David Cochrane of HIT Scotland visits Abbotsford and Beirhope.
PHS Grand Prize winner David shares his stay at the Abbotsford Hope Scott Wing and Beirhope Alpaca Farm Experience.
Private House Stays has a personal bond with HIT Scotland, a charity devoted to supporting those in the Hospitality industry. Through scholarships and learning courses, they aim to make Scottish hospitality stronger. The CEO, David Cochrane, played a key role in our Private House Stays relaunch - operating as the MC of the Zoom party, where multiple businesses also banded together to offer some marvellous raffle prizes.
David was delighted to have won the grand prize; a three day stay at the lavish Hope Scott Wing at Abbotsford and a day out at the wonderful Beirhope Alpaca. He was extremely excited to finally catch a prize of his own, as he usually hands them out!
The Abbotsford Hope Scott Wing
David’s first impression of Abbotsford was how beautifully picturesque it is, saying it would be stunning no matter the season/weather (impressive as they stayed during a storm!). The house is ideal for large groups as it offers multiple areas to gather while at the same time providing each guest with a delightful room in which to relax in solitude. The quality of the interior was “Pristine”, says David - “exactly what you would expect after taking in the exterior’s ageless architecture.”
The location of Abbotsford is perfect if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh while remaining close enough to enjoy the historic capital. The stunning grounds and beautiful vistas make it feel like being transported back in time – as if you have been dropped into the luxurious world of Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
After settling in on Monday and sharing a delicious dinner, the group was ready on Tuesday to embark on a full day of exploring their surroundings. A professional shoot with Photoshoot Scotland was undertaken to mark the occasion and showcase Abbotsford’s handsome Hope Scott Wing. Again making great use of the house’s kitchen, the group enjoyed a dinner of prawn cocktails followed by a Steak and Mushroom main. Each night became a “Celebration of friendship,” the home providing a perfect setting to reminisce with one another.
On Wednesday, the group split to choose their adventures for the day. Some decided to visit the historic villages of Galashiels and Melrose, two interesting settlements dating back to the 1100s. David and his wife journeyed into Abbotsford to see the exhibition of Walter Scott to fully take in the history of the man in whose house they were staying. Their Wednesday escapades show the abundant opportunities you have to experience Scottish culture when using your holiday home as a base to explore from. Scotland truly has something for everyone – every direction leads to a new magical encounter!
Thursday brought snow; this resulted in The Hope Scott Wing taking on a new look, though just as picturesque as before. This gave the group the opportunity to make use of the property’s many rooms, with particular attention paid to the snooker room, where many an hour was spent in friendly (but fierce) competition.
Beirhope Alpaca Farm
Beirhope Alpaca sits between Edinburgh and Newcastle, just over an hour from each city. The farm offers off-grid camping and the opportunity to walk their fluffy, friendly alpacas through the countryside - it is an attraction exciting for all ages.
Fortunate timing meant the visit to the Beirhope Alpaca fell on the same day as Fraser Black’s birthday (a member of the group who particularly adores the 4-legged creatures.) The party of eight arrived and were introduced to four characterful Alpacas to pet, feed and guide on a relaxing stroll through the grassy hills.
An opportunity to bask in the beauty of the Scottish borders, this makes a memorable day out for families and animal lovers – combining connecting with nature with the opportunity to learn about and enjoy the company of the most genial animals you could ever have the pleasure of meeting. David mentioned how surprised he was with how gently the Alpacas eat a carrot!
Overall, David and the group thoroughly enjoyed their visit to Abbotsford and Beirhope Alpaca Farm, and highly recommend both to all for a uniquely Scottish holiday experience. To see how beautiful the property is, follow this link for a truly breathtaking video from Thomas Haywood.