The Old Millhouse creator and owner Sally de Waard tells us about her favourite parts of the house.

The interior is gorgeous. Describe how you achieved such high standards eg. Where do you buy your interior decor from?

I loved sourcing Second hand furniture and re-purposing it. I think I was up- cycling before it became trendy! There was one area though where no expense was spared and that was the fabrics. I was fortunate to have a friend in Dubai with a fabric shop. I  knew the ‘look’ I wanted and his  fabrics were divine.

What do you like most about the Old Millhouse?

I just love my kitchen. It’s a fab place to hang out with friends.

What was the best thing you did and why?

I had been looking everywhere for a fireplace for the drawing room and one day, there it was online!. It  was perfect.

What was the most important aspect of the design?

It was all about the light. I needed the rooms to be bright with as many big windows as planning would allow. I had to be inventive in the darker spaces by using glass instead of wood eg. the fabulous staircase (pictured).

What in your opinion makes the Old Millhouse stand out from the crowd?

The location is the main thing. It’s well positioned being close Edinburgh, the airport, train stations and being within easy reach of the coastal towns in East Lothian and then only a couple of  hours drive and you are in the Highlands.

Tell me about the Swim Spa?  how much do you think that adds to the attraction of the property?

Well that was the icing on the cake. I could have just installed a hot tub like many other rental  properties but everything else about the Old Millhouse screamed luxury so I decided to “take the plunge” so to speak and go for a high end spa. It really is super and sets us apart from the crowd and I think guests do decide to book, in order to try something a little different.

Do you think there is room to expand the site? If so, what would you put there?

Ah now I don’t want to give away too many trade secrets but let’s just say we are considering creating a special place at the end of the garden…