Fodor's Expert Review Glebe House

Name: Glebe House
Address: Law Rd., North Berwick, East Lothian, EH39 4PL, Scotland, North Berwick, Scotland
Telephone: 01620-892608
Price range: $$

Law Rd., North Berwick, East Lothian, EH39 4PL, Scotland, North Berwick, Scotland See on Map

Jennifer Rigby

A truly lovely seasonal B&B in North Berwick, a 30-minute train ride from central Edinburgh, the Glebe House is a grand 18th century manse in its own grounds. It will tempt golfers, because of its proximity to 18 courses, including the world-famous Muirfield, and those who fancy a seaside retreat from the city while visiting Edinburgh, as it's just a few minutes from North Berwick's lovely beach.

For a pleasant approach to the B&B from town, walk through the Lodge Grounds from the seafront.

room

The elegant bedrooms, one of which has a four-poster bed, are in keeping with the Georgian style of the house. Beds are extremely comfy, the colours are light and tasteful, and the windows have cute window seats to perch on.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Staying here feels like a truly old-school B&B experience, where you are like a guest in your most stylish friend's house: owners Gwen and Jake Scott bought the property in 1979 and restored it completely, converting to a B&B when their kids left home. That homely vibe appeals to some, but not all.

Photo: Twin bedded room upstairs

Photo: Four poster king sized bedroom downstairs in the wing

Photo: Super Kingsized bedroom upstairs with sea view

bathroom

Two of the three rooms are en suite, and all of the bathrooms have a range of toiletries available for guests as well as towels and bathrobes.

Photo: Hallway

lobby

Grand period furniture, paintings, and ornaments fill the sitting and dining rooms. There is no lobby, as the guest rooms and spaces - there's a guest lounge with a television, that overlooks some of the garden, and the sea beyond - are interwoven with the living space of the B&B's hospitable owners, Gwen and Jake.

Photo: Hallway

Photo: Dining Room

dining

Breakfast is delicious, with fresh seasonal fruit and cereals, plus hot options cooked to order, and papers provided.

Photo: Dining Room

drinking

The same vibe of feeling like a guest/friend continues, with offers of coffee and wine from Gwen, who says she is still running the B&B on a seasonal basis because she loves it.

LOCATION

Getting Around

There are golf courses within walking distance, or some a short drive. To get back into Edinburgh itself, there are regular trains that take 24 minutes, and the station is a 10-minute walk.

Restaurants

You're by the sea, so get your fish and chip hit at either the seafront The Lobster Shack (10-minute walk) or the North Berwick Diner and Fry (6-minute walk). Osteria (5-minute walk) is a lovely Italian spot.

Bars

Steampunk Coffee (4-minute walk) brews up a good caffeine hit. The Ship Inn (6-minute walk) is a friendly local pub with a beer garden and booths inside.

WHY WE LIKE IT

Old-school B&B comfort and a real feeling of being a guest in someone's lovely home, plus you can glimpse the sea from the windows and - if golf's your thing - practically tee off from the back garden. It's not in Edinburgh proper, but could tempt those who want a break from the city.