Gilmerton House

Description

Gilmerton House – An exclusive-use Georgian mansion for private stays and corporate retreats near Edinburgh

Gilmerton House is a warm, welcoming Grade A listed Georgian mansion set within a private 1,000-acre estate in East Lothian, around 30 minutes from Edinburgh. Designed for privacy and comfort, it's a luxurious choice for corporate retreats, leadership offsites, client entertaining, celebrations and golf-focused stays, with elegant interiors, immaculate gardens and exceptional flexibility across the house and wider estate.

Accommodation

For residential stays, Gilmerton House sleeps up to 26 across 13 individually designed bedrooms. The main house offers 10 immaculate bedrooms for up to 20 guests, while the Victorian Lodge adds a further three-bedroom, self-contained option for up to six guests, complete with its own private garden and a sociable kitchen-living area accessed via French doors. This mix suits groups who want everyone under one roof, as well as those who appreciate a little extra space and independence.

Indoor spaces

Inside, the house feels like a meticulously maintained family home, with roaring log fires and walls lined with portraits from thirteen generations of the Kinloch family. Alongside two drawing rooms and a snug, the billiards room and music room stand out for meetings and downtime. The 17th-century oak-panelled banquet room is an atmospheric setting for dinners, receptions and presentations, with seating for up to 50, while the ground-floor dining room accommodates up to 20 for private dining or board-level discussions. Four additional multifunctional rooms provide natural breakout options.

Outdoor spaces

Outdoor space is a defining feature, with a six-acre lawn framed by mature oak trees for marquee events, larger-scale team activities and relaxed summer gatherings. The South Garden offers a croquet lawn plus patio and barbecue area, while the Rose Garden provides a secluded spot for quieter moments. Guests can explore 4km of woodland trails, discover rare trees in the sunken wooded garden, and spot the estate’s beehives, which produce small-batch honey. Sustainability is part of daily life here, with long-established biomass heating and a recognised green ethos.

Dining and catering

Food and drink can be tailored to suit the pace and style of your stay, from hearty Scottish breakfasts and luxury fridge fills to wood-fired pizzas, Asado grills and multi-course tasting menus with paired wines and craft beers. Catering is delivered by culinary partners, The Edinburgh Catering Company, with menus shaped around your group’s preferences and dietary requirements. For more intimate stays, private chef and butler service can be arranged on request, supported by a brand-new catering kitchen and a private guest kitchen.

Corporate and group events

Gilmerton House is an excellent choice for exclusive corporate events near Edinburgh. Perfectly suited to strategy days, board meetings, away days and team-building retreats where discretion is a priority. It combines high-end accommodation with practical meeting capability, including a boardroom set-up with conference facilities, a large smart TV monitor, flip charts and sound system. The estate also supports a strong programme of optional activities, from whisky tastings and cookery experiences to archery, clay pigeon shooting, falconry displays and mini Highland Games. For larger occasions, The Laundry House provides a newly renovated, rustic-meets-modern event space for up to 100 seated guests, with a beamed roof, flagstone floor and an outdoor terrace.

Facilities and amenities

• Exclusive use of the house and 1,000-acre private estate
• 17th-century oak-panelled banquet room (seats up to 50)
• Ground-floor dining room (up to 20)
• Four additional reception and breakout rooms
• High speed fibre optic broadband throughout
• Boardroom set-up with 60’ smart TV monitor, flip charts and Sonos sound system
• Breakout and leisure: billiards, table tennis, grand piano, board games and yoga mats
• BBQ grill, fire pits and garden games
• 4km woodland walking trails
• 220-yard driving range and golf practice area (clubs and range balls provided)
• Brand new catering kitchen plus private guest kitchen with Aga, Nespresso machine and wine fridge

What's nearby

Gilmerton House sits close to Scotland’s Golf Coast, with North Berwick, beaches and historic sites within easy reach. Nearby highlights include Dirleton Castle and Tantallon Castle, coastal walks at Yellowcraig, Seacliff, Belhaven Bay and Tyninghame, plus the Scottish Seabird Centre and boat trips around Bass Rock. Golf groups are well placed for renowned links courses including Muirfield, North Berwick, The Renaissance Club and Gullane, with St Andrews also within reach. For culture and city time, Edinburgh is around 30 minutes away for the Royal Mile, galleries and seasonal events such as the August festivals, Christmas markets and Hogmanay.

Getting there

By car: Around 30 minutes from Edinburgh city centre and approximately 40 minutes from Edinburgh Airport.

By train: Edinburgh Waverley is around 35 minutes away. Local stations include Drem and East Linton (around 5 minutes), with Dunbar around 15 minutes away.