Formerly the school for the magnificent Milne Graden Estate, School House has been lovingly renovated throughout to create a highly unusual and beautifully-presented holiday home. The stunning interior is reminiscent of a traditional sporting lodge, the epitome of understated luxury with a predominance of natural wood, slate and stone finishings and cosy wool and linen fabrics. A particular highlight is the magnificent former school room, which provides a fabulous, convivial, open-plan living area with a mezzanine level bedroom overhead.

Outside, a lawned seating area to the rear of the property is a perfect spot for breakfast or an evening drink with fabulous views down the river and not a road in sight. A nearby path leads to the river and a network of superb riverside walks. The river is a haven for wildlife including deer, otter and kingfishers.

Tucked at the end of a private estate road, School House is part of a secluded hamlet of superb properties comprising Hamilton House and No 1 and No 2 Sunnyside. The properties can be hired collectively for larger groups wishing to holiday together but maintain a degree of privacy. The dining room at School House has been designed to accommodate larger groups of up to 20 guests if required.

With fishing on one of the world's greatest salmon so close by, School House is an ideal base for fishing parties. The estate’s own beat which is available to guests at additional cost (subject to availability) extends to about 1.4 miles of single bank fishing. Milne Graden is primarily a salmon beat but has good runs of grilse and sea trout through the summer months. School House is within easy driving distance of other prime beats including Tillmouth, Lennel, Ladykirk and The Lees. A trout rod, reel and line are provided at the house and with local trout fishing permits costing just £5 a day it is well worth a try to catch fresh trout for supper.

Fishing is by no means the only activity for which the local area is renowned. Think of the Scottish Borders and think of big spaces: heather-clad hills, hundreds of square miles of forests and woodland, lochs and rivers and 1,200 miles of quiet country roads providing a real paradise for cyclists, riders and walkers alike. Golfers are no less well catered for with an impressive variety of courses nearby from the championship course at Roxburghe and Cardrona to classic links courses at Bamburgh and Goswick. The almost-deserted sandy beaches dotted along the stunning coastline are popular for walking, riding, kite-surfing and sea-kayaking.

If you take a more relaxed approach to your holiday, immerse yourself in the rich and turbulent history of the area with a visit to nearby Flodden Field, site of the infamous battle of 1513 between the Scots and the English or one of the many spectacular local castles, including dramatic Bamburgh, perched high on its rocky outcrop, the vast, romantic ruins of Dunstanburgh, the palatial splendour of Floors, impressive Thirlestane "one of the seven great houses of Scotland" and foreboding Alnwick, made famous as the location for Hogwart’s School in the Harry Potter films.

For a yet more relaxed approach, School House is well-placed for some gentle pottering in the charming Borders towns of Coldstream, Duns or Kelso or the local village of Norham, a finalist for England's Favourite Village Award and famous for its imposing Norman castle ruins and the celebrated Foreman's Butchers. If you feel peckish, the nationally-acclaimed Wheatsheaf restaurant at Swinton in addition to the restaurant at the newly-renovated Collingwood Arms at Cornhill-on-Tweed are both within a few miles of the house. Edinburgh is also within an easy day trip distance, about an hour’s drive or 45 minutes on the train from nearby Berwick-upon-Tweed.

School House Ground Floor

School House First Floor

Bedrooms

The accommodation comprises three double bedrooms (with 5' beds) one mezzanine level bedroom (NB this bedroom has an open-plan entrance looking down to the living area below, however the room is partially-partitioned for privacy), one ground floor bedroom and one first floor bedroom. The bedrooms are all decorated in neutral tones to the highest standard and comfort throughout. All have plenty of storage space with wardrobes and dressing tables. All bed linen is the highest quality 100% Egyptian cotton. We offer a late-availability option for couples to book the mezzanine bedroom and downstairs accommodation at a reduced rate.

Bath and shower rooms

The first floor, mezzanine level bedroom has a shower room on the ground floor (large walk-in shower, WC and basin). The first floor bedroom has an adjacent shower room with small walk-in shower, WC and basin. The third bedroom, on the ground floor has an adjacent bathroom (bath with handheld shower attachment, WC and basin). Luxurious towels are provided for all guests.

Open-plan living area

A superb room with fabulous views of the river. The cosy seating area includes an open log fire (logs provided), two sumptuous leather sofas, large flat-screen television with Sky television and wireless broadband internet connection. The dining area is arranged to seat 6 guests as standard, but can accommodate up to 20 guests including seating, cutlery, crockery and glassware.

Kitchen

The kitchen is located at one end of the main reception room and can be screened to provide privacy if guests wish to book a cook. It is fully equipped with a stainless steel electric oven and hob, dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator and deepfreeze.

Utility / rod and boot room

Accessed directly from the back door, this warm, tiled room is ideal for dogs and storing and drying fishing kit and outdoor clothing. A small sink and washing machine with dryer are provided.

Garden and grounds

To the rear of the house is a lawned garden and a graveled area with parking for at least three cars. Guests also have use of the communal courtyard area in front of the house with a path leading directly to the river.

Welcome hamper

Guests receive a complimentary welcome hamper on arrival which includes fresh coffee, tea, fresh orange juice, milk, fruit cake, cereal, eggs, bacon, bread, butter and marmalade. During the Christmas and New Year period a drinks tray is provided consisting of whisky, Gordons Gin, 2 bottles Claret, 2 bottles of white wine and mixers.

Catering and housekeeping

Catering at School House is entirely flexible. The house can either be taken on a self-catered, partly catered or fully catered basis. A homemade meal and wine delivery service is also available. A picnic hamper delivery service is available for fishing parties. The housekeeper will meet guests on arrival and facilities are 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

A maximum of two well-behaved dogs are welcome at School House. We would ask that they are kept to the downstairs, uncarpeted areas of the house.

Environmental policy

Milne Graden Estate has adopted an eco-friendly policy. All bath and shower toiletries and household products are eco-friendly and biodegradable with extra facilities for recycling.