Tucked deep in the East Lothian countryside, just 40 minutes from Edinburgh, is a glamping experience that redefines rural luxury - with a twist. At The Bus Stop, guests not only arrive at the remote site in vehicles, they sleep in them too. Visitors can 'unplug naturally' at any of nine fully converted single and double-decker buses, which include self-catered stays ranging from rustic glamping to high-end luxury.
The unusual hideaway is one of three global accommodations featured in Episode 6 of Channel 4's World's Most Secret Hotels, set to air tomorrow night at 8pm. Based on a working farm near the village of Gifford, The Bus Stop is run by husband-wife team Sioned Lloyd Stewart and Alexander Wilson Stewart - who say the location is so secluded, even locals are unaware it exists.
Sioned said: 'From the roadside, you can't see anything at all...you wouldn't have been able to walk past and see a bus unless somebody has told you. You wouldn't know it's here.' Alexander laughs as he adds: 'We've actually had lots of people phoning us up thinking it is actually a stop where a bus comes to pick up people - some even ask me what the timetable is!'
A Unique Glamping Experience
Set across nearly 200 acres, six single-deck buses offer an 'off-grid' experience in their own private area, with burning indoor stoves, fairy lights and solar panels, while the main grounds feature three luxury buses. Among them is a retired 20-year-old double-decker, which once shuttled passengers through the streets of Newcastle and Edinburgh.
Although each bus features central heating, a private kitchen, and a bathroom, Sioned and Alexander's biggest renovation challenge was maximising the unusual layout, from the passenger entrance to the driver's cabin, all while prioritising comfort. For refurbishment to begin, each vehicle was stripped bare - a strenuous task that resulted in a trip to A&E for Alexander's father.
The owner said, 'He was trying to rip the roof out... all this old metal cut his hand,' before joking that his father was temporarily relieved of his renovation duties afterward. Another big hurdle for the couple was having to regulate the temperature inside the buses, which are known to turn freezing cold in the winter and roasting hot in the summer.
Amenities and furniture, however, are purpose-built to fit each area, Sioned notes, while showing the interior of one refurbished double-decker. The oven, for example, is tucked away neatly into a corner where passengers would have collected their tickets, while the sink is installed in an area where the driver's seat would have originally been.
Authentic Restoration
Keeping the restoration authentic was crucial for the couple, with lower decks on double-deckers separated into zones that include a spacious seating area for six, plus a modern, family-sized bathroom with a waterfall shower, sink and toilet. The upper deck, meanwhile, is partitioned into three sections; a king-sized bedroom takes up the front, a set of bunkbeds - plus a seating area - is situated in the middle, and another king-sized bedroom installed with a skylight is positioned to the rear.
Among other unique yet traditional features the pair decided to keep are the vehicles' original handrails, doors and windows. Sioned said: 'You've got that contrast of original features and luxury appeal.' Each bus is also different in size and design, meaning guests can stay nine times and have a completely bespoke experience.
Guests are handed a map and key at check-in, then navigate the wooded paths and past fields with alpacas and goats to locate their room. At night, guests can soak in the outdoor hot tub or relax by the fire. All family members are welcomed at the dog-friendly site, which boasts plenty of open green spaces, walking routes and a relaxed atmosphere.
Alexander, whose family has farmed the surrounding land for three generations, explains the inspiration behind their idea. He said: 'The reason we came up with converting buses into holiday homes was to diversify our farm enterprise. When people arrive at the farm, that is part of the appeal. They'll get to feed the chickens, see the goats and sheep, or tractors driving by.'
Located near the site is the picturesque village of Gifford, where guests can pick up supplies for their self-catered stay, though it's also home to cafés, small restaurants and a pub for those who don't feel like cooking. After dinner, guests are free to take in the night's sky in their very own private hot tub stationed at each vehicle, or relax by the firepit with a glass of wine. Either way, a stay at The Bus Stop guarantees a restful escape, leaving guests with a one-of-a-kind experience to share with their loved ones.
Episode 6 of World's Most Secret Hotels airs on Channel 4, 23rd May, 8pm.
