Penicuik Estate
Scotland
PERSONALITIES
Immersive Nature Experiences. Lovers of history. Art and design aficionados. Writers. People looking for a destination wedding or retreat venue.
MOMENTS
Ancient woodlands. Wildflower meadows. Wild swimming. Far-reaching views of pastures. Heritage meets design. Authenticity and character. Considered one of the finest and most original Designed Landscapes in Scotland.
BEST VISITING MONTHS
Scotland offers unique experiences throughout the year, making it a destination worth visiting in any season. In spring (March to May), the countryside comes alive with blooming flowers, lambs in the fields, and milder weather, perfect for scenic walks. Summer (June to August) is peak tourist season, with long daylight hours and the famous Edinburgh festivals, offering vibrant cultural experiences. Autumn (September to November) brings stunning fall foliage and a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere, ideal for exploring castles, lochs, and whisky distilleries. Winter (December to February) offers a magical experience with snow-capped mountains, festive Christmas markets, and opportunities for skiing in the Highlands.
COST
WHY STAY
Penicuik Estate offers a unique rural retreat experience just 30 minutes from Edinburgh, set within a 400-hectare Designed Landscape. This breathtaking Scottish getaway immerses guests in nature and history, providing an opportunity to slow down, disconnect, and unwind. The estate features beautifully restored houses and cottages nestled among ancient woodlands and meadows, each thoughtfully designed with state-of-the-art kitchens, cozy sitting rooms, and stunning ensuite bedrooms. Guests can enjoy private terraces with outdoor wood burners, Big Green Egg barbecues, and secluded cedar hot tubs. To enhance their stay, the estate also offers hand-delivered food services, including organic breakfast and BBQ hampers, as well as the opportunity to invite a local private chef to prepare tailor-made meals.
The retreat’s flagship property, Penicuik House, is set to launch next year and will be bookable from May 2025. Sleeping 32, it is characterized by the reuse of salvaged architecture, furniture, and art from Old Penicuik House, and will exude authentic charm with its eclectic interiors across sixteen en suite bedrooms, alongside two grand reception rooms and a formal dining room. It will serve as both an exclusive-use property for private events and weddings, as well as a pop-up hotel for wellness retreats, the Edinburgh Festival, Michelin-starred dining events, and more.
A unique feature of the retreat is the High Pond Reserve, located just a stone’s throw away from Penicuik House. This stunning waterside location, surrounded by ancient woodland, will offer a one-of-a-kind wedding and events venue for up to 120 guests in Sperry Tents or Tipis. It will also be home to a natural spa with a sauna, cold plunge, hot tub, and wild swimming, all of which will be privately bookable by guests throughout the retreat.
With dog-friendly accommodation and plans for future experiences like whisky tastings, and spa treatments, Penicuik Estate offers a perfect blend of luxury, nature, and heritage for those seeking a memorable countryside escape.
WHY WANDER
Visitors can explore Penicuik Estate’s 20 km of scenic trails through woodlands and rivers, either on foot or by e-mountain bike. Additionally, guests can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape with easy access to the nearby Pentland Hills Regional Park.
The Estate will soon offer a variety of nature and heritage-led experiences, blending adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration. Wellness activities such as yoga, breathwork classes, hot-and-cold therapy and spa treatments allow space to slow down and reset, while immersive experiences like foraging offer a deeper connection with nature.
Penicuik Estate’s close proximity to Edinburgh makes it an ideal getaway for landscape exploration. One of the city’s most iconic spots is Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcanic peak that provides panoramic views after a scenic hike. Holyrood Park, located nearby, offers additional walking trails through grassy hills and craggy cliffs. For a more tranquil escape, the Royal Botanic Garden is a lush haven of diverse plant species, perfect for leisurely strolls. Nature lovers can also explore the Water of Leith Walkway, a peaceful riverside path that meanders through woodland areas and quaint neighborhoods.
INDULGE IN
You can enhance your stay at Penicuik Estate by pre-ordering a breakfast or BBQ pack to enjoy in the comfort of your accommodation. For a more personalized dining experience, you can hire a private chef to cook. Additionally, Penicuik House has a designated caterer available for exclusive events and gatherings, offering a range of culinary options to meet any needs.
GETTING THERE
Penicuik Estate is 10 miles south of Edinburgh, Scottland.
WILD INITIATIVES
“Our 50-year vision is to build a regenerative business at Penicuik Estate that connects people to nature, benefits the local community, protects cultural heritage and responds to the climate and biodiversity emergency. We plan to achieve this over the next 50 years by collaborating with stakeholders and focusing on seven core activities.
Conserving & repurposing our heritage assets.
Managing our woodlands through continuous cover forestry.
Developing homes, business spaces & community facilities.
Building a nature-focused hospitality & leisure destination.
Growing food through regenerative farming & permaculture.
Using our landscape to generate renewable energy.
Restoring nature across our landscape.
We are planning a 20 year nature restoration project across Penicuik Estate to proactively respond to the climate and biodiversity emergencies. We plan to achieve this by providing nature based solutions at scale. Nature restoration is rooted in our history. Sir John Clerk (2nd Baronet) was the first person in Scotland to improve land by planting trees and designing wild open spaces. During his lifetime (1676 –1755) he planted an astonishing 600,000 trees, and this tradition was continued by the family, who have planted over 3 million trees at Penicuik Estate over hundreds of years.
Penicuik House Preservation Trust was established in 1985 by Sir John Clerk (10th Baronet) in response to the threat of Penicuik House being demolished. ‘Its role is to maintain and conserve ‘Old Penicuik House’ and other buildings within the Designed Landscape conveyed or leased to the Trustees.”
Read more:
https://www.penicuikestate.com/our-vision/
Photos by Alexander Baxter, Photos property of Penicuik Estate