Travel: Harvest Moon, Lochhouses Farm, East Lothian

By KAYT TURNER
Published on 16/09/2012 18:13

A ROMANTIC break away? When it was first put to me by my other half, I nearly bit his hand off. But I acted very casual about the whole thing, a lady likes to be convinced and woo-ed, you know.

He mentioned that there would be deserted, white sandy beaches for us to stroll along. That we could eat freshly caught lobster, sitting on our own private terrace as we watched the sun set over our unimpeded view of the beach. I was haring off to pack my overnight bag, so I couldn't be certain that I heard him properly, but I swear that he then said we would be staying in a tent. That couldn't be right, could it?

A ROMANTIC BREAK AWAY?

When it was first put to me by my other half, I nearly bit his hand off. But I acted very casual about the whole thing, a lady likes to be convinced and woo-ed, you know. He mentioned that there would be deserted, white sandy beaches for us to stroll along. That we could eat freshly caught lobster, sitting on our own private terrace as we watched the sun set over our unimpeded view of the beach. I was haring off to pack my overnight bag, so I couldn’t be certain that I heard him properly, but I swear that he then said we would be staying in a tent. That couldn’t be right, could it?

Well, who knew that camping could be romantic? Not that first-flush-of-relationship, put-up-with-anything sort of romantic, but proper, grown-up romantic.

Michele Dale has created a beautiful Honeymoon tent as part of her Harvest Moon campsite at Lochhouses in East Lothian. Don’t worry too much, though, you don’t have to be a newly-wed to qualify for residency.

WINING AND DINING?

Well, that’s up to you,. The wood-burning stove is actually quite easy to cook on, once you get it up to ramming speed.

And you will want to cook. East Lothian is stuffed to bursting with fabulous produce – and it’s not as though you have to go into the fields yourself to access it. There are innumerable wee farm shops within a ten-mile radius of the campsite, as well as fresh fish and lobster available at the harbour in xxxx. Mind you, Michele has also thought about those loved-up couples who don’t even want to leave the site. The honesty farm shop has a fabulous selection of local produce. From duck and pheasant from their own woods to award-winning potatoes and sprouts from their fields. Michele has even gone as far as to have a small selection of home-made stove-ready meals available.

BUDGET OR BOUTIQUE?

This is definitely boutique. Forget any hang-ups you might have from scout or guide camps in your youth. Luxury goose down duvets, feather pillows and crisp linen will very quickly dispel any lingering memories of damp canvas. Nor are you having to pick your way to the shower block by torchlight – all tents have en-suite facilities. 
Not only that, the path to the Honeymoon tent is lit by lanterns if you need to find your way back at night.

WORTH GETTING OUT OF BED FOR?

The private terrace is a real sun-trap, giving you a breathtaking view of the beach, but if you can tear yourself away there is plenty to occupy you locally. The farm hires out bikes and there are stables nearby to allow you to explore the countryside at a leisurely pace. Alternatively, the picturesque towns of Dunbar and North Berwick are only a few miles away.

LITTLE EXTRAS?

Unlike some other ‘luxury’ tents I’ve stayed in, these have a real personal touch. Michele also knows that, for all it’s beauty, East Lothian can be chilly, so all tents are well-insulated. Even without a special someone to cuddle up to, you’ll be warm.

GUESTBOOK COMMENTS?

For a really surprising romantic treat, why go anywhere else? It’s a chance to have an idyllic, restful break away from all electronic pressures without having to rough it in the process. A weekend runs from Friday afternoon to Monday morning, so you’re not rushed out the door either. A midweek break is Monday afternoon to Friday morning. Prices are £485 to £875.

www.harvestmoonholidays.com