Cloister House
Gently restored by Historic Environment Scotland, this property oozes character and charm, infused with the rich history of the area and boasting the most incredible backdrop. Originally built for the minister of Melrose Church and dating from around 1810, architect John Smith was also responsible for the design of Sir Walter Scott’s home at nearby Abbotsford.
Crabtree & Crabtree are thrilled to launch Cloister House as a holiday home sleeping up to eight guests in four bedrooms. Sensitively revived to protect the integrity of this listed building, the overall look is beautifully pared-back, using a beguiling palette of period colours and distinctive Georgian, Edwardian and Victorian pieces.
The main reception rooms are perfect for relaxation and entertaining with a large double drawing room which flaunts neo-classical fan window detailing, wooden shutters and original open fire along with plenty of modern home comforts, sofas and armchairs. The dining room in rich Folly Green is incredibly atmospheric for dinner parties with a stunning Welsh elm dining table enhanced by the smooth contours of the classic ladderback chairs of the period.
The elegant curve of the mahogany staircase is complemented by a colour scheme in deep Inchyra Blue leading up to four bedrooms (two doubles and two twins) and two bathrooms. The main master bedroom is a generous space, enjoying panoramic views from the vast floor to ceiling window which beautifully frames the magnificent east window of the Abbey for a truly amazing wake-up.
Bedroom two features an original Edwardian bedstead, its simplicity evocative of the arts and crafts style, while the moody intensity of bedroom three has a wonderfully cosy feel in rich India Yellow. Lastly, bedroom four with Victorian twin bedsteads completes the bedroom arrangement, divided by two bathrooms, including a freestanding Victorian slipper bath.
Ideally set up for families too, head upstairs to the eaves of the house which has a TV room and games room with Smart TV, beanbags and a pool table.
Outside, there is a fully enclosed courtyard for dogs or children to play safely while the side and front aspect of the property offers majestic views of the Abbey and grounds. With the one of the most picturesque towns in the Borders a mere stone’s throw away, this really does tick all the right boxes for a perfect getaway.
*Guests also receive a complimentary ticket to access the grounds of the Abbey with a free audio guide.
Property Layout
GROUND FLOOR
Two steps up from the walled rear courtyard into hallway with hanging space.
Kitchen with oven, separate grill, 4 burner hob, integrated dishwasher, Belfast sink and cafetiere. Original kitchen range - decorative only. Small round table with seating for 2.
Large utility room with large fridge/freezer and microwave.
One step up into cloakroom with basin, WC, washing machine and condenser dryer.
Dining room with seating for 8 guests and open fire.
Inner hallway with access to front of property and gravelled courtyard.
Drawing room with large feature window, two large double sofas, high backed armchair and open fire. Small Smart TV with DVD player. Reading area with large double sofa, armchair and table with seating for 2.
FIRST FLOOR
Upper hallway.
Bedroom one - master bedroom - with king size bed, feature floor to ceiling window with fantastic views of Melrose Abbey, chest of drawers, hanging rail, armchair and decorative fireplace.
Family bathroom with clawfoot bath and hand held shower, separate walk-in shower with rainforest head, basin and WC.
Bedroom two with 4'6 double bed, armchair, chest of drawers, side tables, hanging rail and decorative fireplace.
Bedroom three with twin beds, side tables, chest of drawers, hanging rail and decorative fireplace.
Family bathroom with bath and handheld shower, basin and WC.
Bedroom four with twin beds, side table, chest of drawers, hanging rail and decorative fireplace.
SECOND FLOOR
Two flights of stairs to the games room with Smart TV and integrated DVD player, games, books and a small selection of DVDs. Separate space with pool table, card table and writing desk.
OUTSIDE
Private gravelled courtyard to the front of the property with two picnic benches and excellent views of Melrose Abbey and grounds. Private rear walled courtyard which is fully enclosed.
Melrose Abbey and grounds sit adjacent to the property and are publicly accessible daily from 9.30am to 5.30pm between 1st April to 30th September and from 10am to 4pm between 1st October and 31st March. There is a public footpath which runs on the other side of the Abbey grounds.
There is parking for two cars to the rear of the house. Additional parking can be found in the town car parks.
Location
Set in the very heart of the country that inspired the writings of Sir Walter Scott, you will find some of the best independent shopping in the area with Melrose Abbey as the beautiful backdrop.
An enjoyable afternoon can be spent browsing the range of interiors, gift, craft and boutique style shops around the pretty Market Square before afternoon tea or supper at one of the many convivial coffee shops or restaurants. Browse the lovely Henderson’s for gifts and vintage finds; Sarah Thomson or Twelve for ladieswear; the beautiful hand-sewn Harris Tweed garments from Jane Hall at The Crafters; or Masons bookshop for a good holiday read.
For coffee and cake, pop into Apples for Jam for a steaming cappuccino and a delicious cream sponge, or head to the Town House, Provender, Burts or Marmions which all come highly recommended. Alternatively take a walk along the river and over the suspension footbridge to Gattonside for excellent food at either Seasons restaurant or the Hoebridge Restaurant.
You will find an excellent range of shops selling fine quality food and drink here including The Country Kitchen for deli produce, cheeses, whole foods and fresh coffees; Dalgetty’s Bakery, makers of the original Selkirk Bannock; Baird’s Butchers for locally sourced produce as well as freshly prepared homemade meals which are perfect for holiday stays. You will also find a quality fishmongers, a fresh fruit & veg shop as well as two small convenience stores.
Amenities
- Allows babes in arms (up to 12 months)
- Allows children (1 - 16 years)
- CotA travel cot is available on request. Travel cot bedding is not supplied.
- Dog friendlyTwo dogs are welcome. We kindly ask that dogs are kept downstairs, out of the bedrooms and off the furniture.
- Games room
- HeatingCentral heating throughout property with thermostatically controlled radiators. Open fires in the drawing room and dining room .
- Highchair
- Linen & towels provided
- Outside space
- Snooker/Pool table
- Walking distance to a pub (under 1 mile)
- Wi-FiWi-Fi is available. Mobile coverage is good on most networks.
All Amenities
Important Information
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: 4pmDeparture time: 10am
Accessibility
Getting availability
Things to See & Do
Explore our map of recommended things to see and do in our regions and discover the best ways to spend your stay with us. Select the filters below to highlight everything from restaurants to local events, so you can start building an exciting itinerary around your holiday home with the support of our in-depth local knowledge.
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Experiences
Inspired by the wealth of brilliant activities on offer in the North of England and the South of Scotland, we offer an exciting collection of experiences for you to enjoy while holidaying with us. From snorkelling with seals around the Farne Islands to barefoot pilgrimages to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, each experience has been drawn from our in-depth local knowledge and is exclusive to C&C guests.
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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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