HEAD TO THE HILL: £3M LEISURE DESTINATION OPENS IN EAST LOTHIAN
Perched on a hill on the outskirts of Whitekirk village with sweeping views out over the Firth and rolling East Lothian countryside, Whitekirk Hill is a new must-visit destination and lifestyle hub for family day-trippers, gym-goers, outdoors enthusiasts, dog owners, foodies and spa devotees.
At the heart of Whitekirk Hill’s 160-acre estate sits the leisure hub, the former clubhouse building* undergoing a £3m redevelopment to now house a luxurious day spa, all-inclusive health club, innovative eco play barn, airy café and 100-seater casual dining restaurant.
The cathedral-ceilinged atrium and striking ceiling chandeliers make an impressive opening statement. To the left of the entrance is the Orangery café, its floor-to-ceiling windows along the south-facing wall lending a real sense of openness to the space. A pit-stop for healthy bites, fresh-pressed juices, world-class coffee and indulgent afternoon tea, the Orangery is also the perfect place to take your dog after an invigorating stroll around the grounds. On balmier days the Orangery’s terrace promises to be a real suntrap, the BBQ/fire pit allowing the day to continue beyond sunset.
Contemporary cuisine is on the menu at the stylish Grill restaurant where house specialities are served up from the charcoal Josper Grill by local head chef Fraser Brash. Quality local artisanal suppliers include Buccleuch Estate beef, John Gilmour Butchers and Belhaven Smokehouse.
Whitekirk Hill’s members' only health club is sure to make a splash with young and old alike: the gym has been equipped with the latest state-of-the-art Life Fitness equipment, the pool suite features a 13-m indoor swimming pool with solar panels on its roof, traditional Finnish sauna, steam room and spa bath and the studio provides the backdrop for a daily timetable of fitness classes including yoga, Pilates and circuit training.
On the upper floor, the spa suite is a haven of tranquility designed to relax, restore and revive with four treatment rooms, chill-out room and a manicure/pedicure bar. Open to the public, this is the only spa in Scotland where you will find luxury products from Barcelona brand Natura Bissé, which uses highly concentrated natural ingredients and innovative formulations. The Bio Sculpture gel nail system is 100% vegan, supports natural nail growth and exclusively carries a five-star safety rating.
Taking up to 100 children, the vast 228sq m play barn is where the fun really happens. Created by leading independent British play specialists Tigerplay, the design incorporates as many natural and tactile materials as possible in keeping with Whitekirk Hill’s eco aesthetic: aerial netted tunnels straddle elevated wooden dens and lookout towers, a 10m enclosed slide snakes its way to the ground floor, which encompasses a role-play kitchen area and toddler zone packed with interactive games. Reading pods offer a cosy nook for quiet time and the party area takes up to 20 children. A small café serving up tasty treats and refreshments combined with ample seating ensure that onlookers aren’t overlooked.
General manager Brenda Campbell said: “This development has been nearly two years in the making and the end result is even better than we had hoped. We have breathed new life into a disused building and created a space that is both pared back and welcoming. We have a great space, a great team and the public reaction has so far been incredible.”
The Whitekirk Hill leisure hub is part of a larger masterplan which will see further investment into the estate’s open spaces with walking and cycling trails, adventure playgrounds and more. The developers are also seeking planning permission in principle for the development of holiday lodges on parts of the site.