, it's a marvel to behold, even in its charred, post-fire state (more on that later).
Fast forward to modern times, and we've got Ed Clerk, the current custodian of Penicuik Estate, essentially the baby of the 11th baronet. This man has ideas, and plenty of 'em – the good kind, mind you! Though still very much a working farm, he sees hospitality and leisure as integral parts of the estate's future business model.
Ed's got plans galore to restore, regenerate, and rejuvenate the estate. In fact, five of Penicuik's cottages and lodges have already been restored and are ready for you to rent as of summer 2024. And he's not stopping there; six more are on the way in the coming year.
Now, let's talk about Penicuik House – the former stable block, turned a 16-bed exclusive-use hotel. While it's still under renovation, it's shaping up quite nicely, with a style reminiscent of country-chic and nudging Soho Farmhouse to a whole new level of opulence. Expect to see many of the original objets and accoutrements from the Clerk family's collection adorning its walls, alongside iron rings once used to tether horses, adding a touch of nostalgia to your stay.
Sadly, Old Penicuik House, as charming as it may be, was ruined by a fire in 1899. The Clerks moved to the stable block after the incident, but the charred shell of the old house still stands and is open to the public, free of charge. It's worth a visit to appreciate the history and craftsmanship that went into creating this architectural wonder.
Book your stay at Penicuik Estate now, and get ready for an unforgettable experience that's part history, part luxury, and all excitement! Oh, and a heads up – a one-bedroom cottage costs from £220 a night, and Penicuik House (sleeps 32) is taking bookings from August 2025!
Experience a blend of history, luxury, and modern living by booking a stay at Penicuik Estate. Delve into the home-and-garden charm of the restored cottages and lodges, discover the travel destinations within the estate, or even plan a lifestyle escape in the upcoming Penicuik House, set to redefine opulence with its country-chic style.
