Guests say
Mercat Cottage is generally well-received for its spaciousness, warm welcome, and beautiful gardens. Its proximity to the beach and local amenities, including a cafe and shops, is appreciated. The cottage's historical charm and access to the John Muir Way add to its appeal. Some guests mention thoughtful touches like welcome packs, although these are not guaranteed. While most find the cottage comfortable and clean, a few note issues with maintenance and furnishings.
Most guests found the cottage to be clean and well-presented, with only a few reports of cobwebs and cleanliness issues in specific areas. The majority of reviews do not raise significant concerns about cleanliness.
The location is highly praised for its proximity to the sea, local amenities, and ease of access to Edinburgh. The scenic surroundings and nearby beach are frequently mentioned as highlights.
Guests generally find the cottage comfortable, with a particularly large and comfortable bed noted. However, some guests mention uncomfortable sofas and issues with the sofa bed, suggesting room for improvement in this area.
The facilities are adequate, with guests appreciating the spaciousness and historical charm. However, there are several mentions of maintenance issues, such as problems with Wi-Fi, heating, and a need for better kitchen equipment, which affects the score.
Guests often mention welcome packs and the friendliness of the staff, indicating a level of thoughtfulness in the service provided. However, as these gifts are not guaranteed for every stay, the score reflects this variability.
About this property
This characterful and unique ground floor cottage is part of 17th century Cockenzie House and Gardens in the unified town of Cockenzie and Port Seton, just a thirty minute drive from Edinburgh. The house and gardens show fantastic exhibitions with a traditional tea room and studio space for local artists who have refurbished some of the furniture used in Mercat Cottage. The main open plan living space is a colourful area with a kitchenette with a washing machine and basin set into an alcove to one side. There is a comfortable sitting area with a sofa bed, an electric fire and a dining area with more than enough space for the whole group to enjoy meals together. The bedrooms each have their own individual style with both having names linked to the history of the area. 'The Blooming Room' is named after the award-winning Ladies in Bloom group, has a double bed and is decorated in a shabby chic style. 'The Power Station Room' commemorates the decommissioned Cockenzie power station and features quirky framed facts. Completing the accommodation is the separate shower room 'Seton Sands' and the toilet room 'The Boat Shore Bog'. Outside guests have access to the shared formal gardens and lawns and there is a private patio seating area. The cottage is in a fantastic location just a short walk from the shores of the Firth of Forth and you can visit the nearby galleries, shops and cafés. Just twelve miles away is Edinburgh with a host of activities and places of interest. You could easily fill your days and still not see everything that is on offer in this area. Note: This property can be booked with Ref. 951097, together sleeping up to 10 people. EPC Rating: Band E
This coastal town is just a thirty minute drive from Edinburgh and is home to some of its own fantastic amenities. Visit the galleries, tea rooms and gardens or walk a stretch of the John Muir Way which runs along the shore. There are a number of golf courses within easy reach and trips to Edinburgh are a must. The Old Town boasts the castle and The Royal Mile as well as Holyrood Palace and the new Scottish Parliament. The New Town offers elegant Georgian buildings and streets with a wealth of shopping, eating and drinking to suit all tastes. Add to that the accessibility of the surrounding countryside, beaches and hills and you have the ideal location for an exciting break.
Accommodation
All-ground-floor.
Two bedrooms: 1 x king-size double, 1 x twin.
Shower room with shower.
Basin and WC.
Open plan living area with kitchenette, dining area and sitting area with sofa bed and electric fire
Electric portable radiators and electric fire.
Electric oven and hob, fridge, washing machine, TV with Freeview, DVD, WiFi (signal is intermittent at the property), selection of books, games and DVDs.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Highchair.
Off road parking for 2 cars.
Shared use of estate grounds with formal garden.
Private patio area with furniture.
One well-behaved dog welcome.
Sorry, no smoking.
Shop 0.1 miles, pub 0.3 miles.
Please note, this property has a minimum night stay of x3 nights.
Nearby points of interest
- Glenkinchie Distillery
- Royal Yacht Britannia
- National Mining Museum of Scotland
- Museum of Childhood
- Talbot Rice Gallery
- The Fruitmarket Gallery
- National Museum of Scotland
- Scotch Whisky Experience
- University of Edinburgh
- Edinburgh Castle
Reviews (66)
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Sue
Everyone so helpful and friendly. Great to have the Filly cafe just a stroll across the lawn to get breakfast/lunch. Food was excellent.
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Matildamay
Everything was lovely, super clean, well maintained, beautiful gardens, great outdoor area for breakfast (weather dependent), peaceful, so near to the sea and public transport. The quirky decor was inspiring. The art studios, shops and gardens are great for an at home day. I am definitely coming back soon.
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Jane
I cleaned the wash hand basin which at first glance i thought was just worn but had thick grey mould around the plug and the plug hole was full of it and required lots of unspeakable debris and hair pulling out of it. The sofa bed is broken anddid not open and looked very thin and probably not sleepable on as per previous reviews. The cooker had a spillage which set the main alarm off. We stood outside for a.xonsiderable time while someone cam to cancel it. They did not investigate the cause. we did not eat the first night and had takeaway the second The housekeeper arrived on Monday to clean it. We subsequently threw away most of our food and left on Wednesday after realising that the grime was also on the bottom of a baking tray we had removed from the oven and which caused it to smoke when we tried to use it again on the Wednesday. This caused us to have to open all of the doors as therw are no opening windowa in the kitchen living area and no cooker extractor fan. The emergency phone number was not answered. The oven in my opinion being narrow, having only one shelf and no separate grill is not fit for six people. The cottage is not for six people. Had the sofa bed been functional it was impossible to sleep in that room due to two very bright emergency exit lights. The gardens are accessible by the public 24/7 and children walked in on one occasion. This is not in the listing nor the events where there is no privacy to be had. Overall it is tired and dated with the kitchen area and electric cooker sited on carpet. There is no draining rack for dishes and the tiny ice box was full of ice. The double bed sheets had old stains on them which was unpleasant although all bedding was clean.The beeping smoke alrm which i reported was taken away as they did not have a battery. I intend to seek financial compensation. We went home on Wednesday which should speak for itself.