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Home | Properties | Cairns House
Kelso, Scottish Borders
 

Cairns House

12
Guests
10 adults + 2 children. Refer to Property Layout below.
5
Bedrooms
5
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
If you are looking for a house with wow-factor, this contemporary five-bedroom church conversion 3 miles from Kelso, would be hard to beat.

Cairns House has 5 bedrooms, one of which is en suite and two of which have showers and basins in the room. There are two additional family bathrooms and a cloakroom. Two bedrooms offer a single bed for additional guests.

Arriving on the first floor living area via a bespoke glass and oak staircase, leads in to an impressive 54' x 34' open plan living space with opaque glass floors below, magnificent rose-glass windows and a superb vaulted ceiling.

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 12, a games area with pool table and a sitting area with sumptuous sofas, flat screen TV and DVD and state of the art sound system with pre-loaded albums.

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

Property Layout

GROUND FLOOR

Large atrium/reception area.

Bedroom one with king size bed, double sofa bed, TV.

En suite wet room with large walk in shower, bath, basin and WC.

Bedroom two with double bed.

En suite bathroom with shower and basin.

Bedroom three with double bed.

En suite bathroom with shower and basin.

Bedroom four with double bed and additional 3' single bed.

Bedroom five with double bed and additional 3' single bed.

Family bathroom with bath with shower over, basin and WC.

Family bathroom with bath with shower over, basin and WC.

Laundry room with washing machine and dryer.

Cloakroom with WC and basin.

FIRST FLOOR

Vast open-plan living area includes a cosy seating area, TV with DVD player, Sonos 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 12).

Games area with pool table.

OUTSIDE

Wood clad balcony from the first floor living area with views over the Cheviot Hills to the south. Additional timber decked patio area to the side of the house with furniture for outside dining and charcoal barbecue. Small grassed area at the front of the church exclusively for use of guests. 

There is private parking on the driveway.

Location

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.

Amenities

    All Amenities

    • Allows babes in arms (up to 12 months)
    • Allows children (1 - 16 years)
    • Barbecue
    • Cot
      A travel cot is available on request. Travel cot bedding is not supplied.
    • Dog friendly
      One well-behaved dog is welcome (£20 fee). A second dog may be considered on request.
    • Hairdryer
      A hairdryer is supplied in the master bedroom.
    • Heating
      Cairns House has underfloor heating which is provided by an oil fired boiler.
    • Highchair
    • Linen & towels provided
    • Outside space
    • Snooker/Pool table
    • Stairgate
    • Wi-Fi
      Wi-Fi is available in the property. Mobile signal is generally good.

Important Information

The owners live in the vestry which is at the rear of the church. They have their own private entrance and garden area. They are on hand to ensure that guests get the best from their stay but are equally respectful of guests' privacy.

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.

Scottish short-term lets licence number: Pending. The current EPC rating for this property will be available soon.

Arrival time: 4pm
Departure time: 10am

Accessibility

Please call a member of the team on 01573 226711 to discuss your requirements.
Guests
Max Adults:
12
Max Children:
6
Max Infants:
2
(Children who require cots)
Note: 10 adults + 2 children. Refer to Property Layout below.
Maximum number of adults and children is 12
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The Little Things We Love

The bespoke glass and oak staircase is a statement piece framed by an ornate rose-glass window.

Don't take our word for it...

Cairns House has been an absolutely wonderful venue to celebrate 3 generations of birthdays - 80th, 57th and 24th. We had everything we needed and then some! The kitchen was excellently stocked with everything you would need to cater for a large number. The open-plan living was ideal for eating, socialising, dancing and even the odd pool tournament - I was robbed!! The bedrooms were very comfortable and the fine details to accessories and decor was five star. Thank you to the owner, Cairn House will hold some very special memories for the family.
Mrs Torrance, 1st August 2024

Don't take our word for it...

First class service from Crabtree & Crabtree again. We very much enjoyed our stay at Cairns House - the property had everything we could ask for and more!
Bowerman family, 18th March 2024

Don't take our word for it...

What a wonderful space! As a group of nine adults, Cairns House provided us with an amazing space to eat, drink and chill. The renovation has been done very sympathetically to retain many original features with a contemporary design. The owner was very friendly and informative and helped with may suggestions of places to visit. We would love to visit again.
Davies family, 18th March 2024

Don't take our word for it...

This is a lovely house, beautifully converted from a church. It is very well equipped and set up for a group stay. The kitchen was very well equipped, and it has a standard oven and a bigger professional oven also, so great facilities. The initial impression was good, and we got to like the house more and more as the week went on. Thoroughly recommend it.
Ms Maltman, 18th March 2024

Don't take our word for it...

What a fantastic time we had at Cairns House, my family and I enjoyed every minute of our break away. We all said we would come back for another stay. Thank you so much for letting us share your beautiful home.
Boyland family, 18th March 2024

Don't take our word for it...

Cairns House is a perfect escape for a large family or a group of friends. We went with extended family of 7 adults and 2 children ages 7 and 11. The house is quite spectacular and it has a definite wow factor! The bedrooms are very comfortable and the shared space is great. The hosts were so kind and we loved our afternoon tea of scones, clotted cream and strawberries. The surrounding area is stunning! We had a few days out that adults and children enjoyed - we went to Seahouses - a tip is to give them a call before leaving the house if you want to go the the Farne islands. Bowhill was lovely and such a great adventure playground for the kids. We were able to go to Edinburgh easily for the day and there is something for everyone there - we split up and did different things from the Harry Potter walking tour (this was good and it's free but I'd say more for young teenagers/adults rather than younger children) to the city sightseeing bus to the Surgeons Museum. Floors Castle is interesting and such gorgeous gardens to enjoy. Kelso Golf Club was lovely and very welcoming. Everyone in the area was kind, helpful and very hospitable. I would highly recommend Cairns House to anyone and our sincere thanks to the hosts.
Hickey family, 18th March 2024

Don't take our word for it...

We have spent a wonderful long weekend here for a 60th birthday. What an unforgettable place! Beautiful original features, modern, cosy, warm and very comfortable. Excellent sound system, We have been playing our Spotify playlist all weekend and having lovey meals sat at the dining table. Found lots to do nearby - had a fun time throwing tomahawks at Roxburghe and having a flutter (and a few wines) at Kelso races. Thank you very much for these wonderful memories!
Irving family, 18th March 2024

Don't take our word for it...

We had a lovely time at Cairns House and the surrounding area. Property was every bit as good as you advertised, would recommend.
Mr Sweeney, 18th March 2024
Mrs Torrance
Cairns House has been an absolutely wonderful venue to celebrate 3 generations of birthdays - 80th, 57th and 24th. We had everything we needed and then some! The kitchen was excellently stocked with everything you would need to cater for a large number. The open-plan living was ideal for eating, socialising, dancing and even the odd pool tournament - I was robbed!! The bedrooms were very comfortable and the fine details to accessories and decor was five star. Thank you to the owner, Cairn House will hold some very special memories for the family.
Bowerman family
First class service from Crabtree & Crabtree again. We very much enjoyed our stay at Cairns House - the property had everything we could ask for and more!
Davies family
What a wonderful space! As a group of nine adults, Cairns House provided us with an amazing space to eat, drink and chill. The renovation has been done very sympathetically to retain many original features with a contemporary design. The owner was very friendly and informative and helped with may suggestions of places to visit. We would love to visit again.
Ms Maltman
This is a lovely house, beautifully converted from a church. It is very well equipped and set up for a group stay. The kitchen was very well equipped, and it has a standard oven and a bigger professional oven also, so great facilities. The initial impression was good, and we got to like the house more and more as the week went on. Thoroughly recommend it.
Boyland family
What a fantastic time we had at Cairns House, my family and I enjoyed every minute of our break away. We all said we would come back for another stay. Thank you so much for letting us share your beautiful home.
Hickey family
Cairns House is a perfect escape for a large family or a group of friends. We went with extended family of 7 adults and 2 children ages 7 and 11. The house is quite spectacular and it has a definite wow factor! The bedrooms are very comfortable and the shared space is great. The hosts were so kind and we loved our afternoon tea of scones, clotted cream and strawberries. The surrounding area is stunning! We had a few days out that adults and children enjoyed - we went to Seahouses - a tip is to give them a call before leaving the house if you want to go the the Farne islands. Bowhill was lovely and such a great adventure playground for the kids. We were able to go to Edinburgh easily for the day and there is something for everyone there - we split up and did different things from the Harry Potter walking tour (this was good and it's free but I'd say more for young teenagers/adults rather than younger children) to the city sightseeing bus to the Surgeons Museum. Floors Castle is interesting and such gorgeous gardens to enjoy. Kelso Golf Club was lovely and very welcoming. Everyone in the area was kind, helpful and very hospitable. I would highly recommend Cairns House to anyone and our sincere thanks to the hosts.
Irving family
We have spent a wonderful long weekend here for a 60th birthday. What an unforgettable place! Beautiful original features, modern, cosy, warm and very comfortable. Excellent sound system, We have been playing our Spotify playlist all weekend and having lovey meals sat at the dining table. Found lots to do nearby - had a fun time throwing tomahawks at Roxburghe and having a flutter (and a few wines) at Kelso races. Thank you very much for these wonderful memories!
Mr Sweeney
We had a lovely time at Cairns House and the surrounding area. Property was every bit as good as you advertised, would recommend.
Whellans family
What a weekend at Cairns House; from start to finish we had a perfect wedding venue and perfect wedding ceremony and reception. The owner was super helpful, assisting with the delivery of equipment and any issues encountered ahead of the wedding. I couldn’t find a better place to have our wedding! The local caterers, Lucy Wilson Farm to Kitchen, we had chosen to do our buffet was another perfect decision as it was divine and there was nothing left. Another recommendation is Hiccup bar from Hawick who were just brilliant. They walked in and said "leave everything to us" and true to their word, Alison and her mum Gail looked after our guests. I cannot rate everyone involved in our weekend highly enough and would not change a thing. We had some super photos taken in this old church building as so much of its original features have been sympathetically restored.
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With numerous additions to make your stay extra special, from doorstep deliveries of regional hampers and fine wines to daily housekeeping, the arrangement of dog sitters, and the organisation of chefs for special occasions, we have all the finest contacts to help make your stay smooth and enjoyable.

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