If you are looking for a house with wow-factor, Cairns House, a stunning, contemporary seven-bedroom church conversion 3 miles from Kelso, would be hard to beat.

Arriving on the first floor living area via a bespoke glass and oak staircase, one is awed by a 54' x 34' space with opaque glass floors below, magnificent rose-glass windows at either end and a superb vaulted ceiling with a highly-unusual brushed aluminium chandelier by Mike Stoane of Edinburgh as a centrepiece. It would be difficult not to be impressed.

This spectacular space has been carefully designed to maintain the wow-factor whilst creating a functional and cosy living space. Individual living areas offer seamless accommodation ideal for families and large parties who want to be together whilst not being on top of one another. There is a bespoke kitchen complete with breakfast bar, high-tech kitchen wizardry, a more traditional dining area for 14, a games area with pool table and a sitting area with sumptuous sofas, flat screen TV with Sky and DVD and state of the art sound system with pre-loaded albums. Specially-designed travertine flooring with zoned underfloor heating and a contemporary multi fuel stove in the seating area create a cosy ambience during the winter months.

The light-filled bedrooms in the main part of the church are furnished in a simple, contemporary style enhanced by light through the opaque floor tiles of the floor above. The substantial master bedroom has its own bathroom complete with designer fittings, argon mood lighting and a state of the art sound system.

The vestry, which can be accessed via the master bedroom or from a separate external entrance, offers an additional two bedrooms and bathrooms and is furnished in a more traditional style. The vestry is fully self-contained with its own smaller open plan living area and kitchen making it ideal for two families holidaying together or for accommodation for a cook or nanny.

The house has a myriad of interesting architectural features and has been featured in a number of architecture and interiors magazines including Grand Designs, Homes and Interiors, and featured on the BBC Homes Live show in 2007. It was described by the Scotsman as “one of the most arresting homes in Scotland”.

From the first floor living area, patio door open onto a cedar clad balcony with fabulous views over the Tweed Valley to the Cheviot Hills beyond. An additional timber decked patio area to the side of the house provides an outside dining area and barbecue for summer dining ‘al fresco'. The attractive garden is fully-enclosed (providing the gate is shut) providing a large, safe area for children and dogs.

The house is well-equipped for younger guests with a trampoline, pool table and numerous toys and games. Cots and a stair gate are available on request.

Cairns House is situated 3 miles from the delightful, historic town of Kelso, home to the majestic Floors Castle, residence of the Duke of Roxburghe, the championship Roxburghe golf course and the famous race course. Described by Sir Walter Scott as "the most beautiful, if not the most romantic village in Scotland," today the town retains much of its original charm with an interesting range of independent shops including an excellent new deli, butcher, fish monger, baker, galleries, antique shops, country sports as well as a monthly farmer's market. Kelso plays host to a number of events throughout the year including regular National Hunt race meets, the ancient custom of the Common Ridings of the town boundaries and the famous Borders Rugby 7s games.

Kelso is an excellent base for exploring the wider Borders area. The pretty town of Melrose is nearby with its winding streets with antique shops, pubs and restaurants. On the way home, stop off at Mellerstain House, an impressive stately home with a noteworthy art collection. Pop into the 15th Century Smailholm Tower, built to withstand Reivers' raids and offering panoramic views from the top. Or take a detour up to the magnificent Scott's View overlooking the Tweed Valley and Eildon Hills. Scott's horse even stopped out of habit during his own funeral procession. For day trips further afield, the stunning coastline is nearby with endless sandy beaches that remain almost deserted even in the summer months. The magnificent city of Edinburgh is an easy day trip from Kelso, just an hour by car.

The area is a golfer's paradise with 22 courses within a 30 mile radius ranging from challenging PGA Championship courses, to picturesque links and parkland courses to suit all standards. For keen walkers, there are hundreds of miles of quiet countryside to explore on two feet, four hooves or two wheels, from the stunning, sandy beaches on the coast to the heather-clad Cheviot and Lammermuir Hills.

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

Sleeps 14 +4

Cairns House has 7 bedrooms, two of which offer a single bed for additional guests. The master bedroom also offers a small double sofa bed for additional guests.

Accommodation

The accommodation is configured as follows:

Ground floor

Large atrium/reception area.

Bedroom one – with king size bed, double sofa bed, sound system, en suite wet room with large, walk-in shower, bath, basin and WC.

Bedroom two – with double bed, en suite shower and basin.

Bedroom three – with double bed, en suite shower and basin.

Bedroom four – with double bed and additional small single bed.

Bedroom five – with double bed and additional small single bed.

Two bathrooms each with bath, separate shower, basin and WC.

Laundry room with washing machine and dryer.

Cloakroom.

First floor

Vast 54' x 34' open plan living area including:

Cosy seating area with contemporary multi fuel stove, wi fi, television with Sky (including Sky Sports), DVD player, sound system, books and games and doors to balcony.

Fully-equipped kitchen with stainless steel and granite worktops, dishwasher, electric hob and oven, microwave, fridge/freezer and additional freezer.

Dining area (seats 14).

Games area with pool table.

Vestry

Bedroom six – double bed, en suite shower and basin.

Bedroom seven – double bed, en suite walk-in shower and basin.

Open plan living room with sitting, dining and kitchen areas and a wood burning stove.

Bathroom with bath, basin and WC.

Cloakroom.

Access to the Vestry is either through the master bedroom in the main part of the church, or there is a private entrance directly to the decked area. The Vestry is fully-equipped so guests can be self-sufficient.

Garden and grounds

Cedar clad balcony from the first floor living area. Additional timber decked patio area to the side of the house with furniture for outside dining and barbecue. Large, walled garden. Ample private parking.

Catering and housekeeping

Catering at Cairns 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 can be arranged. A daily housekeeping service is also available.

Children

The house is well-equipped for younger guests with a trampoline, pool table and numerous toys and games. Cots and a stair gate are available on request.

Dogs

One well-behaved dog is welcome.