Roulotte Retreat. Reviews

Reviews

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• Sian Sent on 04/03/2020
  5 out of 5 rating

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  Scottish wilderness with a quirky charm

  "We first stumbled across Roulotte Retreat whilst searching for a Vardo to spend a weekend in at short notice, we noted that Roulotte Retreat hosted weddings and were both captivated by its charm and natural beauty.
  
  12 months later and it was time to plan our own wedding. We wanted our day to be quiet, romantic, natural, quaint and reflective of our personalities. Roulotte Retreat was the first location we discussed as it offered the natural magnetism of the Scottish wilderness and a quirky charm unto itself.
  
  We contacted Avril to organize our elopement. Overwhelmed by the prospect of having to source a photographer, registrar, witness, flowers and everything else we forgot we would need, Avril was a beacon of light that guided us effortlessly through the entire process, providing us with a multitude of local talented and reputable contacts that made our day so perfect.
  
  We awoke in Rosa Bella to a bountiful hamper of delicious food and treats. Blessed by beautiful weather and accompanied by beautiful people, we eloped in the meadow, by the pond and surrounded by dragonflies, bumble bees and Scottish wild flowers. During the evening we explored the trails and landscape nearby before retiring to the rustic elegance of Rosa Bella to toast the most perfect day with champagne by a log fire.
  
  We would like to thank again Avril, Alan, Jane and Phil for genuinely making our dreams come true."

  "We first stumbled across Roulotte Retreat whilst searching for a Vardo to spend a weekend in at short notice, we noted that Roulotte Retreat hosted weddings and were both captivated by its charm and natural beauty.
  
  12 months later and it was time to plan our own wedding. We wanted our day to be quiet, romantic, natural, quaint and reflective of our personalities. Roulotte Retreat was the first location we discussed as it offered the natural magnetism of the Scottish wilderness and a quirky charm unto itself.
  
  We contacted Avril to organize our elopement. Overwhelmed by the prospect of having to source a photographer, registrar, witness, flowers and everything else we forgot we would need, Avril was a beacon of light that guided us effortlessly through the entire process, providing us with a multitude of local talented and reputable contacts that made our day so perfect.
  
  We awoke in Rosa Bella to a bountiful hamper of delicious food and treats. Blessed by beautiful weather and accompanied by beautiful people, we eloped in the meadow, by the pond and surrounded by dragonflies, bumble bees and Scottish wild flowers. During the evening we explored the trails and landscape nearby before retiring to the rustic elegance of Rosa Bella to toast the most perfect day with champagne by a log fire.
  
  We would like to thank again Avril, Alan, Jane and Phil for genuinely making our dreams come true."

  Roulotte Retreat.'s reply:

  Thank you for taking the time to write us a lovely review, we really appreciate this.
  Sian and Aren enjoyed a relaxed, sunny elopement by the lochan which is amazing as both had been studying hard for exams prior to arriving. Now as Mr and Mrs they are heading off abroad to start their new lives together and we wish them all the best luck in the world, so well deserved! Alan loved Aren's suit so much he immediately went online to try to find one the same!
  Good luck in your new adventures together!
• Haley Sent on 04/03/2020
  5 out of 5 rating

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  Surrounded by nature, eclectic and whimsical

  When planning for our wedding it was really easy to get overwhelmed and caught up in prices, and who to invite, that it was seeming to overshadow the love that we wanted to celebrate. We are both introverted and wanted to exchange our vows privately where we could focus on each other, our shared love, and creating a conscious committed partnership together. That is why we chose Roulotte Retreat. Here we were surrounded by nature, eclectic and whimsical, and able to partake in a hodgepodge of traditions that were important to us. We soulfully married on the June strawberry moon near the lochan in the meadow and stayed in Gitana roulotte with carvings of strawberries, butterflies and fairies surrounding us. We loved the chickens, rooster Elvis, and Bear the dog who were also part of our Special Day.
  
  Avril and Alan made us both feel so at home and really helped to make the day simply wonderful. From fresh flowers in the broom (for 'jumping the broom' ceremony) to our champagne served “with a flourish” of fresh sprigs, and making sure we knew all the places to visit for photos, we felt truly cared for from the start. We also loved our registrar Jane, who so gracefully switched between handfasting, to the quaich ceremony with love and laughter. The day was made even more splendid with Liana as our photographer. Liana made us feel so comfortable and we had so much fun exploring Roulotte Retreat, the surrounding area, and Melrose together. We couldn’t recommend the Roulotte Retreat with Avril and Alan, Jane, and Liana more! Thank you so much for a lifetime of memories and love!

  When planning for our wedding it was really easy to get overwhelmed and caught up in prices, and who to invite, that it was seeming to overshadow the love that we wanted to celebrate. We are both introverted and wanted to exchange our vows privately where we could focus on each other, our shared love, and creating a conscious committed partnership together. That is why we chose Roulotte Retreat. Here we were surrounded by nature, eclectic and whimsical, and able to partake in a hodgepodge of traditions that were important to us. We soulfully married on the June strawberry moon near the lochan in the meadow and stayed in Gitana roulotte with carvings of strawberries, butterflies and fairies surrounding us. We loved the chickens, rooster Elvis, and Bear the dog who were also part of our Special Day.
  
  Avril and Alan made us both feel so at home and really helped to make the day simply wonderful. From fresh flowers in the broom (for 'jumping the broom' ceremony) to our champagne served “with a flourish” of fresh sprigs, and making sure we knew all the places to visit for photos, we felt truly cared for from the start. We also loved our registrar Jane, who so gracefully switched between handfasting, to the quaich ceremony with love and laughter. The day was made even more splendid with Liana as our photographer. Liana made us feel so comfortable and we had so much fun exploring Roulotte Retreat, the surrounding area, and Melrose together. We couldn’t recommend the Roulotte Retreat with Avril and Alan, Jane, and Liana more! Thank you so much for a lifetime of memories and love!

  Roulotte Retreat.'s reply:

  Thank you Haley and Connor for taking the time to write such a glowing review for us.
  You arrived from USA and with your love of nature fully immersed yourselves in the wildflower meadow. It was beautiful to watch you wander around the lochan amongst the wildflowers with Haley noticing each and every flower with a story to tell. We enjoyed your ceremony on Gitana's deck and as well as having photographs taken in the meadow we are glad you went off on a tour around some of the local beauty spots to enjoy different scenic backdrops. We loved that you chose to get married on the strawberry full moon of June in our meadow, staying in our magical Gitana with her spiralling strawberries. Wishing you all our warmest best for your new adventure together.
  Avril and Alan
• Delia Sent on 04/03/2020
  5 out of 5 rating

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  Completely stress free wedding day

  If you want a completely stress-free wedding day we can highly recommend Roulotte Retreat! From the first phone call to the last moments of cutting the cake we couldn't have been in better hands. Avril and Alan, owners of Roulotte Retreat are kind, thoughtful and totally laid-back. They create a very relaxed atmosphere in their unique, and outstandingly beautiful surroundings. We stayed in Horseshoe Cottage with Ruby Bowtop, which was perfect for us. It was very spacious, well equipped, a lovely log-burner in the lounge, wooden beams and very nice soft furnishings. If you want to be totally at one with nature, enjoy peace and tranquility and the darkest starry night skies then this is the place. We had the most memorable day. We had decided to include the hand-fasting ritual as part of our ceremony, performed by Jane the lovely Registrar, where our chosen fabric of tartan was wrapped around our hands in such a way that when pronounced Husband and Wife we let go of our hands and a knot was tied - hence the term Tying the Knot. The Photographer Phil Wilkinson (as recommended by Avril) was just fabulous and was extremely patient as I was on crutches following recent knee surgery and could only move at a snail's pace, and he was a lot of fun. Phil didn't miss any opportunities to capture the photo-bombing hens or Bear, the dog who had wandered over to have a nosey at what was going on. Our evening was spent eating fish and chips and drinking champagne snuggled up in front of the fire reminiscing about the day. All in all and in every way possible it was a day to remember! Thank you Avril and Alan - you really have something very special at Roulotte Retreat!

  If you want a completely stress-free wedding day we can highly recommend Roulotte Retreat! From the first phone call to the last moments of cutting the cake we couldn't have been in better hands. Avril and Alan, owners of Roulotte Retreat are kind, thoughtful and totally laid-back. They create a very relaxed atmosphere in their unique, and outstandingly beautiful surroundings. We stayed in Horseshoe Cottage with Ruby Bowtop, which was perfect for us. It was very spacious, well equipped, a lovely log-burner in the lounge, wooden beams and very nice soft furnishings. If you want to be totally at one with nature, enjoy peace and tranquility and the darkest starry night skies then this is the place. We had the most memorable day. We had decided to include the hand-fasting ritual as part of our ceremony, performed by Jane the lovely Registrar, where our chosen fabric of tartan was wrapped around our hands in such a way that when pronounced Husband and Wife we let go of our hands and a knot was tied - hence the term Tying the Knot. The Photographer Phil Wilkinson (as recommended by Avril) was just fabulous and was extremely patient as I was on crutches following recent knee surgery and could only move at a snail's pace, and he was a lot of fun. Phil didn't miss any opportunities to capture the photo-bombing hens or Bear, the dog who had wandered over to have a nosey at what was going on. Our evening was spent eating fish and chips and drinking champagne snuggled up in front of the fire reminiscing about the day. All in all and in every way possible it was a day to remember! Thank you Avril and Alan - you really have something very special at Roulotte Retreat!

  Roulotte Retreat.'s reply:

  Thank you for taking the time to write us a lovely review and glowing trip advisor too, we really appreciate this.
  On a colourful April day Delia and Paul got married outside Ruby, and WOW were they colourful characters too! They had Bear and some of our chickens in attendance too. in fact the chickens loved their ceremony, dashing up to be 'bridesmaids' as they photobombed the shoot! With fizz in their hands and a big yummy cake they celebrated their wedding in front of Ruby in the woodland garden - just delightful!
  Look forward to seeing you both again!
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• Sabrina Sent on 04/03/2020
  5 out of 5 rating

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  It will be a day we will never forget!

  As keen road cyclists we headed to the Scottish Borders with our tandem to get married as well as ride some of the route which he battled through when we got to together. It seemed fitting and finding the tranquil setting of Roulotte Retreat became another beautiful piece of our story.
  
  The website does not do Roulotte Retreat justice! Avril and Alan have created something truly unique with so much heart and soul.... We were married outside in their gorgeous wildflower meadow following our lovely vegan breakfast hamper in our Roulotte. We enjoyed a simple stress-free morning and it was more than we could have ever asked for. We took Avril up on her recommendations for a local meal in the evening and photographer to capture our day. Both were great and having this support took all the fuss we wanted to avoid, out of the day.
  
  We thought we may miss our family and friends but Avril and Alan more than made up for that by making us feel supported with their kindness and enthusiasm on our special day.
  
  To describe our elopement and what Avril and Alan have created at Roulotte Retreat as 'magical' sounds a little over romanticised, but it truly was, and it will be a day we will never forget!
  
  We feel blessed to have shared our special day with Avril and Alan and our wonderful registrar, Jane who came recommended by them. Jane was a lovely calming energy who made the ceremony stunning, lifted our excitement and alleviated our nerves!
  Thank you all again

  As keen road cyclists we headed to the Scottish Borders with our tandem to get married as well as ride some of the route which he battled through when we got to together. It seemed fitting and finding the tranquil setting of Roulotte Retreat became another beautiful piece of our story.
  
  The website does not do Roulotte Retreat justice! Avril and Alan have created something truly unique with so much heart and soul.... We were married outside in their gorgeous wildflower meadow following our lovely vegan breakfast hamper in our Roulotte. We enjoyed a simple stress-free morning and it was more than we could have ever asked for. We took Avril up on her recommendations for a local meal in the evening and photographer to capture our day. Both were great and having this support took all the fuss we wanted to avoid, out of the day.
  
  We thought we may miss our family and friends but Avril and Alan more than made up for that by making us feel supported with their kindness and enthusiasm on our special day.
  
  To describe our elopement and what Avril and Alan have created at Roulotte Retreat as 'magical' sounds a little over romanticised, but it truly was, and it will be a day we will never forget!
  
  We feel blessed to have shared our special day with Avril and Alan and our wonderful registrar, Jane who came recommended by them. Jane was a lovely calming energy who made the ceremony stunning, lifted our excitement and alleviated our nerves!
  Thank you all again

  Roulotte Retreat.'s reply:

  Thank you for writing such a beautiful review!
  
  Of course when I think of Sabrina and David I think of a tandem! They arrived complete with smiles and a tandem on the roof of their car.
  
  After a beautiful ceremony by the lochan which included jumping the broom they headed off on their tandem around the nearby countryside, complete with tin cans rattling from their wheels. So much fun when they were joined by a couple of local children from the village on their skateboards!
  
  Come back soon on your tandem!
• Sally Sent on 04/03/2020
  5 out of 5 rating

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  Just magical!

  "We find it hard to put into words how perfect our Elopement at Roulotte Retreat was, but we'll have a go... Christian and I didn't want a conventional wedding, we wanted a wedding that reflected us. The setting at Roulotte Retreat was ideal for our midsummer elopement.
  
  We stayed in the beautiful Gitana. Her walls were carved with wild strawberries, hidden fairies, butterflies and leaping hares - just magical.
  
  We spent the morning of our wedding exploring Melrose before heading back to our Roulotte to get ourselves ready for the ceremony, making time to lie in the sunshine with a pre-wedding glass of champagne or two.
  
  Our Wedding Ceremony was held next to the lochan in the middle of the meadow, surrounded by thousands of wildflowers. We exchanged vows, held a traditional hand-fasting ceremony and then took the opportunity to capture some memories around the meadow with our photographer.
  
  Following the ceremony we headed back to Gitana where Avril had prepared the most beautiful ice bucket full of champagne, flowers and foliage, which we enjoyed with a platter of cake and cheeses.
  
  Later in the evening Priya delivered the most delicious selection of Indian food straight to our Roulotte door.
  
  Sitting outside beautiful Gitana in the late midsummer sun in the eco-hot tub, we were surrounded by nature, just the two of us - it was just perfect.
  
  Avril, Alan and Bear their dog were wonderful hosts and witnesses. We can't wait to return to Roulotte Retreat to reminisce. Thank you!"

  "We find it hard to put into words how perfect our Elopement at Roulotte Retreat was, but we'll have a go... Christian and I didn't want a conventional wedding, we wanted a wedding that reflected us. The setting at Roulotte Retreat was ideal for our midsummer elopement.
  
  We stayed in the beautiful Gitana. Her walls were carved with wild strawberries, hidden fairies, butterflies and leaping hares - just magical.
  
  We spent the morning of our wedding exploring Melrose before heading back to our Roulotte to get ourselves ready for the ceremony, making time to lie in the sunshine with a pre-wedding glass of champagne or two.
  
  Our Wedding Ceremony was held next to the lochan in the middle of the meadow, surrounded by thousands of wildflowers. We exchanged vows, held a traditional hand-fasting ceremony and then took the opportunity to capture some memories around the meadow with our photographer.
  
  Following the ceremony we headed back to Gitana where Avril had prepared the most beautiful ice bucket full of champagne, flowers and foliage, which we enjoyed with a platter of cake and cheeses.
  
  Later in the evening Priya delivered the most delicious selection of Indian food straight to our Roulotte door.
  
  Sitting outside beautiful Gitana in the late midsummer sun in the eco-hot tub, we were surrounded by nature, just the two of us - it was just perfect.
  
  Avril, Alan and Bear their dog were wonderful hosts and witnesses. We can't wait to return to Roulotte Retreat to reminisce. Thank you!"

  Roulotte Retreat.'s reply:

  Thank you for the glowing review, we really appreciate you taking the time to write this for us.
  One of the most laid back couples we have had the opportunity to host for their elopement! Just imagine .... the morning of your wedding lying around on the deck in the sunshine, accompanied by Bear, our dog. As Sally gets ready Christian creates a beautiful flower chain around the champagne flutes and offers one to his beautiful bride-to-be, Sally. They then get into their wedding gear and head for the side of the lochan and get married and enjoy their first dance - just like that! Wow that was one relaxing elopement!
  All the best in your new life together.
  
• Emma, Sent on 04/03/2020
  5 out of 5 rating

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  An amazing place and a dream location

  We honestly don’t know where to start to try and describe how amazing our Wedding was at Roulotte Retreat. After tons of meticulous planning and hours of hand making lots of little details, Avril and Alan gave us complete free rein to decorate and create the environment that we wanted for our Wedding.
  
  Avril helped us source lots of local produce as we tried to keep all our food and drinks as local to Roulotte Retreat as possible. Avril was in contact with us all the time running up to the Wedding which made the planning process so easy Our Ceremony was stunning, the whole thing very relaxed. It was conducted by Humanist Laura who made our Ceremony very personal. All our guests have said it was a Wedding they will never forget.
  
  We loved every second of our Wedding and we cannot thank Avril and Alan enough for all their help and support.
  
  An amazing place and a dream location for anyone wishing an alternative and relaxed Wedding, that will certainly be unforgettable.

  We honestly don’t know where to start to try and describe how amazing our Wedding was at Roulotte Retreat. After tons of meticulous planning and hours of hand making lots of little details, Avril and Alan gave us complete free rein to decorate and create the environment that we wanted for our Wedding.
  
  Avril helped us source lots of local produce as we tried to keep all our food and drinks as local to Roulotte Retreat as possible. Avril was in contact with us all the time running up to the Wedding which made the planning process so easy Our Ceremony was stunning, the whole thing very relaxed. It was conducted by Humanist Laura who made our Ceremony very personal. All our guests have said it was a Wedding they will never forget.
  
  We loved every second of our Wedding and we cannot thank Avril and Alan enough for all their help and support.
  
  An amazing place and a dream location for anyone wishing an alternative and relaxed Wedding, that will certainly be unforgettable.

  Roulotte Retreat.'s reply:

  Thank you Emma and Tim for writing such a beautiful review. It truly was an incredible 3 day wedding, we loved it!
  We were delighted when Emma and Tim chose Roulotte Retreat for their Wedding as they had previously stayed with us at Roulotte Retreat in Horseshoe Cottage and in our Roulottes over the years with their daughter Summer. It was an absolute pleasure for us to host their wedding and we enjoyed the ambience they created with their beautiful Peacock coloured theme which was shown in the buttonholes, the archway, table decorations, and the bridesmaids dresses and converses! It was a real treat to plan and work alongside Emma who is incredibly talented, sourcing and creating all her decorations as she has a great eye for detail.
  We loved that Emma and Tim wished to have local produce and we sourced local cheeses, real ale which was set up ‘bar-style’ on the deck with never-ending kegs, and their amazing wedding cakes at nearby suppliers. The wedding feast was an organic banquet from a local food truck too, served ‘festival style’ so that guests could revisit the truck for seconds and thirds in all courses! Beatrix the vintage ice-cream bicycle served up all Emma and Tim’s favourite flavours.
  
  Very touching moments at the wedding included a promenade up through the meadow after the ceremony on the deck performed by Humanist Celebrant, Laura to the lochan where Emma and Tim and members of their family floated candlelit lotuses created by an artist friend.
  
  Live music was fantastic and we were delighted to be invited to join in - a great day!
  A great family and friends wedding with everyone contributing to the artwork and decoration. Uncle and Aunt were the most amazing photographers and Brother was the official hairdresser. Hats off to Emma’s Dad who did the most amazing job of the recycling!
  
  Loved that you were back at Roulotte Retreat again recently for birthday celebrations!
  
• Greta Sent on 04/03/2020
  5 out of 5 rating

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  Roulotte Retreat is the perfect place to Elope

  Every time we think of Roulotte Retreat we cannot stop smiling. It was by far the most beautiful couple of days of our lives! Overwhelmed by the stunning surroundings, the kindness of everyone involved and Ruby Bowtop! There isn't a prettier caravan on planet earth, and Greta is getting it tattooed! Roulotte Retreat is the perfect place to elope, it touches the history of the Scottish Borders, it's SO romantic and Avril and Alan make it even more special with their enthusiasm and kindness. There was a moment when we thought they may have been more excited about us eloping then we were - if that's even possible! Honestly an unforgettable experience, there wasn't a single thing we would have changed.... And it's so hard to write about something so magical - you have to go and experience it.
  
  Greta, Zulfi and Zeppelin, 22 February, 2014

  Every time we think of Roulotte Retreat we cannot stop smiling. It was by far the most beautiful couple of days of our lives! Overwhelmed by the stunning surroundings, the kindness of everyone involved and Ruby Bowtop! There isn't a prettier caravan on planet earth, and Greta is getting it tattooed! Roulotte Retreat is the perfect place to elope, it touches the history of the Scottish Borders, it's SO romantic and Avril and Alan make it even more special with their enthusiasm and kindness. There was a moment when we thought they may have been more excited about us eloping then we were - if that's even possible! Honestly an unforgettable experience, there wasn't a single thing we would have changed.... And it's so hard to write about something so magical - you have to go and experience it.
  
  Greta, Zulfi and Zeppelin, 22 February, 2014

  Roulotte Retreat.'s reply:

  Thank you both for being our very first couple to get married at Roulotte Retreat, you have set a trend!
  Greta and Zulfi were our very first elopement to Roulotte Retreat and such a lovely story… they decided to escape London and enjoy their Special Day exactly as they wished, so they jumped on the train from Kings Cross, London with their beautiful dog Zeppelin and headed north to us in the Scottish Borders. They had planned it carefully beforehand with Lindsey, our Wedding Planner at the time and ourselves but kept it secret and only announced the news on the internet with a cryptic image showing two carbon fibre rings in the shape of a bicycle, showing their joining of lives together and the launch of their new business Vel-Oh.
  They were married in front of our very ancient lady, Ruby Bowtop who is almost 100 years old, by Jane the local Registrar, with Alan and I as witnesses.
  We loved their utterly romantic elopement SO much that we decided to promote Roulotte Retreat as a destination for Elopements and Weddings.
  Greta and Zulfi were such a lovely couple, so in love, so stylish and so magically romantic and will always have a special place in our hearts, as does Zeppelin!