Why do we always look to buy flights when we want to travel? Why don’t we hop in the car and travel around our own countries? I’m the first to jump on to Sky Scanner or Momondo whenever I fancy a trip somewhere but the scenery in my home country is just amazing. When I saw this amazing Scottish Borders lodge though, it was a no brainer! Three couples travelled down to the Scottish Borders to enjoy the countryside for the weekend.
The Lodge
Airhouses have six different lodges available and they’re situated near Oxton, Lauder. The lodges can sleep anywhere from two people up to 10. We selected the Buchanan which had three en-suite bedrooms (all with underfloor heating!) which was perfect for the six of us. The Buchanan lodge was beautiful inside with a great view over the surrounding countryside. One of the deal breakers for this Scottish Borders lodge was a hot tub big enough for six!
We were visiting on a weekend where there was quite a lot of snow (standard Scotland!). How brilliant is drinking beer in a hot tub while it’s snowing all around you though?! Amazing!
With each booking, Airhouses provide a welcome breakfast pack which can be tailored to your dietary requirements. They provide a selection from bacon, eggs, sausages, haggis, black pudding, eggs and bread with plenty of vegetarian and gluten free options.
What else is included within the price?
The lodges are equipped with free Wi-Fi, ten Nespresso coffee capsules, a welcome bathroom pack including Arran Aromatic amenities, heating, electricity, a selection of books, CDs, board games, DVDs and information packs on what to do in the Scottish Borders.
Farm
If you or your children love animals then you’ll love the fact that the lodges are situated on a farm. The farm has two alpacas (Obama and Orlando) which are much more photogenic than me! There’s also a llama called Toffee that is used to people and happy enough to eat anything from you. Another bunch that will eat anything you give them are the multiple pigs on the farm. If you have leftovers then throw them in to the pig sty and they’ll be gone within minutes! There are also a lot of hens, ponies and cows.
An alpaca that’s more photogenic than me!
The farm also has a few short walking trails you can embark on – a 3.5 mile treasure trail with clues and a map to take you around and a children’s puzzle trail which is an easier version of the treasure trail. The Enchanted Wood is also one for the kids with a number of secret fairy doors hidden away in the wood. The information pack provided details another four or five walks that you can go on to see some of the fantastic views the Scottish Borders has to offer.
Activities
The information booklet provided details a list of activities that you can book whilst enjoying your stay. There are a number of items within the booklet that are slightly further away but you can book up some local activities with ease. There are jewellery classes available, photography walks and classes and pottery classes. There are also walks, hikes and fishing nearby. So many options for all the family!
Bars and Restaurants
There are a few bars and restaurants relatively close to Airhouses and easily accessed by taxi from the lodges. There’s the Lauderdale Hotel, The Tower in Oxton (although this was closed when we were there) and the Carfraemill Hotel relatively close to the lodges.
Carfraemill Hotel is one that I’d highly recommend! We’ve been quite a few times and the food has always been great and they provide massive portions! Opt for the steak pie and you’re in for a treat! They have four different dining rooms – the bistro, conservatory and terrace, Jo’s kitchen with private rooms available as well. All have access to the main bar too.
There are also takeaway options close if you don’t want to make use of the kitchen!
Oxton Mains
Would I stay here again? Yes
The Airhouse lodges, and the Buchanan lodge in particular, are great for a visit. They offer all you’d want on a weekend stay with exceptional facilities and some fantastic countryside to explore. This Scottish Borders lodge is fantastic.
If you want to look at the availability of the lodges then you can see it here.
Stayed in February 2018.
Check out my other review if you’re looking for a luxury B&B in Scotland.
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Wow! These lodges seem so cozy and a wonderful places to visit and stay in, David. I really hope that I will visit Oxton one day and when I do so, I will definitely stay in such lodge! 🙂
I love Scotland (my boyfriend’s from Aberdeen!) and I’ve been dying to explore more! The lodges sound like the perfect short break, particularly love the idea of a hot tub in the snow!
Chloe x
http://worldmeetchloe.com/
Author
They’re fantastic for a short break with a lot to explore but then you can always relax in the hot tub… I’ll definitely be back!
Looks like a great lodge. My kids would love the alpaca’s, art classes and fairy trails. I’m sure I’d love the scenery and food. We were supposed to go to Scotland our last trip but had a change of plans so may be next time …
These lodges sound lovely! I haven’t ventured across the pond yet, but this will definitely be on my list when we do! It sounds so peaceful and relaxing!
Megan
http://www.thechristophercollective.com
That llama is gorgeous! Looks like a beautiful spot. How many nights would you recommend staying for?
Author
Much more pohotogenic than me! I’d recommend staying for a weekend or maybe a long weekend. You’ll have plenty of time to walk, enjoy the scenery and enjoy the lodge itself
Nespresso coffee is one of the things we always look for at a luxury accommodation! So great that it offers so many different kinds of activities. I would be up for jewellery classes and photo walks!
Scotland is my favorite country and I will be back next year. I have yet to visit this area and if we decide to venture near it will definitely put this property on my list. You are lucky to live in a place that has such incredible scenery.