The Bubbling Toad Brings Magic to Vogrie House
The Bubbling Toad is a whimsical, hand-crafted space nestled within the first floor of Vogrie House. Lovingly created by Gayanne Potter and her family, The Bubbling Toad is the result of months of vision, craft, and community spirit. What was once a neglected wing is now an immersive escape, filled with twinkling fairy lights, enchanted classrooms, and treasures hidden in every corner.
A Magical Experience
The idea first sparked during lockdown, when founder Gayanne Potter transformed her front garden into a fairy tree filled with daily surprises for local families, games, crafts, and quiet moments of joy in uncertain times. That little tree grew legs, and soon a bigger dream began to brew: a permanent home for community, creativity and slow magic.
When the opportunity arose to reimagine a floor of Vogrie House, a beautiful and characterful part of the park’s heritage, Gayanne and her small team poured heart, time and fairy dust into transforming it. Every piece of furniture was repurposed, every corner designed with intention.
“I wanted The Bubbling Toad to bring joy, connection and a spark of magic to everyone who steps inside, a place where time slows and wonder takes root.” – Gayanne Potter, Founder & Creative Director
From Forgotten to Fairytale
The story of The Bubbling Toad is one of transformation. When the council offered Gayanne and her family the first floor of Vogrie House, they saw not decay, but possibility.
That first cold January morning, they arrived with paintbrushes, old furniture, storm-felled branches, and a head full of ideas. Room by room, the space was brought to life, not with contractors or large budgets, but with creativity, craft, and care.
What once held echoes now hums with stories, sparkles, and gentle wonder. The Bubbling Toad has something for all ages, offering:
- potion classes, where spells and science dance together
- fairy-themed parties and seasonal celebrations
- creative sessions for all ages, from crafting to stargazing
- spaces to play, pause, and reconnect — from the enchanted Fairy Hollow to the dreamy Lunar Library
Support at Every Stage
When the initial idea for The Bubbling Toad was just brewing, Gayanne reached out to Ali Wood, her Business Gateway Midlothian Adviser, accessing free dedicated business support to help her start the business.
Over two and a half years, Ali helped Gayanne to develop a business plan for The Bubbling Toad and supported her at every stage of the start-up process. Ali provided mentoring on her journey and acted as a sounding board for ideas and plans. Gayanne was also connected with relevant Council services including The Land & Countryside Service, Planning and Building Standards Services for change of use and development permissions for the House.
Ali said: ‘meeting business owners like Gayanne is what makes our job so worthwhile. Her passion for creating The Bubbling Toad is inspiring and seeing her hard work pay off is incredible. We’re here to support at every stage of the start-up journey, and beyond, and look forward to seeing this brilliant business thrive and welcome visitors to Midlothian.’
The Bubbling Toad also received funding as part of the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund administered by Midlothian Council’s Economic Development Service. This provided funding for the transformation of the first floor of Vogrie House into what is now the magical setting for The Bubbling Toad.
Gayanne said: ‘Without the support, advice and funding received from Business Gateway Midlothian and Midlothian Council’s Economic Development Service, we wouldn’t have been able to bring our vision to life, ready for opening in June 2025. It has allowed us to not only create the magical setting we always hoped for but provided invaluable knowledge and advice throughout the process. I’m truly grateful to Ali and the team and look forward to continuing to work with them as the business grows.’
Grand Opening of The Bubbling Toad
The Bubbling Toad is now ready to open its doors and welcome those in search of a little magic. You can book a time to let your imagination roam free to create a timeless elixir in their potion classes or craft enchanted treasures at The Makers Table in Fairy Hollow.
From summer you can also solve puzzles, unlock mysteries and escape The Puzzlery, The Bubbling Toad’s very own enchanted escape room!
At its core, The Bubbling Toad is about more than entertainment – it’s about experience. A slower pace. A bit of mischief. And a space that feels safe and magical, no matter your age.
The Bubbling Toad isn’t just a venue. It’s a world waiting to be stepped into. A place where magic is made, not just imagined.
