Rennaldburn self-catering farmhouse
Surrounded by pastureland, Rennaldburn is the first house built by Thomas Telford under the apprenticeship of a master stonemason in his early teens (when he was known as ‘Laughing Tam’ due to his joyful disposition)
The self-catering half of the house sleeps seven to eight, but is priced per person, so it’s accessible to individuals and couples too.
The farmhouse has been lovingly refurbished in a rustic, earth-friendly way, with many unique features inside ~ from organic woodwork to original art, antique shrines and hand-printed prayer flags. I hope each time you visit Rennaldburn you’ll see something different to inspire you; I see it as an ever-evolving artwork!
There are two spacious family rooms upstairs, the Tashi room and Tir na nOg, each with a double and single bed in them as well as yoga mats and blocks, DVD players and DVDs and wifi. They both face West, towards the nearby ancient Loupin Stanes and the White Esk which winds through the valley.
Also upstairs is the sunny bathroom, with curved bath, stained-glass and mosaics, while half-way down the stairs is the Swallow room. This cosy single, painted with rich blue earth pigment, has a skylight to the stars and sunrise and and its own ‘secret room’: the Mousehole, with a magical illuminated painting on the ceiling.
Downstairs, the sitting room is home to an extensive and varied library, including many books of a spiritual and esoteric nature ~ and also has a large dining table, with a big sofa in front of the open fireplace; firewood’s provided.
The well-equipped kitchen, has all the cooking facilities you need, as well as a washer/dryer, eco laundry liquid and complementary wholefoods.
The front garden, with resident red squirrel, is for your own use, and has a table and chairs, hammocks and a washing line :)
I live in the back of the house, but there are no 'shared areas'; the front door, and all the living areas mentioned, are exclusively for your use.
Rennaldburn is child-friendly with cot and child safety gates available if required, crafts and games, a big trampoline and bikes to borrow.
There’s plenty of room for parking, and barns for keeping bikes undercover.
Costs include a donation to Rokpa and average £400 for the whole holiday let side for one, with additional guests £16 each per night.
To book, call Shen on 01387 373277 or email shen@returntotheway.org
More details can be found on
http://www.returntotheway.org/arthouse/staying/