Curling Rink Cottage
A whimsical cottage for two on a Scottish country estate, surrounded by idyllic walking routes and rolling parkland.
Sitting at the edge of the former stable courtyard on the Sunderland Hall Estate, Curling Rink Cottage is a delightfully characterful hideaway where country house elegance is paired with imaginative design. Throughout, the playful use of colour, carefully chosen antiques, and thoughtful touches create a historic house that feels both timeless and wonderfully individual. A stay here embraces a slower pace of life that is perfect for a romantic or peaceful solo retreat, accompanied by the sights and sounds of the native breed Romney sheep, red squirrels, roe deer, and owls which populate the surrounding estate.
Wend your way up the garden path to the red and white harlequin front door. Inside, you’ll find a small entrance hall with a trio of murals of wildlife found on the estate painted by the artist owner. The decorative plasterwork ceiling was also created by the owner, who was encouraged to turn his hand to the craft by a retiring plasterer who kindly shared his knowledge. The handsome living room lies to one side of the cottage, where muted raspberry patterned wallpaper is complemented by cream wooden panelling, bookshelves laden with novels and board games, and a variety of paintings and prints hanging on the walls. A comfortable two-seater sofa sits before the log burner, creating a lovely place to relax in the evenings, while an antique writing desk and chair create the ideal industrious corner for those on a writing retreat.
You’ll find the bedroom upstairs, with romantic Jacobean-style wall panelling and gentle sloping eaves that make the space feel warm and embracing. The super king size bed with pink upholstered headboards can also be configured as twins, as required. In the spacious neighbouring bathroom, a decorative trompe l’oeil fireplace joins a fuchsia free-standing clawfoot bath with a handheld shower. Surrounded by calming sky blue walls and filled with natural light, it’s the perfect place to unwind after time spent out exploring the grounds of the estate.
The cottage is nestled in an attractive private garden planted with geraniums, roses, crab apple trees, and shrubs – including fragrant mock orange and hydrangeas. A beautiful hut sits at the edge of the garden, thatched with heather sourced from the local hills and topped with a heather topiary grouse, serving as a secluded spot to sit with a good book or evening drink. The creativity and good humour of the cottage’s interiors are equally reflected throughout the garden, such as in the fabulous topiary yew swan created by the owner.
There is excellent walking to be enjoyed from the doorstep of Curling Rink Cottage and a map is provided for the best routes to explore around the estate, in addition to fine strolls along the Rivers Ettrick and Tweed and into the hills. Fishing can be arranged on the estate through the booking agency FishPal. Sunderland Hall, uniquely offers fishing on both the River Tweed and the River Ettrick, with both flowing down to converge at the Meetings. Nearby, Selkirk is a well-provided town to gather provisions from independent butchers, bakers and grocers.
ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION
For guests looking to holiday together, Curling Rink Cottage can be booked alongside dog-friendly Sunderland Farmhouse, sleeping 8 guests. The farmhouse is located a short drive south-west of Curling Rink Cottage, making it an ideal option for larger groups wanting to stay close to one another while enjoying separate accommodation.
Special Offers
10% off stays of 7 nights or more taken before 30 October 2026.
5% off short stays of 3 or 4 nights taken before 30 October 2026.
Property Layout
GROUND FLOOR
Small entrance hall featuring a trio of wildlife murals painted by the artist owner, depicting species found on the estate.
Sitting room with wood burning stove, two-seater sofa, writing desk, Smart TV, together with a selection of books, games and jigsaws.
Kitchen with dining table seating two guests, four-ring electric hob, single electric oven, slimline dishwasher, fridge with freezer box, kettle and toaster.
Utility room with Belfast sink, washing machine and useful storage.
Understairs cupboard with hanging space and room for wellington boots and other outdoor kit.
FIRST FLOOR
Bedroom with zip and link beds which can be configured as either a 6’ super king or twin 3’ beds, chest of drawers, two bedside tables and hanging space provided by hooks on the back of the bedroom door.
Bathroom featuring a decorative trompe l’oeil fireplace freestanding clawfoot bath with handheld shower attachment, basin, WC and heated towel rail.
OUTSIDE
The cottage sits within an attractive, private enclosed garden planted with geraniums, roses, crab apple trees and mature shrubs, including fuchsias, mock orange and hydrangeas.
Private parking is available immediately adjacent to the cottage.
Floorplans
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Location
The Sunderland Hall Estate is situated around a mile north of the Scottish Borders market town of Selkirk. The parkland landscape which surrounds the Scottish Baronial mansion is home to Romney sheep as well as populations of red squirrels, roe deer and owls, with a number of excellent walking routes through the estate available to guests. The estate is bordered by both the Rivers Ettrick and Tweed which are well regarded for their trout and salmon fishing and fishing can be booked through FishPal.
Nearby, the market town of Selkirk provides a good range of local amenities, including a bakery, butcher and small supermarket for holiday provisions, as well as welcoming pubs and coffee shops. Make sure to try a Selkirk Bannock, a traditional Scottish fruit bread which originated in the town. Selkirk is also well known for its historical prominence in the woollen industry, and you will find a number of textile producers in the area. Nearby Galashiels is home to a museum displaying The Great Tapestry of Scotland – a fascinating large-scale artwork created by a thousand volunteer stitchers from the Borders to the Highlands and Islands.
There’s plenty to see and do in the surrounding area, from hikes up the Eildon Hills and across the Southern Uplands Way, which passes just four miles from Sunderland Hall, to tours of the spectacular ruins of Kelso Abbey, Jedburgh Abbey, Dryburgh Abbey, and Melrose Abbey, and the Borders Book Festival which takes place in Melrose in the June. The museums and thriving food scene in Edinburgh are also only an hour away, as are the golden sands of Scotland’s heritage coastline.
Amenities
- Bath
- Enclosed garden
- HeatingOil heating throughout the property.
- Linen & towels providedHypoallergenic and feather bedding are available.
- Open fire/Woodburning stoveInitial supply of logs with additional logs available to purchase on site.
- Outside space
- Pet free
- Wi-FiWi-Fi signal is good but is weaker away from the router due to the thick walls. Mobile reception is good on most networks but the signal strength varies from room to room.
All Amenities
Important Information
For safety reasons, charging of electric or hybrid vehicles is not permitted at the property. If you are travelling by electric vehicle, details of your nearest charging point can be found here.
Arrival time: 3pm
Departure time: 10am
Accessibility
Getting availability
The Little Things We Love
Relaxing in the thatched hut in the evening, listening to the sounds of sheep in the distance and the abundant birdlife.On The Doorstep
Discover our curated picks of things to see and do nearby.
On The Map
Selkirk, Scottish Borders
