Roulotte Retreats

Roulotte Retreat is situated in a beautiful three acre meadow nestled below the Eildon Hills just below an ancient Roman site, Campknowe near Melrose. The meadow is greeted in the early morning by the sun to the east and enjoys south facing climate all day before the dazzling sunset to the west in the evening.

The West Burn traverses through the field offering delightful pools en route to its junction with the Bowden Burn and onwards to the River Tweed and the sea. In the middle of the meadow is an enchanting lochan complete with jetty and small shingle beach.

The meadow landscape reflects that of the surrounding countryside with mounds of broom, gorse, hawthorn and wild rose. The wildflower meadow and grasses lead away from the lochan and up to the firepit where evenings can be enjoyed together around the camp fire.

Discover little nooks and crannys around the meadow for picnics, swim in the lochan, play petanque, French style or relax al fresco on the 'grass-sofa'.
Each roulotte has its own unique space for enjoying some al fresco time situated around the lochan.

Wildlife abounds in and around the meadow - hear the hooting of the nightly owls, watch the early morning deer. A family of badgers are known to come out and play at the end of the drive when they think no one is looking. Bird-watching is right on your doorstep from swallows performing their acrobatic skills in and out of the water to herons dropping in for a snack. And of course our friendly hens who lay the most delicious free range eggs.

What is a Roulotte?
Hand crafted Romany style wooden caravan built in France and Holland. In Holland they are often known as woonwagens. Our roulottes are created to bespoke designs modelled on the styles of a bygone era of India and reminiscent of the elegance of the Orient Express.
Made of oak, ash, chestnut, walnut, pine and wild cherry by artisans in France, each of our French roulottes takes two carpenters six months to complete. Each detail has been lovingly crafted to create the authentic romantic ambience of life on wheels. Relaxing in one of our magical roulottes with all modern comforts is the perfect way to experience ‘Glamvanning’.

Devanna, our Indian inspired roulotte was the first to arrive in June 2010. See her in more detail here ...http://www.roulotteretreat.com/accommodation/devanna-roulotte

An elegant Indian daybed or divan as it is known in India adorns the salon and oriental rugs dress the wooden floors. Elegant whimsical lamps create the magical light throughout the roulotte. Within the salon is a kitchen area if you choose to eat in or dine al fresco in the meadow overlooking the lochan. Original style roulotte bed with cupboards below offer luxurious comfort whilst just a few steps away is an en suite state of the art stainless steel shower room and opposite toilet and wash hand basin. Heating is by woodburning stove and electric radiators. All bedlinen and towels are provided. Crockery très chic provide for your culinary requirements and eco gadgets will help reduce your carbon footprint.

Karlotta, our second roulotte arrived with the full moon in July magnificently carved in art deco style with Celtic knotwork designs entwined with horses, flowers and foliage. Be bold in this French Roulotte enveloped by rich purples, reds and golds with the essence of Morocco.http://www.roulotteretreat.com/accommodation/karlotta-roulotte

Horseshoe Cottage and Ruby, our Gypsy Bowtop

The best of both worlds – enjoy the comforts of Horseshoe Cottage and the romance of Ruby, our 1930 Gypsy Bowtop Caravan, in their own woodland garden next to the meadow. Let us delight you with the magic and tranquility of this special combination to offer space and timelessness where you can enjoy sleeping under the stars and travel without traveling….
Feast your eyes on our beautiful Ruby here...
http://www.roulotteretreat.com/accommodation/cottage

Environmental statement

We are committed to being as environmentally friendly as possible. We would like our guests and our local wildlife to co-exist in harmony at Roulotte Retreat. We are surrounded by beautiful natural surroundings with fresh air and clear starry skies. We have planted an abundance of native trees and hedging around the site encouraging wildlife with vibrant colours, flowers and berries and increasing biodiversity.
Our landscape design is created to be harmonious with wildlife and the surrounding natural scenic beauty. Read more ... http://www.roulotteretreat.com/environmental-statement