FAQs

Check in

What time can we arrive at the House?

Arrival is from 4.00pm (early arrival can be arranged on request)

What time do we need to leave the House?

Checkout is at 10.00am

Getting here

How do I get to The Old Millhouse?

Edinburgh Airport is 25 minutes from the House. Edinburgh Waverley Train Station is 20 minutes away.

Address – Old Millhouse, 40 Newmills Road, Dalkeith, Midlothian, EH22 2AQ

Directions

• Follow Sat Nav – onto Newmills Road
• Look for large stone entrance with Archway to a Care home on the right
• Drive past the care home– 400 yards on the right you will see brown wood gates (just before the pedestrian crossing / traffic lights)
• On the wall beside the gates – there is a number to call for the gates to be opened

Should you have any problems finding us please call 07824 773060.

How far is Edinburgh from the Old Millhouse?

Eight miles – we can arrange a local driver to transfer you to and from Edinburgh. EskBank Train Station is 30 minute walk / 10 minute drive from the House- direct train into Edinburgh. There is also a bus direct to the city centre (Bus No. 3).

Is there a minimum length of stay?

During the high season (April to September), the minimum length of stay is one week.  The rest of the year it is three days.

What is provided?

Is there Wi-Fi?

There is Wi-Fi throughout the House and on the terrace

Is there a TV?

There is a TV in the kitchen, the snug and one in the drawing room.  Drawing room – 50” smart TV with streaming and Freesat satellite channels

Are towels and linen provided?

Towels, toiletries, bathrobes are provided within the bedrooms, spa towels and flip flops are available for use with the Swim spa. Exceptionally comfortable, super king-sized Hypnos beds, fine Egyptian cotton covering super soft pillows and duvets. Four bedrooms can have super king or twin beds according to your needs. One bedroom – double only. Anti-allergy pillows and duvets are available and there are hairdryers in all bedrooms.

Can I have groceries delivered/ is there a supermarket close by?

Groceries can be delivered anytime from 12pm on the day of arrival. There are three supermarkets close by – Lidl is a 5 minute drive, Morrisons is also a 5 minute drive and Tesco is a 10 minute drive.

What is included within the Kitchen?

• Welcome basket including a range of enticing Scottish treats
• Selection of coffee, teas, sugar, fresh and dried herbs and spices, cooking oil, olive oil, salt, pepper and other condiments
• Nespresso coffee machine and pods
• Induction hob
• Range oven
• Built in dishwasher
• Well equipped with crockery, glassware, cutlery , cooking utensils, pans etc. (ample for a party of 10 plus some children)
• Built in microwave
• Built in fan assisted oven
• Wine cooler
• Cleaning materials (cloths, dish-towels, kitchen roll, washing up liquid, surface cleaner, etc.).

Breakfast and other meals?

Should you wish a breakfast hamper, welcome supper or brunch basket to be arranged, please email stay@oldmillhouse.co.uk

Are there toiletries within the bathrooms?

Luxurious, Natural Skincare with a Scottish Twist.  Juniper and lime soap, bath & shower gel, hair and body shampoo, sanitiser, conditioner and hand cream.  In addition, all en-suite bathrooms have bathrobes for our guests’ use during their stay.

Is there a washing machine/storage space?

There is a washing machine (washer/dryer) in the Utility room, along with drying rack and an outside washing line within the grounds. The Utility room also has ample storage space for golf clubs, etc. as well as a large dog basket and dog crate (up to a Labrador size!).

Is there a barbecue?

We have a large, Kamado Joe BBQ with tools and charcoal for your use.

Are there golf courses close to the House?

Lots!  Newbattle Golf Course is a 2 minute drive from the House.  In all, there are 25 courses within 25 minutes.

Is the pool open all year round and how hot is it?

Yes, our guests can enjoy our spa pool all year round (we have had people use it even when there is snow on the ground!).  Due to the current safety regulations, it is kept at a constant temperature of 36.5C.  Towels are supplied for everyone using the pool.

Car parking?

There is lots of space for up to ten cars.

Electricity supply/voltage

The standard UK voltage is 240 volts, compared to 120 volts in the USA.  If necessary, we can supply adapters for your electrical devices.  We provide hair dryers in the bedrooms, so you will not need to bring one.

Nearby restaurants/local shops?

There are some splendid local restaurants, many within walking distance. Please refer to the ‘Experiences‘ page for more details.  Similarly, Dalkeith has a wide range of cafes, bars and gift shops – and of course, the majestic shopping streets of Edinburgh are only a short drive away.

Music System

We have a high quality SONOS music system in the house.

What’s in the garden and grounds?

We have three acres of land, all neatly tucked into a bend of the river South Esk.  There are tables and chairs for al-fresco dining, a huge BBQ, hammocks, lawns, flowers, shrubs and trees and, of course, the spa pool.

Dogs & Children

Are dogs allowed?

We are dog lovers and understand how nice it is to take your dogs on holiday with you, so dogs are welcome! However, we would ask that you abide by the following:-

• At no point should dogs be left in the Old Millhouse on their own (dog-sitting available)
• Dogs are not allowed in bedrooms or on the furniture
• Please clean up after your dogs, doggy bags are provided and to be placed within the bins provided

Are there facilities for small children?

As well as up to 10 adults, we have space/beds for up to two babes-in-arms as well as one child under 10 years of age.  We have a travel cot with bedding and a high-chair with harness, as well as unbreakable children’s plates, mugs and cutlery.  There are games and toys for children as well as a football, croquet set and bat and ball for playing on the large lawn.

All children staying within the House or attending an event should be supervised at all times. The Old Millhouse gardens are surrounded by unfenced river, thus not suitable for young children. Guests makes use of the grounds purely at their own risk.

Child locks are in place on Velux windows within the top floor bedroom, these must be in the locked position at all times for safety.

Do you accept Hen parties?

We occasionally get asked if the House can be the venue for a Hen weekend.  We accept these ‘on merit,’ where we know the party is going to behave in a respectful manner that is in harmony with the luxurious and civilised accommodation available at the Old Millhouse.

Wheelchair access

We are sorry, but as The Old Millhouse is a Grade 2 Listed Building, we do not have facilities for wheelchair access.

Is there anyone else on site we can get help from if required?

Sally de Waard, the owner, lives discretely in a smaller, private house on the estate and is available if you need anything.  That apart, you won’t see her, unless you want to ask a question.

How do I book The Old Millhouse?

Bookings can be made through the website by accessing the Availability/ Booking page  – A full calendar of dates are available. Or contact us

What is the rental price?

Pricing varies by season – check the availability and pricing.

What is the security deposit for?

Security Damage Deposit of £850.00. Should any damage occur within the Old Millhouse during the stay must be reported to House Manager before departure. Should any damage be discovered by the House Manager after stay, contact will be made and a price for replacement or repair be quoted. The Security deposit will be refunded should no damage occur within 48 hours of departure.

What deposit is required?

A booking deposit of 25% must be made to secure the booking, or you may elect to pay in full. Bookings taken within 60 days of arrival at the Property must be paid in full at the time of booking.

What happens if I need to cancel my booking? 

Cancellation of The Booking, no refund will be given if cancelled fewer than 60 days prior to arrival date.

50% Refund if cancelled over 60 Days of arrival date – alternative Date can be requested and we will do our best to offer an alternative date. Christmas & New Year Bookings require 50% payment at time of booking and are non-refundable., balance to be paid 60 days prior to arrival

Is it possible to change my dates?                                    

If you need to change your holiday date gives us a call and we will do our best to accommodate your request. There may be an additional charge for your choice of week or a refund. Normal terms and conditions apply.

Will I receive a refund if I need to cancel due to Covid-19?

We are offering the opportunity to postpone to a future date or if not possible, we are offering full refunds on all bookings if you are not able to travel due to the need to self-isolate because of testing positive for Covid-19 / current Government restrictions in place preventing travel to the Old Millhouse.