Tour an award-winning East Lothian lodge ideal for a romantic getaway

Fancy a country escape which offers peace and tranquillity close to Edinburgh? Then Garleton Lodge may be the ideal retreat.

Garleton Lodge is located in a countryside setting between Haddington and Gullane, and has recently been awarded a four-star gold accolade from Visit Scotland, just one year after opening.

Having worked in the property and catering industries in the Middle East, Angela and David Cockerton, decided to return to the UK and set up a small hotel offering a careful blend of understated luxury in a homely environment, which includes a restaurant, spa, outdoor hot tub and bar, all with spectacular 360-degree panoramic views across Edinburgh, the Forth and the East Lothian countryside.

Garleton Lodge has also achieved a VisitScotland 'Taste Our Best Award'.

Picture: Garleton Lodge

The award recognises businesses who are committed to serving and promoting high quality food and drink connecting the places people visit with first-class local produce.

Already working very closely with East Lothian food and drink suppliers, Angela and David have plans to open a Cookery School later next year to help further showcase the best of Scottish food and drink.

The couple have also recently launched of their handmade chocolate business – The Chocolate Stag.

The lodge and the team also work very closely with VisitScotland and East Lothian Council to promote East Lothian as Scotland’s Golf Coast – host to no less than four competitions, the Scottish Open, Scottish Senior Open, Ladies Scottish Open and World Hickory Championship – attracting both international and domestic visitors to stay, play, eat and watch golf.

Picture: Garleton Lodge

David Cockerton, Co-owner of Garleton Lodge said: “Angela and I are delighted that VisitScotland have recognised our efforts to provide exceptional guest care, service and hospitality with this Gold Award.

“After many years of planning, it was exciting for us to launch Garleton Lodge a little over a year ago. For VisitScotland to acknowledge what we are doing with this Gold Award is amazing and reinforces our enthusiasm to make all of our guests feel special during their stay.

Picture: Garleton Lodge

"We have further exciting plans in the pipeline – including the introduction of a Cookery School aimed at showcasing not only Angela’s cooking but also East Lothian food and drink producers.”

Guests to Garleton Lodge can look forward to wonderful countryside views, enjoyed from the stylish rooms, which have been decorated in a neutral colour palette with hints of tartan.

With spectacular panoramic views across Firth of Forth and the Lammermuir Hills, Garleton Lodge near Haddington is an ideal short break destination.

Picture: Garleton Lodge

Strolling through East Lothian’s many villages and small towns is a relaxing way to enjoy a short break and close to Garleton Lodge is the market town of Haddington.

Its monthly farmers’ market is a popular fixture as it attracts producers from the farmlands aroundthe historic town.

Garleton Lodge

Because of this, local produce is also a key feature of the guest experience at Garleton Lodge. “The idea behind our food is that it provides our guests with what East Lothian and Scotland has to offer,” says David.

With six ensuite bedrooms, Garleton Lodge’s attention to detail makes a short break a true escape. A hot tub with impressive views is an added bonus.

And, with plans to introduce a spa and cookery school later in the year, Garleton Lodge can only grow in popularity as a bolthole from city life.