East Lodge at Ashiestiel
Set within the quintessentially beautiful scenery of the Scottish Borders, East Lodge at Ashiestiel sits in a glorious position above the River Tweed. Bounded by forest trails and walking routes, this is the magical countryside that inspired some of the great literary works of Sir Walter Scott who lived at Ashiestiel between 1804 and 1812. Private and peaceful, it’s the perfect holiday cottage for a quiet retreat to the Scottish countryside.
In the open-plan living and dining room, a combination of antique and contemporary furnishings is beautifully complemented by a warm heritage colour scheme. With comfortable sofas and an electric stove, it’s a cosy space to relax after days spent fishing the Tweed or walking its banks. A restored pine church pew is set at the farmhouse table, where you can enjoy your meals accompanied by portraits of Scott. Next door, a well-equipped galley kitchen looks out across the rear garden and forest beyond, where you might spot a red squirrel dashing through the branches.
The lodge benefits from two bedrooms, both furnished with crisp linens, antiques, soft throws and tweed textiles. The first is fitted with a double bed and enjoys dual-aspect windows and a south-facing view which fills the room with natural light. The second bedroom is equally inviting and fitted with twin beds which can also be configured as a super king. A shared contemporary bathroom with a spacious shower and heated towel rail sits between the two rooms.
Outside, you’ll find a large private lawned garden with a summerhouse and small wildlife pond. For those who wish to experience their holiday on two wheels, making the most of the fantastic cycling in this area, the lodge has the added bonus of lockable cycle storage and an outside tap for cleaning kit at the end of a day’s adventures.
A perfect holiday cottage for walking, cycling, fishing the upper Tweed, or simply whiling away the hours watching the resident wildlife from the summerhouse, East Lodge at Ashiestiel is just the place for your next countryside escape. Browse available dates in the calendar and book your stay now.
Property Layout
GROUND FLOOR
Access into an inner porch with hooks for coats and plenty of room for outdoor footwear.
Open-plan living and dining room with two double sofas, Smart TV, Bang & Olufsen Bluetooth speaker, electric stove, selection of books and games. Dining area with farmhouse table, bench seating and chairs.
Galley kitchen with electric oven, glass-top ceramic hob, combi microwave, fridge/freezer and washer/dryer.
Bedroom one (front and side facing) with 4'6" double bed, side tables, dressing table, chest of drawers, two chairs, hooks with hangers.
Bedroom two (side garden facing) with twin 3' beds which can be configured to a super king on request, side table, chest of drawers, hooks with hangers.
Bathroom with large enclosed shower, heated towel rail, basin and WC.
OUTSIDE
There is a large garden to the rear and side of the lodge which can either be accessed from the parking area or via steps from the rear. Please note the garden is not enclosed. The garden has a summerhouse with garden furniture and a barbecue is available on request. The summerhouse is a lovely sheltered spot to read and unwind or possibly catch sight of deer, pheasant or red squirrel. There is a wildlife pond, home to goldfish and newts, to the rear of the lodge. Lockable bike storage is available in a cellar area accessed externally to the rear. There is an outside tap and hose for cleaning bikes and outdoor gear.
There is walking immediately outside the front door where an old drover’s road links up with the Southern Upland Way and the walks around Glenkinnon are close by. At nearby Yair Forest, just a couple of minutes' walk from the cottage, there is a walk along the river. Around the lodge the hillside and neighbouring fields are home to Black Face sheep and their lambs.
There is parking for two cars to the side of the lodge.
Location
There is a popular village pub which serves food in nearby Clovenfords (2.5 miles) while more extensive amenities, including a number of large supermarkets and a Marks and Spencer Foodhall can be found in Galashiels (5 miles).
For lovely shopping amidst picturesque surroundings, head a little further afield to Melrose (10 miles), one of the most picturesque towns in the Borders with an excellent range of independent shops selling fine quality food and drink including a quality butchers and fishmongers, a fresh fruit and veg shop as well as two small convenience stores. For coffee and cake, pop into Apples for Jam for a steaming cappuccino and a delicious buttercream sponge, or for evening dining, the Town House, Provender, Burts or Marmions all come highly recommended. Selkirk is also close by with more independent shops including Three Hills Coffee Roastery and monthly Farmers’ Market.
Alternatively head to Peebles (15 miles) where a happy afternoon can be spent browsing the range of interiors, giftware, craft and boutique-style shops before a must-visit to master chocolatier Ruth Hinks at Cocoa Black which will leave you in cake and pastry heaven!
A wide range of restaurants and bistros can be found in many of the surrounding towns to cater for every taste in dining.
Abbotsford also has a visitor centre which offers a café and extensive gardens and tarmacked walks by the Tweed and into woodland.
Amenities
- Accessibility
- Allows babies in armsUp to 12 months.
- Allows children1 - 16 years.
- Barbecue
- HairdryerThere are hairdryers in each of the bedrooms.
- HeatingOil fired central heating throughout which is thermostatically controlled separately in each room. Electric stove in the sitting room.
- Highchair
- Linen & towels providedThe pillows are duck down and the duvets are hypo-allergenic. For guests with allergies, alternative pillow options can be provided on request.
- Outside space
- Pet freeSorry, dogs are not permitted.
- Wi-FiSuperfast Wi-Fi broadband is available throughout. Mobile reception is good with full 4G coverage (EE/Vodafone).
All Amenities
Important Information
Although welcome, the lodge is perhaps less suitable for babies and young children as the property opens onto a quiet country road and the garden is not enclosed. Care should also be taken around the wildlife pond area due to it being 1m deep and so children should always be closely supervised. The woodland beyond the garden is part of Ashiestiel grounds and is private. Within the woodland there are high and steep sided banks falling down to a tributary of the Tweed.
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: SB00558P. The current EPC rating for this property is band E, a copy of the certificate can be found here.
Arrival time: 4pm
Departure time: 10am
Accessibility
Getting availability
On The Doorstep
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On The Map
Clovenfords, Selkirk, Scottish Borders
