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Overview
Built as a peel tower in the 16th Century, with a subsequent stint as a toffee factory, this striking house has been restored with tremendous flair and style, its arresting period features complimented by contemporary design and bursts of colour resulting in a luxurious and charismatic holiday retreat.
A spectacular retreat ideal for special celebrations, sporting parties or convivial family time.
Set amidst the rolling countryside of North Berwickshire at the end of private drive, Old Purves Hall offers oodles of space for socialising and entertaining thanks to its spectacular professional-standard kitchen-dining room and oak-beamed drawing room with generous proportions and charismatic inglenook fireplace.
The six sumptuous bedrooms, accessed by a show-stopping staircase, are served by four well-appointed bathrooms. On the second floor you’ll also find a sitting room with a wood burning stove and sheepskin beanbags – a cosy haven for quiet time or bed-time stories.
Arriving at Old Purves Hall, you enter the house via a contemporary cedar clad extension into a large boot room which has underfloor heating, a practical space for storing equipment and drying dogs, off which are a cloakroom and utility room with washing machine and dryer. From here, studded oak doors, salvaged from the old Edinburgh Jail, open into the exposed stone inner hall which leads to the kitchen, drawing room and staircase.
The magnificent kitchen has a large central island and dining table that comfortably seats 12, and is superbly equipped, with a double-oven range cooker, five-burner hob and two dishwashers. A glass door opens on to a walled garden where there is a barbecue terrace and fire pit, beyond which you’ll find three acres of wooded grounds, a haven for mini-explorers and adventurers. A games room, set in a leafy glade away from the main house, is sure to appeal to teenagers, whether for games of ping pong or simply hanging out.
The defining features of Old Purves Hall are the fine architectural detailing and sophisticated, head-turning interior design, where top-quality furnishings, fabrics and artwork have been chosen with flair and taste to bestow a wonderful ambience of warmth and colour to this historic house.
Not only does Old Purves Hall offer top-notch accommodation, it is also brilliantly located to take advantage of the shooting, fishing and walking on offer in this beautiful Borders region.
Property details
Ground Floor
Large access hall/bootroom - with hanging rail and space for outdoor wear and boots. Underfloor heating.
Cloakroom with WC and basin.
Drying room with freezer and pulley.
Utility room with washing machine and dryer.
Open plan kitchen/dining comprising:
Kitchen (one step down from the inner hall) with large central island. Well equipped throughout with Range cooker with double oven and grill, five burner hob and hot plate, large double fridge with two freezer drawers (separate freezer just off the boot room), two dishwashers, microwave, hot cupboard.
Dining with large dining table with seating for twelve with provision for up to sixteen if required. Door to the garden.
Drawing room with two distinct seating areas naturally dividing the room. This includes a large sofa and armchairs set around the original inglenook fireplace with wood burning stove. Door directly to the gravelled side counrtyard. There is a separate TV nook with additional seating, open fire and a large wall mounted Smart TV.
First floor
Bedroom one is the Venetian room and also the master bedroom with feature fireplace, 6’ fixed super king bed, side tables, linen cupboard, built-in cupboard with hanging space, two armchairs.
Bathroom one with large bath (two steps up), large corner shower with rainforest head, heated towel rail, basin and WC.
Bedroom two with zip and link beds which can be configured to 3’ twin beds or 6’ super king, side tables, hanging hooks, feature fireplace.
Bedroom three is originally the 16th century drawing room with original wood panelled walls, fixed 6’ super king bed, side tables, chest of drawers, hanging hooks.
Bathroom two with large shower with rainforest head, heated towel rail, basin and WC.
Second Floor
Sitting room with large double sofa, two large sheepskin bean bags, flat screen TV, wood burning stove.
Bedroom four with fixed 5’ 2” king size bed, side tables, chest of drawers, hanging hooks.
Bathroom three with large bath, heated towel rail, basin and WC.
Bedroom five with zip and link beds which can be configured to 6’ super king or 3’ twin beds as required, side tables, wardrobe, chest of drawers, feature fireplace.
Bedroom six with zip and link beds which can be configured to 6’ super king or 3’ twin beds as required, side tables, wardrobe, chest of drawers.
Bathroom four with large walk-in shower, heated towel rail, basin and WC.
Outside
The property sits in large attractive grounds bounded by mature woodland. This includes an enclosed lawned garden which is accessed from the kitchen/dining room. There is a patio with table, chairs and sunbeds, as well as a large gas barbecue and a fire pit.
The grounds extend to over 3 acres with woodland walks to the North of the property.
Games Room
A converted stable in the grounds of the property has a table tennis table.
Parking
There is ample private parking to the front of the property for four to five cars.
Electric vehicles - please note that EV charging at Old Purves Hall is strictly not permitted - see relevant section below.
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.
Guests can find public charging points in the nearby towns of Coldstream, Kelso and Greenlaw.
Children & families
A travel cot and highchair can be provided on request.
Dogs
Three dogs are permitted at Old Purves Hall. Dogs must be kept to the boot room until clean and dry and for sleeping, and then kept to the ground floor of the property only. They must be kept out of the bedrooms and off the furniture. An outside tap is available.
Guest amenities
High quality bed linen and towels are provided for guests along with guest toiletries. A hairdryer is provided in each bedroom.
Wi-Fi & Mobile Coverage
Fibre broadband is available - download speed approximately 150mbps with 30mbp upload.
Mobile reception is poor inside the property due to the thickness of the walls. This improves outdoors.
Heating
Oil fired central heating throughout. Wood burning stove in the drawing room along with open fire. Wood burning stove in the second floor sitting room. Initial supply of logs provided. Underfloor heating in the boot room, inner hall, drawing room, kitchen/dining room and bathrooms.
SHORT-TERM LETS LICENSING
Scottish short-term lets licence number: Pending
The current EPC rating for this property will be available soon.
Location
For groups, corporate parties or special occasions, a number of catering options can be arranged for the period of your stay, including the services of a private cook with part or fully catered services, a homemade meal delivery service, or wine delivery in association with renowned merchants Corney & Barrow. Please contact us for details.
Nearby Greenlaw (4.5 miles) has a pub, a butchers and one or two shops for local provisions, however a greater choice can be found in the attractive, historic town of Kelso which sits just 10 miles from the house and offers a diverse mix of independent shops, a good selection of lively pubs and restaurants, and is also host to regular National Hunt race meetings for a great day out.
The charming market town of Duns is just 8.5 miles from the property offering a good range of small town shopping including a butchers, bakery, country and fishing store, a small co-op supermarket as well as a small selection of local gift and coffee shops. The Jim Clark Motorsport Museum in Duns has been recently revamped and is dedicated to the life and career of racing driver Jim Clark. The museum includes a unique collection of 100 trophies and memorabilia.
For eating out, the Wheatsheaf at Swinton (8 miles) or the Allanton Inn (10 miles) are both renowned for serving dishes full of fresh local flavours amidst relaxed, convivial surroundings. Alternatively, for a perfect pint and lovely ambient surroundings head to the popular Cross Inn at Paxton (14 miles) or for a fashion of Italian and Scottish dishes head to Hunters Stables Bar & Bistro at St. Bowsells (17 miles). The Collingwood Arms at Cornhill (11.5 miles) also comes highly recommended with an elegant setting for lingering lunches or fine evening dining.
Activities
Old Purves Hall is an ideal destination for field sports, and sporting breaks can be arranged with shooting providers in the area. The region offers high quality walked-up and driven shooting for grouse, pheasant and partridge over a wide range of habitats taking in the picturesque valleys and heather clad hillsides.
There is nearby fishing on the River Whiteadder and a typical pattern sees a run of spring fish from February through to the end of April. From May there is superb sea trout fishing at night with the occasional salmon running throughout the summer. The traditional main run of salmon is at the end of the season with the larger fish entering the river from September onwards and you will find prime Tweed fishing beats within an easy twenty minute drive of the property.
There is excellent walking, cycling and riding in the area from gentle ambles to more challenging routes, including tracks across the Greenlaw Moor which are suitable for off-road bikes, or the Borderloop Cycling Route which is a long-distance journey taking in wonderful scenery and attractions all the way down to the coast. Alternatively join the route for a shorter stretch, taking in quiet roads and a variety of terrain which can be matched to your cycling skills and experience.
The final stretch of The Southern Upland Way runs from Lauder to Cockburnspath, and walkers can join this section at Longformacus (20 mins drive) for a short walk, or enjoy a full day’s trekking through the rolling scenery of the Lammermuir Hills, taking in the excellent viewpoints of the Twin Law Cairns all the way down to the spectacular cliff-top scenery of the heritage coastline.
For golf enthusiasts, Duns Golf Club is a scenic upland course situated at the foot of the Lammermuir Hills, just a fifteen minute drive from the property. Alternatively the renowned Roxburghe Championship course near Kelso is 11 miles and the very pretty Hirsel course at Coldstream, 8 miles.
A half hour drive will take you to the stunning beaches of the heritage coastline, including Bamburgh, Holy Island and St. Abbs Head. Along the way, perhaps take time to soak in the rich history of the area by following the chain of castles and historic buildings that punctuate the landscape here - Thirlestane, Floors, Manderston and Mellerstain are all just a short drive away. The magnificent city of Edinburgh is an easy day trip by car or 45 minutes on the train from Berwick.
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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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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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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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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Shooting
For sheer variety alone Northumberland and the Scottish Borders are irresistible to any gun.
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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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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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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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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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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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Dog sitting
Our experienced dog sitters will look after your furry friends whilst you are out exploring.
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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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Reviews
"We have had the most enjoyable stay at Old Purves Hall. The house was warm and welcoming on our arrival and in immaculate order. Everything we needed during our stay was at hand and there was nothing lacking. We had reasonable weather so able to visit the surrounding area with Spittal beach and Duns Castle Estate a few of the highlights. Kelso is beautiful and great for shopping. We got fabulous steak pies from Hunters butchers for our New Years Day dinner and they were delicious. All in all we cannot fault the service or the property and thank the host and Crabtree and Crabtree for giving us a memorable New Year holiday."
Ms Kennedy"What a wonderful place Old Purves Hall is - we had a fabulous stay. The occasion was my mums 90th birthday, and being an architect with a passion for historic buildings and interiors this was absolutely spot on. She/we loved the way you had extended, decorated and found all that period furniture along with the modern conversion and the comforts that brings. Your kitchens are always the best equipped (from previous experience) and this was no exception. We like to cook (especially on big occasions like this) and it can get elaborate, so we needed to be confident that the equipment would be there and it was. The flowers and the champagne were a perfect finishing touch. So thank you for a lovely house in a lovely location for this very special family occasion."
Wilson family“We spent a week here celebrating our dad’s 70th birthday. What an amazing week we had had!! It is such a beautiful house and the kids have enjoyed exploring the garden and woods. The kitchen is gorgeous and we enjoyed a very special evening with a private chef for the birthday celebrations. Thank you so much from all of us.”
Mr Swallow“A wonderful week with good friends. Played lots of golf in the Borders and enjoyed this wonderful house very much. Shame we didn’t get to use the barbeque but maybe next time! Thank you we will be back hopefully.”
Mrs Mysko“This has to be one of the best houses in which we have holidayed. Very well-equipped kitchen and a lovely garden to enjoy with the dogs. Thank you so much.”
Ms Adam“Lovely week at Old Purves Hall – a great house for a large family group. Enjoyed the garden on very hot days. A well-equipped, comfortable house to get lost in. Flowers and champagne were a lovely touch. Thank you.”
The Rowley Family“We have had a fantastic time at this beautiful home! It is so seldom the whole family get together. We could not have found a more comfortable attractive place. Dad had a fantastic birthday thanks to the wonderful accommodation. We even managed to have a wonderful lunch in the beautiful garden thanks to the sunshine. A big thank you to Andrew and all staff for everything. We really appreciated the beautiful flowers and the little something found in the bottom of the drinks fridge. This was used for another toast to celebrate Dad’s 80th birthday at Old Purves Hall. It has been a celebration to remember.”
The Paton Family"Many thanks!
We all had a wonderful time. Old Purves Hall is beautifully organised and decorated and very comfortable."
Holland Family"Just a quick thank you for sharing your house with us. Our family get-together to celebrate numerous birthdays and friendships. I can honestly say everyone has had an amazing few days and we are all leaving with very happy memories of our visit to the Borders."
Cutts family"Fantastic house for large groups of friends and family celebrating a very surprised 65 year old's birthday. Beds very comfortable, love the toiletries, very well equipped house. Thank you."
Connelly family"All 12 thoroughly enjoyed our stay. This is a very comfortable and well equipped house. Thank you as it was perfect for our family weekend celebrating three birthdays, including an 80th and a wedding anniversary. It's been a time of laughter."
Fowles family"Thank you for letting us stay in your beautiful home. The renovations are a credit to you - you have created the perfect space for families to recharge and explore the lovely countryside. We were here with two teenagers who have loved having the sitting room on the top floor all to themselves. We would love to come back in the future - it has been just what the doctor ordered!"
Downham family"We have had a fantastic time, the house is absolutely beautiful. The handbook was very useful and we have some great trips. Look forward to next time!"
Maxwell Family"We have all had the most wonderful time, best of all we have listened to the beautiful birds singing all day long - wonderful trees all around us and peace - heaven! The flowers are lovely. House is so well equipped and comfortable we have enjoyed it all!"
Ayre Family"We had a very nice, relaxing time. A beautiful property with everything we could have needed. The weekly flower delivery the owner has set up is not just a lovely touch but interesting , bringing everyone to the table to share and learn and now something I will put into my gifting list, including myself! A very comfortable, quite luxurious house and gardens without it feeling we couldn't relax, a great communal and private space. We have used Crabtree & Crabtree for holiday properties several times and have and will continue to recommend to many. This is the first time we have had more that just " us and the dogs " and Old Purves Hall went beyond our expectations."
Hemphill Family"What a find! We have all had the most fabulous time at Old Purves Hall, this place is a dream and absolutely ticks every box we can think of when it comes to, well everything! Truly wonderful accommodation and the grounds are great to spend time in - we've been super lucky with the amazing weather too! The attention to detail throughout is spot on - the thoughtful touches of fresh flowers and champagne complete the fantastic experience we have all thoroughly enjoyed. We will most definitely be back at some point."
Gordon Family"What a great time we all had at Old Purves Hall. A perfect country escape from it all, in wonderful surroundings and a first class home. Every room was spacious and beautifully furnished; the garden and surrounding areas were a joy and, as with all great rentals, every amenity down to the smallest utensil you could possibly need was well catered for. We’d highly recommend Old Purves Hall."
Campbell family"We had a wonderful stay. The house is absolutely beautiful and incredibly well-equipped. We couldn't have enjoyed ourselves more. Thank you so much."
The Bennetts"What an amazing house! Thank you. We had a great holiday despite some strong weather!"
Ms Galbraith"We had a fabulous half term. Celebrating also a 40th Birthday. Had a perfect stay. Kitchen was great entertaining space and very well equipped. Snowdrops magnificent! A fun venue for hide and seek. We loved it! PS the champagne in the fridge was delicious!"
Green Family"We have just returned from a stay in Old Purves Hall near Coldstream. This old tower house has been extensively and sympathetically renovated. It is beautifully furnished and decorated with every comfort and modern facility. It is also extremely well equipped. We enjoyed a birthday celebration with the family and all found the house extremely comfortable. Our grandchildren loved having the upstairs living room to themselves and had great fun imagining that they were they were in Hogwarts. Would love to stay there again and enjoy seeing more of the lovely countryside around the area."
Mrs Aitchison"Thank you so much for having us! Perfect 25th Birthday weekend! The house is stunning"
Boon & friends"We had a wonderful weeks stay at Old Purves Hall, it is a magnificent house with excellent décor and high quality equipment, furnishings, bed linen etc."
Miss Allen & Friends"We have had a wonderful time in your beautiful house. Everything was top notch and the Christmas decorations, fresh flowers and presents in the wine cooler were all lovely touches. A great house for our extended family and a memorable Twix-mas break."
Whyte Family"We have a lovely stay here at Old Purves Hall. Our family gathered from Durham to Dallas Texas. The holiday decorations were perfect for Santa to come and see the children. We had a very special time here and all have made wonderful memories."
Huitson FamilyAvailability
- Three dogs are welcome.
- Typical arrival day: Flexible during low season. Friday during high season.
- Arrival time: 4pm
- Departure time: 10am
"The house is made for convivial gatherings…cook up a storm in the state-of-the-art kitchen and spend evenings making merry in the stylish social spaces."Kirsty, Crabtree & Crabtree
