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Overview
A welcoming converted schoolhouse set on the flanks of Hume Castle hill, near Kelso
Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of Hume from the comfort of this delightful home
As you sip a drink in the leafy gardens of The Old School, watching sheep graze the peaceful grassy hillock topped by Hume Castle, it can be hard to imagine the ruined castle was once one of the most strategic fortresses in the Scottish Borders. Set at the castle’s feet, The Old School is a dainty stone building surrounded by mature gardens that tumble across various levels. Comfortable benches tucked into quiet corners of these well-tended gardens, including a wraparound bench by a firepit, invite you to contemplate the peace that reigns over Hume, while a cosy garden room provides shelter, books and magazines.
Taking the few steps from this charming two-bedroom property up to the castle explains why it was such a significant defensive site: unbroken views extend far across the Tweed valley, with the Cheviots to the south, the Eildon Hills to the west, and Lammermuirs to the north. Today’s modified Hume Castle is built around the remnants of a late 12th- or early 13th-century castle held by the powerful Hume or Home family, with both spellings recognised for the family, castle and small settlement below it.
Victorian schoolchildren would certainly recognise The Old School’s original panelling and 12-pane sash windows, set up high to provide ample light for them to practise their learning while not distracted by views of the outside world (although visitors today will find the views they offer of Hume Castle from the living area pleasantly distracting).
Today, the wood panelling is painted in soft grey tones, which complement the inky blue cabinetry of the open-plan kitchen, dining and living space that now benefit from the light flooding in through those large windows and the warmth of a cosy wood burner. Leading off from the entrance hallway, the ground floor further houses a double bedroom with an en-suite rainforest shower room, which is particularly well suited for guests with restricted mobility.
The most surprising part of The Old School lies in its first-floor conversion, where its owners have created an expansive bedroom and separate bathroom, set beneath the property’s vaulted ceiling. To one side of the staircase lies a super king bed beneath exposed timber beams, together with a sofa and desk by the window, while a bathroom lies to the other side, also set below exposed beams and boasting a rolltop bath and walk-in shower.
In addition to claiming a castle on its doorstep, The Old School is just 5 miles from the spectacular Floors Castle, which is located on the outskirts of the bustling Abbey town of Kelso. Further historic homes and gardens, including Manderston, Mellerstain and Thirlestane, are all within easy driving distance. The village is also a popular base for anglers, who can enjoy easy access to salmon fishing on various nearby middle Tweed fishing beats.
Property details
GROUND FLOOR
Access into inner hall with hanging rail.
Open plan kitchen, dining and living space comprising:
Kitchen with induction hob, electric oven and grill, microwave, washing machine, dishwasher. Door to the rear with small boot room and hanging rail. Dining space with bench seating and chairs.
Sitting room with sofa, armchair, Smart TV, wood burning stove. Views of the garden and castle.
Bedroom one with king size bed, side tables, chest of drawers, peg rail with hangers.
En suite bathroom with large walk-in shower (with rainforest head), heated towel rail, basin and WC.
FIRST FLOOR
Bedroom two - with super king bed with zip and link option which can be configured to 3' twin beds. Side tables, built-in cupboards with ample storage and hanging space, chest of drawers, desk and chair. A foldaway bed (Z bed) for a child can be provided at an additional cost of £35. Gable view across the merse, velux windows view of the castle.
Large adjacent bathroom with roll-top bath, large walk-in shower (with rainforest head), heated towel rail, basin and WC. Velux view of the castle and garden.
OUTSIDE
The Old School benefits from a large private enclosed garden. This is a multi-terrace garden comprising herbaceous borders and lawn, with multiple seating areas. This includes bench seating with an outside fire pit. A charcoal barbecue is available on request (charcoal not supplied).
A cosy garden room has seating and a collection of books.
External storage for bikes and outdoor gear is available.
PARKING
There is ample private parking for up to four cars in the gravelled front courtyard.
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.
BABIES & CHILDREN
Due to the multi-level garden, the property is felt to be best suited to children over the age of five. Babes in arms are welcome and a travel cot and high chair can be provided on request.
DOGS
Sorry, dogs are not permitted.
GUEST AMENITIES
All bed linens and towels are included. Duvets and pillows are hypo-allergenic. Guest toiletries are provided. This includes natural bath/shower wash, along with shampoo and conditioner. There is a hairdryer in each bedroom.
WI-FI & MOBILE COVERAGE
Superfast optic-fibre broadband. Due to the thickness of the walls, mobile reception can be variable inside the property. This improves outside.
HEATING
Oil-fired heating with thermostatic control. Wood burning stove in the sitting room (initial basket of logs supplied). Further logs can be supplied at a cost of £5 per basket - paid directly to the owner.
GUEST PRIVACY
The Old School is a detached property and sits in the small hamlet of Hume. There are properties to the left and right of the property, however, they are at a distance and there is very limited over-looking, with plenty of private spaces in the multi-terrace private garden.
The owner lives nearby and would be delighted to help with any queries during your stay, but is equally respectful of guest privacy.
SHORT-TERM LETS LICENSING
Scottish short-term lets licence number: SB00056F
The current EPC rating for this property is band D, a copy of the certificate can be found here.
Location
You will find excellent local amenities in the thriving market town of Kelso (5.8 miles) set around a charming cobbled square. The town is home to a super range of independent shops where you can indulge in a little retail therapy, or purchase fresh local produce and holiday provisions from quality traders. There are some excellent pubs and restaurants for dining out, or for light lunches you will find plenty of tempting treats in the many cafes in the town - including Cafe U, or the Terrace Cafe at Floors Castle.
A twenty-minute drive will take you to the pretty village of St Boswells which boasts the fabulous, award-winning Mainstreet Trading bookshop, café, and deli; the excellent Blue Coo Bistro at the Buccleuch Arms; or Hunters Stables for Italian cuisine and pizza. A little further afield, the incredibly picturesque town of Melrose sits around 17 miles from the property and has plenty of restaurant choices, as well as a lovely selection of independent shops.
Activities
The Scottish Borders is an area steeped in history. You will find an abundance of castles and historic sites nearby from Floors Castle and Smailholm Tower, to Jedburgh Abbey and the Flodden Battle Field just over the English border. But where better to start than right on your doorstep with Hume Castle? Sitting in a commanding positon above the village, Hume Castle is thought to be one of the most formidable defensive castles in the Scottish Borders as well as offering some of the best views in the area.
For those with a passion for fishing, Kelso sits right on the confluence of the Rivers Tweed and Teviot and is a much loved destination for salmon anglers who come to experience world-class fishing on the prolific Middle Tweed salmon beats around this area - Rutherford, Makerstoun, Upper and Lower Floors, Junction and Hendersyde are all within a 30 minute drive of the property.
For golf enthusiasts, Kelso Golf Club is an attractive parkland course resting on the edge of the town, or you can experience a fantastic day-out playing the Roxburghe Championship Course (14 miles), recently voted 6th best course in Scotland by readers of the country’s best selling golf title. There is a pro-shop and PGA golf academy here for those who are new to the game or wish to refine their swing, and if you’re feeling particularly energetic you may decide to finish off your day popping a few clays at the nearby shooting school.
For sightseeing, the grand stately homes of Mellerstain, Manderston, Abbotsford and Thirlestane are all within a short half hour drive where the beautiful artworks, rich architectural detailing and scenic grounds and gardens are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.
Our local events and festivals provide the perfect excuse for short breaks or friendly get-togethers where you can enjoy National Hunt Racing at Kelso Racecourse, local Antique Fairs and Auctions, the Floors Castle Horse Trials, Point-to-Point Meets, the Borders Book Festival, Walking Festival and Common Ridings.......to name just a few!
Crossing the border into Northumberland you will find the wonderful heritage coastline with miles of deserted golden sands perfect for rest or play, while driving north will take you to the cultural city of Edinburgh in less than an hour where you can take advantage of events such as the vibrant Edinburgh Fringe Festival, exceptional Jazz and Blues Festival, or simply a day-out exploring the exquisite historical architecture of this beautiful city.
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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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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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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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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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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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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Museums, galleries and culture
Our museums tell the story of Borders people and provide a unique insight into our region’s heritage and culture, such as the turbulent past of the Border Reivers or the tragic tale of exiled Mary Queen of Scots.
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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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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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Shooting
For sheer variety alone Northumberland and the Scottish Borders are irresistible to any gun.
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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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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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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 photography
Family holidays, reunions and honeymoons kindle priceless moments that deserve preserving.
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"We had such a lovely break in the Borders and The Old School was a delightful place to stay in. It felt like home from home from the minute we got there to the end of our stay. The owner met us in the pouring rain when we arrived and was so lovely and made us feel so welcome, showing us the important bits of the house so we could settle in, light a fire and enjoy her lovely home. Thank you and we look forward to staying with you again in the future."
Mr & Mrs Legge"The Old School is a great place to stay, very relaxing and lovely grounds. Ideally placed to explore the Borders!"
Mr & Mrs Taylor"We have had a wonderful time here. Great place to relax and explore The Borders."
Mrs & Mr Wood"Beautifully converted School House in a gorgeous setting in view of Hume Castle. Location is ideal for visiting the local areas - Kelso was lovely and Berwick. Three days is not long enough so would have to return soon in the Autumn. The owner was so welcoming and the home made bread on arrival - the nicest thing i have ever tasted!"
Mr IllingworthAvailability
- Sorry, dogs are not permitted.
- Typical arrival day: Friday, with the additional option of Monday during low season.
- Arrival time: 4pm
- Departure time: 10am
"The original schoolhouse windows, set up high to deter children from glimpsing distracting goings on at street level, but offer superb views of Hume Castle."Warrick and Jane, owners of The Old School, Hume
