Tour a stylish seaside holiday home within driving distance of Edinburgh

You’ll never sleep easier than in this holiday cottage by the sea in Gullane finds Nichola Hunter

A former doctor’s surgery now offers a unique “try before you buy” experience thanks to interior designer, Laura Thomas.

Expat Laura was living in New Zealand when she launched The Laura Thomas Co in 2012.

Borne out of a desire to find mid-priced, good quality, bed linen, Laura started importing hand-embroidered bed sheets from a commune in Vietnam.

“I had been trading for about 18 months,” says Laura, “but when my husband and I separated, I moved back to Scotland with the kids and pretty much started again.

"I got the business up and running, and as I’m into renovating properties, when the old doctor’s surgery came up for sale in Gullane, I had to have a look.”

First viewing confirmed it was indeed a surgery. “Nothing had been changed. You walked in and there was a reception area and waiting room, and the building was very long and skinny.

Picture: Cool Stays

However, I thought it lent itself to being divvied up into a home for myself and the kids with a two-bed holiday cottage at the back.

My idea was that I could blog about the renovating of it and I could showcase all my products in the holiday home creating a business that was separate to Laura Thomas Co but which complemented it.”

That’s exactly what happened. “I had to put in a kitchen and a bathroom and we camped,” says Laura.

“It was hilarious when we first moved in because there were two toilets and a makeshift kitchen out the back which is now the kitchen in the holiday apartment, but we had to rely on the neighbours for a bath. The kids thought it was great.”

Picture: Cool Stays

As a keen renovator, Laura worked alongside her builder.

“He’s fantastic. He put up the stud walls and put in the bathroom and kitchen, and I did all the plastering and painting and came up with the interior plan.”

The aim was to create a space where people could have something more than a holiday, as Laura explains: “I want my guests to have an experience.

"To come and relax and really enjoy their time here – a deep, meaningful and happy holiday is my plan.”

Of course, as an interior designer the décor and finishing touches played a big part in this plan.

Picture: Cool Stays

“The interiors were really fun to think of. My style has been influenced by living in New Zealand for ten years and I think the Antipodes are very much ahead of us in interiors.

"For example, the rattan and bamboo furniture which I used in the sitting area is only beginning to become more popular here.

I found these chairs in TK Maxx and added some sheepskin for a bit of luxury. The builder made the bench seating and I had the electric blue seat covers made up by a local upholsterer.

“The driftwood coat rack seems to have become a bit of a trademark for me. I have one in my own house too. It’s made from bits I picked up on Gullane beach.

"I use it in the bathroom instead of a towel rail as well and lots of guests comment on it.”

Picture: Cool Stays

With white floors and walls throughout, Laura has added colour and texture from artwork, accessories and some built-in fixtures.

“I asked the builder to make the headboards in the twin room, which I’m really pleased with. It feels snug and bunk-like. I’ve left the wood exposed to add a bit of colour.

“I saw the cooker splashback idea on Instagram. The tiles came from Topps Tiles but there were only a few left so there was no rhyme nor reason to the design.

Picture: Cool Stays

"I let the builder put them up as he chose and it’s brilliant. It gives the room a slightly retro, pared back look.”

All the art in the apartment is for sale and is by Scottish artists, including Alice Boyle, Jerry Balloch and Stacey Kaarsgard.

“On two of the bigger pieces the artists have used plasterboard and then scraped it to give it texture and then painted on top of that.

"I think because the walls are so flat and white it really brings something into the room.”

However, it’s not only the art that’s for sale. Laura’s initial idea to create a complete concept apartment has come to fruition.

“I’ve sold a lot of products from the apartment. It is literally ‘try before you buy’. You sleep in Laura Thomas bedding, use Laura Thomas towels, light my candles and smell my scent diffusers.

Beside the bed is my lavender pillow spray to help you sleep and my blankets to snuggle up in.

Picture: Cool Stays

It’s a complete package. And while other holiday cottage owners leave shortbread and wine, I leave chocolate and Netflix.

“The kitchen is also well stocked with nice olive oil and balsamic vinegar in the cupboard – you don’t want to buy a bottle of olive oil for your salad if you’re only staying for two nights.”

Picture: Cool Stays

Coming from a family of surfers, Laura also offers surfboards and paddleboards for guests to borrow.

“I often organise a campfire pack for people to take down to the beach – wood, firelights, marshmallows – so you can have a good old time on Gullane Beach.”

This “concept apartment” certainly seems to tick all the boxes to offer an experience rather than just a holiday.

“I would happily live here in a flash,” says Laura. “My own house isn’t at all finished although we’re not camping anymore, but when it comes together it will be a bit different.”

If it’s “different” like the LT apartment it’ll be worth the wait.

Picture: Cool Stays

The LT Holiday Apartment is available to let through CoolStays, or Laura's website.

Words Nichola Hunter