Garden Hen House | Oxton | Sleeps 10

The space

Highfield House is a warm, spacious country house in Oxton, close to Lauder in the Scottish Borders, made for hen groups who want a weekend that feels easy, sociable and full of fresh air. Originally built in the 1800s as shepherds quarters and thoughtfully renovated in 2022, it has all the character of a rural retreat with the practical comforts you need for a group celebration.

This is a brilliant choice for hens looking for a laid-back base rather than a busy city apartment. You can start the morning with coffee in the garden, head out for a walk or cycle from the door, book the on-site tennis court for a friendly doubles tournament, then return for a long dinner around the table. If the bride-to-be loves a countryside setting, good conversation, relaxed food and quality time with her favourite people, Highfield House sets the tone beautifully.

The house sleeps 8 guests in 4 bedrooms, with additional camp beds available for 2 children if your group set-up needs flexibility. It is also dog friendly, so four-legged VIPs do not have to miss out on the weekend.

Inside the house

The main living room is designed for slow evenings and group catch-ups, with comfortable seating, a smart TV and plenty of space to gather after a day exploring the Borders. There is also a round table that works well for hen party games, cards, quizzes, memory-sharing activities or planning the next day over a glass of fizz. WiFi runs throughout the house, so playlists, group photos and itinerary updates are all covered.

The kitchen is a real plus for groups who want to self-cater or bring in a special meal. It includes a range cooker, dishwasher and generous supplies of crockery, glassware and utensils, making breakfasts, grazing boards and celebration dinners straightforward. The oak dining table seats up to 10 guests with an extension leaf, giving you a proper shared dining space for a bride tribe supper, afternoon tea set-up or pre-night-out meal.

There is a downstairs WC and cloakroom, plus a separate laundry room, which is especially handy for longer stays or outdoorsy weekends. Upstairs, you will find 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The main bedroom has a king size bed and its own en suite shower room, ideal for the guest of honour. There is also a twin room and additional bedrooms suited to flexible group arrangements, along with a family bathroom with bath and shower.

A downstairs annex adds even more useful space, with a further shower room, an extra living area and a second kitchen area. For hen groups, this is great for giving early risers, quieter guests or anyone getting ready separately a little more privacy.

Hen weekend highlights

Highfield House has the ingredients for a relaxed country hen weekend without needing to over-plan every minute. Hot tubs are available for hire if required, so you can add a chilled soak to the itinerary after a walk, bike ride or tennis match. Picture robes, bubbles, a playlist and a slow evening under Scottish Borders skies.

The large open garden at the rear of the house gives you room to enjoy drinks outside, set up garden games, take group photos or simply sit together in the fresh air. For informal dining, there is also a barn suitable for barbecues and casual meals, which works brilliantly for a low-key hen feast, rustic supper or daytime grazing set-up. If your group prefers not to cook, local caterers are available, and groups booking more than one property on-site may be able to hire a small marquee for communal dining or activities.

While there is not a dedicated games room, the house gives you several sociable spaces that work just as well for hen activities. The living room table is ideal for quiz rounds, bride trivia, card games and DIY cocktail menus, while the annex provides a handy extra lounge for smaller chats or a quieter corner. The smart TV is useful for a film night, photo slideshow or relaxed Sunday viewing.

For active groups, the no-charge on-site tennis court is a standout bonus. Organise a playful doubles tournament, bride versus bridesmaids challenge or a morning stretch before brunch. Walks and mountain biking routes run straight from the door too, so you can build in wholesome daytime plans before settling in for a cosy night together.

Location & getting around

Highfield House sits in Oxton, close to Lauder, placing your group in the Scottish Borders countryside with easy access to both rural activities and city options. A local pub is within a mile, making it simple to head out for a drink or meal without committing to a big night out.

For hens who want a mix of country calm and city buzz, Edinburgh is around 22 miles away. That opens up the option of a day trip or evening out for cocktails, restaurants, sightseeing, live music or dancing, before returning to your quieter base in Oxton. The location is especially appealing for groups travelling from different parts of Scotland or northern England who want somewhere scenic but still connected.

The surrounding area is well suited to outdoor activity weekends, with walking and mountain biking routes available from the house. Lauder and the wider Scottish Borders also offer attractive villages, local pubs and beautiful countryside drives, giving you plenty of ways to tailor the weekend to the bride-to-be.

Enquire today

If your hen group is looking for a spacious, characterful house with sociable dining, garden space, optional hot tub hire and easy access to both countryside activities and Edinburgh, Highfield House is a lovely fit. Send an enquiry to the host with your dates, group size and any plans you have in mind, and they can help confirm availability and the best set-up for your stay.