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Overview
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 unspoiled countryside in the Scottish Borders.
Enjoy 500 years of Scottish history - a hidden gem in the heart of Borders country
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 sumptuous beds and an array of mod-cons will ensure that all needs are catered for.
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.
Property details
Ground floor
Entrance hall with vaulted ceiling and magnificent original doors. This provides an excellent space for storing and drying outdoor clothing.
Lower Laich Hall with table tennis table, large table with benches and French doors into the garden. 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.
Double cloakroom with WC and basin.
Kitchen with vaulted ceiling, AGA, hot plate, two fridges, toaster, microwave and Nespresso machine.
Adjacent dining area with vaulted ceiling, impressive large oak burr table with seating for 10.
First Floor - accessed by the spiral staircase
Laird’s Study with panelled ceiling and wood burning stove offers peace and quiet to catch up with work or enjoy classic gramophone or MP3 recordings.
The Great Hall with an impressive, large 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.
Gallery with large TV and DVD player and books. There is an adjoining area fitted with a bar with basin and desk with laptop.
Buccleuch bathroom with roll top bath with shower over, WC, basin and original fireplace.
Buccleuch bedroom with zip and link beds which can be set up as a super king double or twin as preferred, large wardrobe, and original fireplace.
Steel bedroom with zip and link beds which can be set up as a super king double or twin as preferred, original fireplace and staircase.
En-suite bathroom with bath, WC and basin.
Wet room with large rainforest shower head.
Sir Walter Scott bedroom with king size bed and chest of drawers.
En-suite bathroom with roll top bath and handheld shower, WC and basin.
Wizard bedroom with zip and link beds which can be set up as a super king double or twin as preferred and wooden ceiling beams.
En-suite shower room with walk in shower, WC and basin.
First floor - accessed by separate staircase
Harden bedroom with zip and link beds which can be set up as a super king double or twin as preferred.
En-suite bathroom with bath with shower over, WC and basin.
Outside
The front of the tower leads directly to a pretty, southwest 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.
Parking
There is a large gravelled parking area to the rear of the tower.
Electric Vehicle Charging
For safety reasons, we do not permit electric vehicle or hybrid car charging at this property. If you’re travelling by EV, discover your nearest electric vehicle charging point here.
Children & Babies
A travel cot and highchair are available on request. An inflatable child bed (suitable for 8/10 year olds) is available free of charge.
Dogs
Two well-behaved dogs are welcome at Aikwood Tower at a charge of £20 per dog. We would ask that they are kept to the downstairs, uncarpeted areas and off the furniture. Dogs must be kept under control when walking on the wider estate.
Guest amenities
Luxurious Swedish brand ‘DUX®' beds are provided in all rooms to ensure a good night's sleep. Towels, bathrobes and slippers are provided for each guest. Guest toiletries are also provided. A hairdryer is supplied in each bedroom.
Wi-Fi & Mobile Coverage
There is Wi-Fi available at Aikwood Tower. The mobile coverage is good outside and on the top floor but can be patchy elsewhere in the tower.
Heating
Aikwood Tower has overnight storage heaters with electric heaters in a few rooms. There is also a large open fire in the Great Hall, wood burning stove in the study and the AGA in the kitchen. Logs are provided for the fire.
SHORT-TERM LETS LICENSING
Scottish short-term lets licence number: Pending
The current EPC rating for this property will be available soon.
Location
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.
Activities
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.
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.
C&C experiences
We invite you to enjoy the most coveted and exclusive local experiences available in the North of England and the South of Scotland on your next Crabtree & Crabtree adventure.
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Historic houses and castles
With more stately homes, castles and historic sites here than you can shake a proverbial stick at, visitors are quite simply spoilt for choice.
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Children and families
Here at Crabtree & Crabtree, we like to think we’ve pulled together some rather nifty ideas to keep tots to teens happy and entertained during your stay.
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Cycling & mountain biking
Whether you ride fast or slow, on-road or off-road, there is something uniquely special about enjoying some outdoor time on two wheels. Here in the region we have something for everyone from high-energy mountain biking blasts to gentle forest paths the whole family can enjoy.
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Fishing
Welcome to the realm of the king of fish, the mighty River Tweed. Every year thousands of Atlantic Salmon make their way up river, an annual odyssey that is one of nature's miracles.
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Shooting
For sheer variety alone Northumberland and the Scottish Borders are irresistible to any gun.
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Walking
From the lush green uplands to shimmering sea, the area boasts a hugely diverse and enticing landscape that is perfect for exploring on foot. From gentle rambles to long-distance hikes, there are a vast array of trails and waymarked routes for newbie walkers or experienced alike.
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Wildlife
Our region is home to outstanding scenery which boasts emerald forests, pristine lochs and rivers, heathery hillsides, sweeping moorlands as well as a picture perfect coastline.
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Golf
There are 40 golf courses in Northumberland, and another 21 in the Scottish Borders offering visitors an incredibly wide and varied range of golfing options.
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Adventure Sports
If you love a challenge or just crave a little excitement away from the day-to-day bustle of working life, we have lots to offer - whether it be watery pursuits, muddy blasts or thrill seeking, adrenaline-charged adventures.
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Ancestral history research
Crabtree & Crabtree know that tracing the history of your family can be a wonderful journey of discovery. Here are our top tips for starting your family tree.
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Additional housekeeping
Award yourself a real break and let us provide a pair (or more) of helping hands.
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Dog sitting
Our experienced dog sitters will look after your furry friends whilst you are out exploring.
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Holiday photography
Family holidays, reunions and honeymoons kindle priceless moments that deserve preserving.
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Wine delivery
Crabtree & Crabtree have teamed up with Corney & Barrow one of the longest established independent Wine Merchants in the UK to offer a bespoke service.
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"Holiday excellent. Aikwood Tower is very well equipped, warm and comfortable, one of the best places we have stayed in."
Watson family"We had a great time and the owners were so welcoming and kind. With the exception of two days there, the weather was absolutely beautiful. We will remember this time always."
Lee familyAvailability
- Two dogs are welcome with a charge of £20 per dog.
- This property is available for exclusive use, either on a self-catered or fully-staffed basis.
- Typical arrival day: Friday during high season with the additional option of Monday out of high season.
- Arrival time: 4pm
- Departure time: 10am
"Gathering round the vast stone fireplace in the Great Hall for family games and pre-dinner drinks."Lynn, Crabtree & Crabtree
