The breathtaking Secret Herb Garden and The Secret Garden Distillery has been listed for sale by the family that set it up.
No price is listed for the land and various businesses but it is understood that the market will decide as bids are received.
Nonetheless, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for some eco-conscious entrepreneurs that are looking to get their teeth stuck into a business with a solid foundation and location.
During their first date Hamish and Liberty Martin both shared a love for all things herbs, food and drink. During this date the pair discovered a communal appreciation for the natural world - it was at that moment that the seeds of their small empire began to grow.
Hamish, a wine merchant, started a diploma in herbology at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh, and a year later the couple secured a 7.5 acre derelict plot of land that is now home to the Secret Herb Garden shop, café and distillery.
Ten years on the family - which now also comprises five children, four dogs, chickens, a cat and an owl - are moving on and looking for the right buyer.
On the sale, Hamish said: “The future of the earth and the beauty she beholds is at the forefront of everything we do. The green space we have created allows people to wander freely and enjoy the subtle magic that nature has to offer, while our range of gins showcase the wonderful natural flavours created from our enormous botanical herb garden.
“The business is thriving with an established international customer base including a number of blue chip venues, premier retail outlets and leading supermarkets. It’s at a very exciting stage for the right investor, who has the time, resources and vision to take it to the next level.
“I am enormously proud of what we have achieved, and would be delighted to pass on everything this special place has taught me to the new custodian - about herbs, gin making and this expanding and very exciting sector. We have absolutely loved our time here but are looking forward to the next chapter. We have created a haven here, on the edge of the capital, but we plan to spend more family time in a place we have found a little further north: it has a fascinating woodland and wonderful potential for some really exciting conservation and biodiversity projects.”
The Secret Herb Garden and The Secret Garden Distillery is said to include an award-winning sustainable premium gin distillery, extensive botanical herb garden for fresh ingredients, a shop, a bistro/café, an award-winning events venue with wedding license, parking for around 60 vehicles and a beautiful contemporary five-bedroom house with private gardens and an orchard.
The property is set within seven and a half acres at the foot of the iconic Pentland Hills Regional Park - lying just 6.3 miles from Edinburgh’s city centre and 1.5 miles south of the city bypass.
The property is available as a whole to include The Secret Herb Garden including trademarks, herb nursery, stock and equipment, together with cafe and events business currently let on a 4 year lease and also the entire shareholding of The Secret Garden Distillery to include a botanical garden, distillery and shop.
All in all the site extends to approximately 7.5 acres (3.04 hectares) in total.
To enquire about this exciting opportunity, please contact Savills here.
