If you fancy being the pampered princess in the tower for the weekend or the king of your very own castle for the week, the newly-renovated Aikwood Tower near Selkirk will make all your dreams come true. Built in the 1540s Aikwood Tower sits in a lofty position guarding the entrance to the Ettrick valley, amongst some of the most ruggedly beautiful and unspoilt countryside in the Scottish Borders.

The tower has been lovingly renovated throughout by the current owners to create a unique and fabulously atmospheric home for holidays and special events either on a self-catered or fully-staffed basis. The interior style is one of understated luxury, remaining perfectly in-tune with the ancient building whilst every little detail, from the luxurious designer beds to the wealth of mod-cons available, ensures guests want for nothing. There are quirky features at every turn including vaulted stone ceilings, original oak doors, vast stone fireplaces and the delightful kerry-handed (left turning) spiral staircase which forms the backbone of the tower.

The surrounding countryside is no less impressive. Aikwood Tower is set within the rolling hills and ancient woodlands of the Ettrick and Yarrow valleys with endless opportunities for walking, mountain biking and riding as well as river-kayaking. Keen wildlife watchers and photographers will have no end of possible subjects amongst the abundant local wildlife including the majestic ospreys that have recently returned to the region.

Just 30 minutes away is the 2,500 acre mountain biking Mecca of Glentress Forest - the UK's leading mountain biking centre – offering a wide variety of trails and challenging downhill runs. The fantastic championship golf courses of Roxburghe (woodland course) and Cardrona (woodland/parkland course) are both nearby whilst the famous links courses at Gullane, Muirfield and Dunbar are all within an easy day trip. There are also tennis courts within a five minute drive of the tower.

For country sports enthusiasts, the legendary River Tweed is within easy driving distance and closer still are the Rivers Ettrick and Yarrow which run through magnificent wild moorland and remain very lightly fished. Shooting Times & Country Magazine recently described the River Ettrick as, "one of the best-kept secrets in the fishing world". Pheasant and grouse shooting can be arranged at the neighbouring 46,000 acre Bowhill Estate, with the pheasant shoot a regular in the Shooting Times' Top 10 Shoots list.

Built after James V issued a decree to local lairds to fortify the Scottish Borders “against troublous times,” Aikwood Tower is itself testament to the rich and often bloody history of the region which has given rise to a wealth of historic houses and castles. Explore the majestic Floors Castle at Kelso, elegant country houses such as Abbotsford House, the fairytale home of Sir Walter Scott and the evocative ruins of the abbeys at Melrose and Dryburgh.

Nearby Selkirk is a traditional Border's town famous for its textiles with many of the original woollen mills still in operation today. The beguiling town of Melrose is also nearby, home of rugby 7s and offering some of the best shopping in the Borders with a good selection of unusual, independent shops, boutiques, antique shops and galleries. Further afield, the Georgian grandeur of Edinburgh is an easy day trip.

For those who are looking for a complete break, Aikwood Tower is the perfect place to get away from it all and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Personal yoga sessions and soothing massages can be arranged at the house for the ultimate in pampering.

Floorplans for Aikwood Tower will be available soon. In the meantime, please contact us if you have any queries in relation to the layout of the accommodation.

Bedrooms

The main tower accommodates up to eight guests in four en suite bedrooms, whilst a fifth en suite bedroom in the extended wing, provides additional accommodation for two further guests or for a nanny if required. Four of the five bedrooms offer ‘zip and link' double or twin beds for complete flexibility. Luxurious Swedish brand ‘DUX®' beds are provided in all rooms to ensure a good night's sleep.

The Great Hall

The atmospheric Great Hall complete with an impressive open fire offers a comfortable and cosy area for guests to enjoy a glass of wine before dinner, play games or relax with a good book.

Kitchen and dining room

The fully-equipped kitchen and adjacent dining area, complete with vaulted ceiling, offer a convivial and atmospheric informal dining area. The larger Lower Haigh Hall is ideal for more formal dining.

Study

A cosy study with panelled ceiling offers peace and quiet to catch up with work or enjoy classic gramophone or mp3 recordings. Wi Fi is available throughout Aikwood Tower.

Lower Laigh Hall

A spacious room ideal for more formal dining and celebratory dinners. The hall also offers ample function space for drinks receptions, intimate wedding receptions and corporate events.

Entrance hall / boot room

Accessed directly from the front door, the charming entrance hall with its vaulted ceiling and magnificent original doors is ideal for storing and drying outdoor clothing.

Garden and grounds

The front of the tower leads directly to a pretty, south-west facing, walled garden including a sunny terrace for outside dining, croquet lawn and orchard. The garden is fully-enclosed and ideal for children to play. There is a large gravelled parking area to the rear of the tower and additional parking can be made available for events and weddings.

Weddings, drinks receptions and private dining

The Lower Laigh Hall is an ideal space for drinks receptions, weddings and private dining. The walled-garden is also available for weddings and drinks receptions during the summer months. We can assist with everything from event catering through to arranging something a little different to entertain your guest such as an evening of Scottish reeling, bagpipe lessons or falconry displays. Please contact us for further information about special events at Aikwood Tower.

Corporate events

The peaceful, relaxed surroundings of Aikwood Tower make it an ideal venue for a business retreat. The upper gallery is fully-equipped for corporate events including a screening room, games consoles and hot-desks and Wi Fi is available throughout the tower. The Lower Haigh Hall can be transformed into a board room with additional tables provided for breakout workstations and equally provides a spacious and atmospheric venue for drinks receptions and corporate entertaining. During the summer months, there is also space for al fresco entertaining on the terrace. To ensure your event is memorable, we can also assist with organising something a little different for your guests such as Scottish reeling, bagpipe lessons or falconry displays. Fully-serviced corporate golf, fishing or shooting breaks are also available at Aikwood Tower with shooting on the famous Bowhill Estate which neighbours Aikwood Tower and fishing either on the Rivers Ettrick or Tweed which run close by. There are several golf courses in the immediate vicinity including Selkirk, Torwoodlee and Woll as well as the renowned links courses such as Gullane and Muirfield within an easy day trip.

Catering and butler service

Catering at Aikwood Tower is entirely flexible. The house can either be taken on a self-catered basis, part or fully-catered with a cook available for cooked breakfasts, lunches and dinners as required.

Housekeeping

The housekeeper is available for additional cleaning or linen changes throughout guest's stay at additional cost.

Children's facilities

A travel cot and high chair are available on request.

Dogs

Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Aikwod Tower. If dogs are in the house, we would ask that they are kept to the downstairs, uncarpeted areas. Dogs must be kept under control when walking on the wider estate.