Roulotte Retreat
UK Scotland South Scotland Scottish Borders Melrose
- 7 Gypsy Caravans
- Couples Retreat
Always thought you had a bit of gypsy blood in you, or are you just a little caught up in the romance of drifting around the world in a traditional hand-carved wooden caravan? Well Roulotte Retreat may just be for you. The same goes for yoga lovers and just plain lovers at this seriously sexy retreat in the Scottish Borders which offers yoga, walking, nearby horse-riding, cycling, and is an ideal, mainly adults-only getaway for two, or for groups of friends, and also accepts dogs.
There are seven sumptuous roulottes (traditional French wooden caravans) to choose from, six of them sleeping two people and one for up to four persons, and one of them – Rosa Bella – welcomes dogs. Each roulotte has its own highly individual colour and decor scheme, and all are immaculately hand-finished and boast bags of character. There are just enough creature comforts, like a proper en-suite shower and toilet, but no TV, leaving you free to focus on relaxing in your cosy hideaway in a wildflower-strewn meadow. Two of the roulottes, Gitana and Zenaya, have their very own eco hot tubs so that you and your beloved can soak under the stars – and you can see plenty of those in the dark skies in this part of the world – with a glass of bubbly in hand.
Roulotte Retreat is also home to a dog-friendly self-catering cottage, Horseshoe Cottage, which welcomes 2 well-behaved dogs and can sleep up to four people. It can be rented along with with Ruby, a gaily painted bowtop Romany caravan that sleeps two in cosy comfort. Tucked away in their own wild woodland section of the garden, the cottage and caravan have lots of room: the cottage has a large sitting room and a double and twin bedroom and comes well equipped with a dishwasher and washing machine, wood-burning stove, TV and DVD, while Ruby is a wonderfully cosy option for two after a little more privacy. Children are also allowed to stay in the cottage but not Ruby.
The guys at Roulotte Retreat also host yoga and relaxation breaks and can arrange beauty treatments and massages as well as small intimate weddings for couples looking for something more unusual for their special day. Filled with light by day and cosily lit by night. their 1950s wooden Studio is a perfect space for events, workshops and celebrations.
Finally, despite the remote, away-from-it-all feel, Roulotte Retreat is pretty easy to get, just three miles from the extremely pleasant Borders town of Melrose, with its quaint streets and ruined abbey. There are lots of good walks nearby, including the long-distance St Cuthbert’s Way and other routes into the surrounding Eildon Hills, along with all sorts of other outdoor activities.
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Details
Facilities
Campfires allowed in communal fire pit. Each roulotte has en suite with powerful shower and separate modern toilet, a cooker and wood-burning stove, plus independent heating. Each roulotte has its own retro BBQ for al fresco dining. Avril offers Yoga lessons, either one-to-one or in a group, with prices depending on what you want. Ask about yoga holidays and workshops (art, photography, creative writing, etc).Suitable For
Couples, groups and exclusive use – yes. Caravans, tents, campervans – no. Children and dogs are welcome in Horseshoe Cottage which comes along with Ruby or we now offer guests with one dog a stay in Rosa Bella.Nearby
Food & Drink
Breakfast hampers can be organised for you with local produce, just order in advance when you are booking. Provender in Melrose is one of our faves, Burt’s Hotel (01896 822285) in Melrose has a great bistro bar in a historic building with over 90 whiskies. It is also home to an award-winning restaurant serving up the best of Borders produce. The Townhouse (01896 822645) just across the road is run by the same family and offers a brasserie and a restaurant serving Borders lamb, salmon and trout. Marmions Brasserie (01896 822245) in Melrose is an excellent bistro serving delicious food and nearby in St Boswells is the local Buccleuch Arms Hotel (01835 822243) with its own bistro. Or if you are coming as a group then ask about hiring your own chef for the duration of your stay or, for weddings, Avril can organise street food-style trucks and chefs to attend.
Open
Open all year, with a two-night minimum stay. However, access can be tricky if snow is severe, in which case you can park locally and be taken in by four wheel drive vehicle.Pricing
Prices range from £95–£135 per night in low season to £105–£165 per night in high season and depending on the roulotte. The price includes towels, bed linen, electricity and eco fuel for the stove.The Owner Says
Location
Contact Website 07990 744 044 Roulotte Retreat, Roulotte Retreat, Bowden, Melrose, The Scottish Borders TD6 0SU
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