Spring has sprung
From humble beginnings come great things
As we spend time foraging for wild garlic along the banks of the River Tweed whilst new-born lambs frolic on unsteady legs in the surrounding fields and the daylight stretches a touch longer into the evenings, the signs are clear – the winter months are over, and spring has most definitely sprung.
With spring known as the season of new beginnings, we’re certain you’ll find yourself inspired by a selection of our holiday homes and cottages with secret (and not-so-secret!) past lives. Pack your bags and escape for a serene springtime staycation with Crabtree & Crabtree.
Spring flowers
Head Gardener’s House at Floors Castle
In a previous life: Sitting in the walled garden within the grounds of Floors Castle and dating back to 1815, the house was traditionally home to the estate’s Head Gardener and family.
Now: Meticulously restored by The Duchess of Roxburghe and her team, this is quite simply an exceptional house in an exceptional setting. Encapsulating the best of country living, whilst staying here you'll enjoy private use of the four-acre Walled Garden outside formal opening hours. With the magnificent castle setting and access to fabulous walking within the park grounds and on the banks of the River Tweed, it may prove hugely difficult to venture anywhere else!
Head Gardener’s House at Floors Castle | Kelso, Scottish Borders
Sleeps 4 | 2 dogs are welcome
Priced from £680.00 for 7 nights with short breaks available
Cow Parsley
In a previous life: a picturesque but empty field where the farmer’s dogs, ducks and horses enjoyed free-reign!
Now: The same field is home to Cow Parsley, a cleverly designed Shepherd’s Hut just perfect for star-gazing and jolly glamping. Take time to re-discover the simpler things in life in this idyllic rural hideaway filled with rustic country charm. For free-spirits with a passion for the great outdoors, Cow Parsley will add a quirky and characterful touch to your romantic holiday experience. Explore the local area with a short 4-mile drive to the stunning Northumberland coastline and around 12 miles to the Northumberland National Park. (With a total of three Shepherd's Huts in the field, don’t forget to say hello to Cow Parsley’s neighbours, Foxglove and Teasel!)
Cow Parsley | near Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland
Sleeps 2+2 | 2 dogs are welcome, plus horses with prior notice
First night priced at £100.00, plus £80.00 for each additional night
West Lodge, Milne Graden
In a previous life: West Lodge was an unassuming gate lodge on the edge of the Milne Graden Estate, a riverside country estate which sits on the northern side of the border between Scotland and Northumberland.
Now: A quintessential romantic hideaway, newly refurbished in a perfect cottage style, the overall feel is wonderfully peaceful and restful in keeping with the nature of its surroundings. During the summer, guests can enjoy the large, sunny garden with views to spectacular sunsets over the hills. In the cooler months, with a good film and a wee dram in hand, you won’t want to leave! Any four-legged friends benefit from wonderful walks along the River Tweed and use of the Tails of the Tweed Dog Park in the estate’s former Victorian kitchen garden.
West Lodge, Milne Graden | Coldstream, Scottish Borders
Sleeps 2 | 1 dog very welcome
Priced from £350.00 for 7 nights with short breaks available
Pigeon Loft
In a previous life: The local village doctor purchased Pigeon Loft for use as both his home and surgery. Doctor Turnbull kept his sporty little car in the lower rooms and was often seen setting off to visit his patients at surprising speed across the grass of the village green! He held his surgery daily with many locals holding fond memories of waiting in line in the front hall and collecting their prescriptions from the porch.
Now: Set just off the tree-lined village green on the edge of the Cheviot Hills, this is a heavenly sanctuary for romance and relaxation, or an uplifting base for walking and cycling in the captivating heather-clad hillsides of the Northumberland National Park. Sensitively restored to respect the integrity of the original building, the interior finish reflects the creative flair of the owner, comprising a scheme of country classics, natural textures and timeless antique finds.
Pigeon Loft | Kirk Yetholm, Scottish Borders
Sleeps 2
Priced from £360.00 per week with short breaks available
The Potting Shed
In a previous life: Once a humble garden outbuilding in a tumbledown state of disrepair, the owners of the cottage knew they had an opportunity to create something magical at the bottom of their garden.
Now: The Potting Shed has been lovingly transformed into a wonderful eco-friendly cottage within a tranquil garden setting - large windows flood the living space with light and the fresh, pretty decor adds a homely feel. A delicious ‘home produce' welcome pack awaits guests on arrival, which can include such delights as free-range eggs from the owner’s chickens, freshly baked bread, granola and preserves made with foraged goods. Time here can be as busy or as benign as one chooses with a plethora of recognised walks, cycle trails and horse treks available in the vicinity. Stay in April for the infamous Melrose Sevens rugby tournament or June for the magnificent Borders Book Festival.
The Potting Shed | Earlston, Scottish Borders
Sleeps 2 | 2 dogs are welcome
Priced from £385.00 for 7 nights with short breaks available
Glenburnie, Thirlestane Castle
In a previous life: Home to the Maitland family for over 400 years, Thirlestane Castle has a distinguished history and its magnificent setting will be an absolute treat for those seeking something a little less ordinary.
Now: Newly renovated for 2019, experience your own little bit of castle heaven in this stunning one-bedroom apartment within a rather grand setting. Watch glorious sunsets over the fairytale turrets and relax in your own slice of countryside bliss. Should you wish to go the extra mile, the castle can also arrange an exclusive private tour with a member of the Maitland family, as well as spa packages, flowers, and catering which can be tailored to your individual requirements.
Glenburnie, Thirlestane Castle | Lauder, Scottish Borders
Sleeps 2| 2 dogs are welcome
Priced from £425.00 for 7 nights with short breaks available
Beeswing House
In a previous life: horses rather than holidaymakers made themselves at home in these buildings when they originally formed the magnificent early 19th century stable block and coach house on the Nunnykirk Estate.
Now: Following a sympathetic remodelling, Beeswing House is now a ‘wow-factor’ house set deep within rural Northumberland with mesmerising views over the surrounding patchwork countryside. During the day the arched windows and high ceilings flood the interior with light, whilst the nearby International Dark Sky Park ensures a celestial show once the sun sets. The spacious accommodation retains an equestrian connection as it is named after a racehorse bred by William Orde of Nunnykirk in 1833, a filly who ran in 64 races, winning an amazing 51 times, whose portrait hangs in the magnificent living space which accommodates the dining and sitting areas.
Beeswing House | Rothbury, Northumberland
Sleeps 8 | 2 dogs are welcome
Priced from £995.00 for 7 nights with short breaks available
Old Purves Hall
In a previous life: originally a 16th century peel tower with further stonework doubling the floor space some 100 years later in the 17th century, Old Purves Hall has enjoyed many lives including a period as a toffee factory.
Now: the original stonework is now joined by a 21st century cedar-clad extension, presenting a first impression of the balance between ‘old and new’ as you approach along the driveway. Injections of bright colour, a magnificently modern kitchen and dining space, quirks such as original doors from the old Edinburgh Jail, a splendid garden and woodland beyond plus plenty of luxurious touches on all three floors ensure that Old Purves Hall has been a hit with guests who have been lucky enough to enjoy a stay here. A row of tiny cream jugs excavated from the site during the renovation, welcome guests at the front door with a lovely nod to the toffee factory of days gone by!
Old Purves Hall | Coldstream, Scottish Borders
Sleeps 12 | 3 dogs are welcome
Priced from £1,900.00 for 7 nights with short breaks available