East Lodge at Ashiestiel
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15% time-limited discount on all remaining holidays throughout 2023 (7 night stay minimum during high season and 3 night stay minimum during low season).
Overview
This cosy two-bedroom gate lodge stands at the entrance of Ashiestiel House and is surrounded by the outstanding scenery which so inspired the writings of Sir Walter Scott.
From fields to forests and riverside trails, this charming lodge is perfectly positioned for exploring the Scottish Borders
Famed for its scenic landscapes and sporting pursuits, East Lodge at Ashiestiel sits in a glorious position above the River Tweed bounded by forest trails and walking routes. In fact, so alluring is the countryside around this area, it inspired some of the great literary works of Sir Walter Scott who lived at Ashiestiel between 1804 and 1812.
This single storey gate lodge is a perfect base for walking, cycling, fishing the upper Tweed, or simply a sublime spot to while-away the hours in peaceful contemplation watching the resident wildlife from the summerhouse.
In the sitting room, a mix of antique and modern furnishings are beautifully complemented by a warm heritage colour scheme; while the electric stove adds to the ambient, cosy feel of this space. Entertainment facilities are available with a latest generation Smart TV, superfast (>45MB) broadband/WiFi throughout and bluetooth B&O speaker. This room also benefits from a dining/seating area with restored pine pew, offering a clever solution to accommodate one or two extra guests for dinner, and leads into a well-equipped galley kitchen with views over the rear garden and forest beyond.
The lodge benefits from two bedrooms – both gently calming, furnished with crisp linens, antiques, soft throws and tweeds, while a shared bathroom with large walk-in shower sits between the two rooms. The principal bedroom has dual windows and a south-facing aspect which creates wonderful light, while the second bedroom with twin beds has the added flexibility of a zip and link option which can be configured to a super king.
Outside, East Lodge benefits from a large private lawned garden with summerhouse and a small wildlife pond. For those who wish to experience their holiday on two wheels, enjoying the fantastic cycling around 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.
Property details
Ground Floor
Access into an inner porch with hooks for coats and plenty of room for outdoor footwear.
Sitting room/dining area 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 walk-in 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.
Parking
There is parking for two cars to the side of the lodge.
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING
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.
Babies & Children
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.
Dogs
Sorry, dogs are not permitted.
Guest amenities
Bed linen and towels are provided for guests, along with guest toiletries. There are hairdryers in each of the bedrooms. The pillows are duck down and the duvets are hypo-allergenic. For guests with allergies, alternative pillow options can be provided on request.
Wi-Fi & Mobile Coverage
Superfast Wi-Fi broadband is available throughout. Mobile reception is good with full 4G coverage (EE/Vodafone).
Heating
Oil fired central heating throughout which is thermostatically controlled separately in each room. Electric stove in the sitting room.
Guest Privacy
The cottage is detached and is not overlooked.
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.
Activities
This area is a popular walking destination and there are a vast number of waymarked trails through lush woodland forests in the Tweed Valley, offering numerous wildlife spotting opportunities along the way. Yair Forest is just a couple of minutes' walk from the lodge which leads down to the River Tweed, or nearby Glenkinnon Forest has lovely meandering forest trails. For longer hikes, a farm track directly opposite the lodge leads onto an old drover’s road which links to the Southern Upland Way and The Three Brethren for stunning panoramic views. To the west, there are more forest walks around Elibank Castle and forest.
For cycling, this area is a prime destination for road and mountain biking. Sustrans Tweed Cycleway (Route 1) runs through this area while Innerleithen (8.5 miles) and the beautiful forest at Glentress (14 miles) are superb locations for mountain biking with trails to suit all ages and abilities. With an £8.5m visitor centre, Glentress also has a cafe, bike hire and instruction on offer but with some fantastic opportunities for walking and wildlife too. And for an exhilarating thrill 40 feet above the forest floor, there are zip wires and tree top adventures at nearby Go Ape which is sure to appeal to any teens in the party.
Visitors can stop off and see how fine ales are made in the grand historic setting of Traquair House (9.5 miles), Scotland's oldest inhabited house, based on ancient recipes dating back to the eighteenth century, or head to the visitor centre at Abbotsford (7.5 miles) for a peek into the fascinating history of Sir Walter Scott and see the home he built after leaving Ashiestiel.
If you are an avid fan of the royal and ancient game, the championship golf course at Cardrona (12 miles) sits in a breathtaking spot amidst the rolling Border Hills and presents an enjoyable challenge for both experts and the recreational player.
For fishing, Ashiestiel is a popular upper Tweed beat with two miles of right bank fishing and six named pools. This can be fished by six rods and includes a ghillie during the Autumn season and can be a productive stretch when the conditions are right. Availability and bookings can be made directly with FishPal, with other options available in the upper Tweed system all within a short drive of the property.
Despite its peaceful rural location, Edinburgh (35 miles) can be easily reached by car, or a Waverley Line train from Galashiels or Stow will take you directly into the city centre in under an hour. Here you can explore the fascinating architecture of the old town and soak-up the culture and heritage of this beautiful vibrant city. Wander the cobbled closes and narrow stairwells of the Royal Mile and Grassmarket; take a tour of the underground vaults of the old city; savour the atmosphere of the vibrant Edinburgh Fringe Festival or exceptional Jazz & Blues Festival (depending on the time of year); or visit its most famous landmark - the iconic Edinburgh Castle.
Historic houses and castles
With more stately homes, castles and historic sites here than you can shake a proverbial stick at, visitors are quite simply spoilt for choice.
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Fishing
Welcome to the realm of the king of fish, the mighty River Tweed. Every year thousands of Atlantic Salmon make their way up river, an annual odyssey that is one of nature's miracles.
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Walking
From the lush green uplands to shimmering sea, the area boasts a hugely diverse and enticing landscape that is perfect for exploring on foot. From gentle rambles to long-distance hikes, there are a vast array of trails and waymarked routes for newbie walkers or experienced alike.
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Wildlife
Our region is home to outstanding scenery which boasts emerald forests, pristine lochs and rivers, heathery hillsides, sweeping moorlands as well as a picture perfect coastline.
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Golf
There are 40 golf courses in Northumberland, and another 21 in the Scottish Borders offering visitors an incredibly wide and varied range of golfing options.
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Adventure Sports
If you love a challenge or just crave a little excitement away from the day-to-day bustle of working life, we have lots to offer - whether it be watery pursuits, muddy blasts or thrill seeking, adrenaline-charged adventures.
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Children and families
Here at Crabtree & Crabtree, we like to think we’ve pulled together some rather nifty ideas to keep tots to teens happy and entertained during your stay.
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Cycling & mountain biking
Whether you ride fast or slow, on-road or off-road, there is something uniquely special about enjoying some outdoor time on two wheels. Here in the region we have something for everyone from high-energy mountain biking blasts to gentle forest paths the whole family can enjoy.
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Shooting
For sheer variety alone Northumberland and the Scottish Borders are irresistible to any gun.
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Ancestral history research
Crabtree & Crabtree know that tracing the history of your family can be a wonderful journey of discovery. Here are our top tips for starting your family tree.
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Additional housekeeping
Award yourself a real break and let us provide a pair (or more) of helping hands.
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Nannies and babysitters
Relax, explore the local area, enjoy a long lunch or a romantic evening out by hiring a fully qualified registered and experienced nanny or babysitter to come to your house.
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Wine delivery
Crabtree & Crabtree have teamed up with Corney & Barrow one of the longest established independent Wine Merchants in the UK to offer a bespoke service.
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Holiday photography
Family holidays, reunions and honeymoons kindle priceless moments that deserve preserving.
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"We had a lovely week at East Lodge at Ashiestiel. It was well equipped and beautifully decorated. The summer house was an added bonus and part of the day was spent there along with our daily visitor we named George!"
Mrs Williams"We had a fabulous stay at East Lodge at Ashiestiel! It was perfectly situated for exploring both countryside, coast and city, and our hosts couldn't have provided a warmer welcome or a nicer home from home - compact but perfect with lovely outdoor space!"
Mr & Mrs Renwick"East Lodge at Ashiestiel was beautifully decorated and very comfortable. We enjoyed our time at the Lodge."
Ms Gray"East Lodge was a gem of a cottage. It is well situated, being in a quiet location, but it is very easy to get to tourist spots and there are some lovely walks from outside the cottage. The cottage was very well appointed, clean and comfortable. The owners were very helpful and provided a generous welcome pack of goodies. The area is beautiful and certainly one that we would like to visit again."
Ms NelsonAvailability
- Sorry, dogs are not permitted.
- Typical arrival day: Friday with the additional option of Monday out of high season.
- Arrival time: 4pm
- Departure time: 10am
"When the sun is shining and the air is warm, evening drinks in the summerhouse watching the resident wildlife is captivating."Steve and Anne, owners of East Lodge
