The Lighthouse Keepers Cottage

About this property

The Lighthouse Keepers Cottage is a welcoming holiday home set in St Abbs, offering a comfortable base for up to four guests along this rugged stretch of coastline. Inside, the open-plan living space is designed for relaxed stays, with a sitting area featuring an electric fire, ideal after a day out in the sea air, alongside a kitchen and dining area equipped for easy, sociable mealtimes. The property offers two bedrooms, including a king-size with a TV and a twin room with option to become a king, giving flexible options for families or friends. A bathroom with bath, shower over, basin and WC is complemented by a handy cloakroom.

Outside, off-road parking for one car keeps things straightforward. Coastal walks and bird watching are just outside the entrance. A walk across the cliffs or a short drive brings you to the picturesque St. Abbs harbour with restaurants and a post office. A nearby car park at the Reserve Visitor Center with daily sighting reports has a tea room and gallery. This striking headland, ringed by steep cliffs and known for its bustling seabird colonies, offers a real sense of space and seclusion despite being easily reached from the A1. Walking routes around the reserve are clear and manageable, taking in Mire Loch and sweeping cliff-top paths with excellent views across the coastline.

During the warmer months, the cliffs come alive with thousands of nesting birds, while inland, grassland areas are scattered with wildflowers such as sea pinks, rock rose and wild thyme. The surrounding waters rich in wildlife are a Marine Sanctuary and diving site. Dolphins, seals, and occasional whales are to be observed – and on some evenings, the northern lights. A nearby car park with a tea room and facilities makes it easy to spend a few hours out without much planning. Standing proudly on the rocky promontory is St Abb’s Head Lighthouse, designed by David and Thomas Stevenson and in operation since 1862.

Built following the loss of a steamship on the Carr Rocks in 1857, it was introduced to improve navigation along this exposed stretch of coast, bridging a gap between other key lights in the Firth of Forth. Now recognised for its architectural and historic importance, it remains a defining feature of the headland. Nearby, Coldingham Bay offers a sandy contrast to the rocky shoreline, reached either via a scenic coastal trail or a short drive. The bay sits close to the atmospheric remains of Coldingham Priory, with a small shop and welcoming pubs nearby. Continuing along the coast, or a short drive away, Eyemouth provides a traditional harbour setting, home to a bakery, a choice of eateries, galleries and a museum, making it a delightful diversion during your stay.

Within easy driving distance, Berwick-upon-Tweed is known for its impressive Elizabethan walls, historic garrison and a mix of independent and high-street shops, making it a convenient place to stock up on food and supplies if arriving from the south. Edinburgh lies just over an hour north along the A1, ideal for a full day of culture, history and dining, with a useful grocery stop at ASDA near the Dunbar exit en route. Walkers will also appreciate direct access to stretches of the Berwickshire Coastal Path, making The Lighthouse Keepers Cottage a well-placed base for exploring this striking part of the Scottish Borders.

Book a stay at The Lighthouse Keepers Cottage for a dreamy Scotland escape. Note: This property can be booked with refs. 1193960, 1193961, 1197364, and 1199727, sleeping 14 guests.

Just over the Border into Scotland, St Abbs is a picturesque fishing village with a delightful harbour and fishermen's cottages hugging the hillside, situated on a beautiful stretch of Berwickshire coastline. Diving can be enjoyed from the harbour, while the nearby St Abb's Head National Nature Reserve has a rich variety of wildlife and is a paradise for birdwatchers! An ideal location for walks - the Cheviots, Scottish Borders and the spectacular coastline all offer excellent walking. There is a safe, sandy beach 3 miles away in nearby Coldingham, which is very popular with surfers. The historic fortified Border town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, with shops, a museum and a castle, is nearby, and is well worth a visit. Holy Island, the Farne Islands, the attractive seaside villages of Craster, Eyemouth and Seahouses, and Edinburgh, capital city of Scotland, are all within touring distance.

Short-term Holiday Let Licence No: SB-00275-F

EPC Rating: Band F

Accommodation

Two bedrooms: 1 x king-size with TV, 1 x twin (zip/link, can be king-size on request).

Bathroom with bath, shower over, basin and WC.

Cloakroom with basin and WC.

Open-plan living space with kitchen, dining and sitting area with electric fire

Central heating.

Oven, hob, fridge, freezer, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, kettle, toaster.

WiFi, Smart TV, TV in main bedroom Bed linen and towels included in rent.

Off-road parking for 1 car available.

Sorry, no pets and no smoking.

Shop and pub 3.5 miles, coast 0.4 miles