SPRING UPDATE FROM GILMERTON HOUSE
Celtic Encounters - 16th April 2026
On Thursday 16 April 2026, Gilmerton House will host a special day of intimate concerts, bringing together exceptional Scottish and Breton musicians in the historic Music Room.
Guests will be welcomed into the drawing rooms on arrival, with time to settle in over afternoon tea or a glass of wine, accompanied by relaxed background music from the artists. As the afternoon unfolds, the experience moves upstairs to the Music Room for the main performance.
The programme centres on music rooted in the Celtic traditions of Scotland and Brittany, performed in an intimate setting that lends itself to both quiet moments and more powerful, atmospheric pieces.
As a friend of Gilmerton House, we are delighted to offer you a 15% discount code for this special event. All you need to do is use the code CELTIC15 when purchasing your tickets.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Reflections on the last year at Gilmerton House
As the sun has started to shine and we’re getting into the spirit of Spring, we felt it was the perfect moment to share a few highlights from the past year. From memorable sporting moments and creative projects to new additions around the estate, much has been happening at Gilmerton.
To our friends and guests both near and far, thank you as always for your continued support of the house.
The Scottish Open & Under Armour
Last July we were delighted to welcome Under Armour, who chose Gilmerton House as their base during the Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club. The week included a lively programme of client events celebrating the launch of their latest golf range, with falconry displays, clay pigeon shooting and a wonderful summer gathering on the lawn featuring live music, driving range competitions and putting on the south lawn.
The European Ryder Cup Team
We were also honoured to once again welcome Luke Donald and the European Ryder Cup Team for their final team gathering ahead of last year’s Ryder Cup.
For the second consecutive campaign the team chose Gilmerton House as their base before final selection, and the Ryder Cup itself was displayed outside the Laundry House during their visit. We hope to welcome the team again ahead of the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in Ireland.
Roger Gracie Retreat
In October we were delighted to host a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu retreat led by ten-time world champion Roger Gracie, held as part of the launch of Obsidian Belt, a charity focused on men’s mental health.
Guests travelled from across the world to attend the retreat, which combined training, conversation and time together in the peaceful surroundings of the estate. It was a privilege to support such a meaningful initiative.
Film & Creative Projects
Gilmerton continues to attract creative projects throughout the year. Recent shoots have included Walker Slater, who used the house and grounds as the setting for their summer collection campaign. We also had a lot of fun hosting the cast and crew for the latest season of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, due to air in the US next summer.
‘The Traitors’ comes to Gilmerton
In light of the incredibly popular television show, we have been inspired to host our own games of deception in East Lothian. These Traitors-style experiences invite guests into an evening or weekend of strategy, suspicion, and subtle competition. Set within the house and grounds, the game unfolds gradually, with hidden roles, shared challenges, and moments of quiet deception.
House & Estate Updates
The Gardener’s Cottage
One of the most exciting additions in recent years has been the recent opening of The Gardener’s Cottage, beautifully designed and curated by our friends at Great Brink. This elegant two-bedroom cottage sits within the estate gardens and provides a peaceful and private retreat for guests.
During quieter periods the cottage will be available to book independently from the main house, offering couples and small groups the opportunity to enjoy the grandeur of the estate with a greater sense of privacy and peace.
A New Guest Kitchen
After more than thirty years of service, our much-loved kitchen and Aga were retired last winter and replaced with a beautifully designed new guest kitchen. With a generous island, modern appliances and a window seat overlooking the Rose Garden, it has already become a favourite gathering place for guests.
Restoring the Landscape
Following the damage caused by winter storms last year, our grounds team embarked on a replanting programme across the estate. More than twenty Sequoia trees have now been planted, with every member of the team taking part.
Even Sir David’s grandson Alvie, aged just one and a half, planted a tree of his own.
A New Four-legged Arrival
We are also delighted to introduce Willow, a spaniel who has joined Gilmerton’s canine family, alongside Alfie the golden retriever and Hugo the black labrador.
The estate has never been better patrolled.
Book your Stay at Gilmerton House
If you have been considering a private stay, golf trip or celebration at Gilmerton House, we would be delighted to hear from you. Whether it is a family reunion, milestone birthday, wedding celebration or simply a few days in the countryside with friends, the house offers a wonderfully relaxed and private setting.
Christmas 2026
Following a busy festive season in 2025 that featured numerous celebrations and winter weddings, we are now accepting bookings for Christmas and New Year 2026 for private stays, festive parties, and winter weddings.
