A superb, period property in the centre of Kelso, Abbey Bank House has been fully renovated to an exceptionally high standard throughout and with the optional services of a cook, housekeeper and butler available, provides the quality of accommodation of a five star boutique hotel at a fraction of the cost. All the bedrooms are en suite and a great deal of thought has gone into making guests' stay as comfortable as possible with little luxuries including Egyptian Cotton bed linen and towels, Arran Aromatics toiletries, Sky TV in all bedrooms and wi fi. The property is ideal for large house parties with ample space for entertaining, an impressive dining room, cosy games room and well-equipped kitchen with Redfyre range oven and all the latest kitchen wizardry.

Outside, the beautifully-maintained walled garden is entirely private and provides plenty of space for children to play safely. The terrace provides the perfect spot for summery drinks or dinner ‘al fresco' in the summer months.

Abbey Bank House is situated in the centre of Kelso a few moments' walk from the town's attractive cobbled square and evocative abbey ruins. Kelso lies at the junction of the Rivers Tweed and Teviot and was described by Sir Walter Scott as "the most beautiful, if not the most romantic village in Scotland." Today it retains much of its original charm with an interesting range of independent shops including an excellent new deli, butcher, fish monger, baker, art galleries, antique shops and country sports shops to name but a few. The monthly farmer's market is well worth a visit and there is a good selection of lively pubs and restaurants all within a couple of minute's walk of the house. Kelso plays host to a number of events throughout the year including regular National Hunt race meets at the famous race course, the ancient custom of the Common Ridings of the town boundaries and the famous Borders Rugby 7s games. Also on the doorstep is Floors Castle, the majestic home of the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe and the championship Roxburghe golf course.

For fishing parties, Abbey Bank House is incredibly convenient for the famous Junction beat as well as other prime Lower and Middle Tweed beats. There is also an excellent selection of reasonably-priced fishing towards Melrose and on the Teviot, Till and Whiteadder nearby. The house is well equipped for fishing parties with a boot / rod room and drying area in the basement. Well-behaved dogs are welcome with prior consent of the owner and must be kept to the basement level.

The area is also 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. Keen cyclists, walkers and riders are all well provided for with hundreds of square miles of forests, woodland and heather-clad hills and 1,200 miles of quiet country roads to explore.

For non-sporting guests Kelso is an ideal base for exploring all that the Borders has to offer. Explore ancient towns such as beguiling Melrose, home of rugby 7s, the magnificent ruins of Melrose Abbey and pretty narrow streets offering some of the best shopping in the Borders. Just down the road, pay a visit to Abbotsford House, the fairytale home of Sir Walter Scott or take a drive up to the Scott's View, his favourite picnic spot commanding the most incredible views of the Tweed and Eildon Hills and where it is said his horse stopped out of habit during his own funeral procession.

Head to the stunning coastline for miles of golden sands and secluded rocky coves that remain almost deserted even in the summer months. Some of our favourite spots include the stunning beach at Bamburgh, miles of pristine sand, popular for walking, riding and surfing. The magnificent views from the cliff top walks at St Abb's Head and the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. This tiny, picturesque island linked at low tide to the mainland, is an overwhelmingly mystical place, home to the evocative remains of a ruined eleventh-century priory, a beautifully restored castle and the infamous Lindisfarne Mead.

Kelso is also just an hour's drive from Edinburgh and provides a good base for Edinburgh events.

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

Accommodation

The house sleeps up to 13 guests in 6 en-suite bedrooms. The dressing room adjoining the master bedroom includes bunk beds to accommodate an additional two children if required. The accommodation is configured as follows:

First floor

Bedroom 1 – 6' bed, en-suite bathroom with roll-top bath and large, walk-in shower.

Bedroom 2 – 5' bed, en-suite bathroom with shower over the bath. Adjoining dressing

room with 3' bunk beds.

Bedroom 3 – 5' bed, en-suite bathroom with shower over the bath.

Guest cloakroom with shower.

Second floor

Bedroom 4 – 5' bed, en-suite shower room with large, walk-in shower.

Bedroom 5 – two 3' beds, en-suite shower room with large, walk-in shower.

Bedroom 6 - 5' bed, en-suite shower room with large, walk-in shower.

Bedroom 7 – 3' bed, en-suite shower room with large, walk-in shower.

Sky TV is provided in all the bedrooms. The bedrooms offer ample storage and all bed linen is the highest quality Egyptian cotton. Guests are provided with Egyptian cotton towels and Arran Aromatics toiletries.

Ground floor

Drawing room – superb drawing room with concealed flat screen TV with Sky HD and DVD player, books and games.

Dining room – large dining room seating up to 14 guests.

Study – with telephone, fax, wi fi and patio doors leading to terraced seating area and garden.

Butler's pantry - adjoining the dining room and serving as a bar and serving area with refrigerator, glass washer and glass cupboards.

Cloakroom

Basement

Kitchen – charming fully-equipped kitchen with dining table and chairs (seats 8), 6 oven Redfyre range, electric oven and hob, dishwasher and stereo.

Pantry – adjoining the kitchen with large American-style refrigerator, freezer with ice maker and microwave.

Laundry room – adjoining kitchen with washing machine and dryer.

Cloakroom

Billiard room – with pool table, banquet seating and large, flat screen TV.

Utility / rod and boot room - accessed directly from the basement level door and ideal for dogs and storage and drying of fishing kit and outdoor clothing.

Garden and grounds

To the front of the house is a delightful large garden with terrace and seating area accessed directly from the study. There is an off-road parking area to the side of the house with parking for at least two cars as well as two garages. Additional parking is available in front of the house.

Catering and butler service

Catering at Abbey Bank 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. A butler service is also available.

Housekeeping

Daily housekeeping is included in the rental price. The housekeeper is also 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

Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Abbey Bank House with prior consent of the owner. Dogs must be kept to the basement level and guests must clear up after their dogs.