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Home | Properties | Fairnington East Wing
Kelso, Scottish Borders
 

Fairnington East Wing

4
Guests
2
Bedrooms
1
Bathroom

Rural living and rich, rancorous history combine at this elegant Borders home beside a working farm — one whose upside-down living arrangement entails spectacular views.

In 1777, Robert Rutherford — of the Borders’ longstanding Clan Rutherford – was declared a Baron of the Russian Empire by Catherine the Great, and bestowed with wealth. Soon returning home to Scotland, he purchased the 1,400-acre estate of Fairnington and set about becoming a liberal landlord. That tradition continues today, as the current owners have opened their private eastern wing to guests.

First erected in the early 1500s as a bastel house – a typical, fortified farm designed to repel plundering Border Reivers – Fairnington’s first incarnation was mostly destroyed in 1544 during the ‘Rough Wooing’, when English garrisons repeatedly raided Scottish territory to try and enforce Prince Edward’s marriage to an infant Mary Queen of Scots. It was rebuilt and extended amid the 17th and 20th centuries.

Part of the main house — but not overlooked and boasting its own entrance — Fairnington East Wing contains two ground-floor bedrooms. A vast, richly-designed main suite utilises the old master’s office, with original wood panelling (and a very solid safe) surrounding porcelain vases and a mahogany four-poster bed. The second, smaller bedroom’s own king-sized bed can split into two singles if necessary. A large, shared bathroom has a tub and walk-in rainfall shower.

Beside a framed, first-edition Ordnance Survey map of the area, stairs ascend to an open-plan living space whose many windows and elevated position ensure much light. One corner contains the kitchen, where speckled white-granite counters top navy-coloured cabinetry and built-in Siemens appliances. Counter stools enable casual chats, while a dining table awaits opposite. Beyond that beckon two sofas. There’s also a TV hidden inside a vibrant watercolour portraying the estate, and glorious views over rolling hills into England.

Below is your private portion of garden, from which hares, deer, owls, buzzards, woodpeckers and even a resident hedgehog are sometimes spied – along with the Milky Way at night. Just beyond, several piles of stones are all that remain of a former chapel or hospital conferred by Pope Urban III in 1186. Fairnington’s estate also contains the hilltop Baron’s Folly, an eye-catching octagonal tower ordered by Robert Rutherford.

Walkers are well placed: the long-distance St Cuthbert’s Way and Borders Abbeys Way pass nearby as the Presidents Route circular memorably includes an avenue of giant sequoias. Anglers might cast into the Tweed or Teviot for salmon. Kelso’s ruined abbey – and splendid market square – is eight miles away, with the Waterloo Monument, commemorating the Battle of Waterloo, closer still (and indeed visible from the property). For a donation, visitors can borrow the key and climb its many steps for more fabulous vistas.

A low occupancy discount is available for one/two guests who only require the use of one bedroom. Only one bedroom will be prepared for guests. If two guests require the use of both bedrooms, please enter your occupancy as 3 guests when placing your booking. Please note no other discount is available when this offer is in use.

Special Offers

Bookings made within 7 days of travelling discounted by 10%, within 21 days by 5%

1-2 guests: 10% (30 Aug 2024 to 19 Dec 2024) minimum of 3 nights maximum of 28 nights

1-2 guests: 10% (03 Jan 2025 to 10 Apr 2025) minimum of 3 nights maximum of 28 nights

1-2 guests: 10% (25 Apr 2025 to 22 May 2025) minimum of 3 nights maximum of 28 nights

1-2 guests: 10% (30 May 2025 to 26 Jun 2025) minimum of 3 nights maximum of 28 nights

1-2 guests: 10% (29 Aug 2025 to 21 Dec 2025) minimum of 3 nights maximum of 28 nights

Property Layout

GROUND FLOOR

Access door into hallway with bench seat and hanging space.

Bathroom with large walk-in shower with rainforest head and separate mixer, bath with shower/tap mixer, heated towel rail, basin and WC.

Bedroom one (one step up from hallway) with king size four poster bed, side tables, closet with hanging rail (not full height), window seat and decorative fireplace.

Bedroom two with zip and link beds which can be configured to a 5’2” king size or 2’6” twin, side tables, wardrobe with hanging space and separate drawer.

FIRST FLOOR

Three-quarter turn staircase to first floor – no handrail.

Open plan living space comprising:

Kitchen with large fridge/freezer, induction hob, electric oven, full size dishwasher, microwave. Note – there is a washing machine on the ground floor.

Dining space with seating for four. The table is extendable and can accommodate up to six guests for dining if required.

Sitting room with two large sofas, Smart TV.

OUTSIDE

Rear courtyard (shared with the owners) with parking. Bench seat. No barbecue. Outside storage can be made available for bikes, fishing rods and outdoor kit. To the side of the property is a lawned area with picnic bench and rural views.

Parking for two to three cars in the rear courtyard.

Location

Fairnington is just five miles from St Boswells, this pretty village boasts the fabulous, award-winning Mainstreet Trading bookshop, café, deli and antiques shop and the excellent Blue Coo Bistro at the Buccleuch Arms Hotel for eating out. There is also a good butchers, small Co-op supermarket and the highly regarded Border Gunroom for those essential country supplies.

A further 4.6 miles drive from St Boswells takes you to the town of Melrose where you will find some of the best independent shopping in the area with Melrose Abbey as the stunning backdrop. Melrose is also home of the famous Borders Rugby 7s game.

Eight miles in the other direction is the bustling market town of Kelso described by Sir Walter Scott as "the most beautiful, if not the most romantic village in Scotland." Today it retains much of its original charm with an interesting range of independent shops including an excellent deli, butchers and fishmonger, a monthly farmer's market and a good selection of lively pubs and restaurants. Floors Castle, the majestic home of the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe is well worth a visit. Kelso plays host to a number of events throughout the year including regular National Hunt race meets at the famous race course and the ancient custom of the Common Ridings of the town boundaries.

You will also find the historic market town of Jedburgh 6.4 miles from Fairnington, home to a good selection of independent shops, galleries, pubs and cafes. Steeped in history, Jedburgh boasts the magnificent remains of a 12th century Augustinian Abbey, the imposing Castle Jail, the only existing example of its kind in Scotland and the 16th Century home of Mary Queen of Scots, a visit to which reveals the fascinating but tragic story of her life.

Nearby Ancrum village (3 miles) can offer you the main essentials with a pub and local shop and post office.

Amenities

    All Amenities

    • Allows babies in arms
      Up to 12 months.
    • Allows children
      1 - 16 years. Should guests require any equipment for babies or children, the owners would be pleased to try and assist.
    • Cot
      A travel cot is available on request. Travel cot bedding is not supplied.
    • EV charging
      Refer to Important Information for further details.
    • Hairdryer
      A hairdryer is provided in each bedroom.
    • Heating
      Heating is via a ground source heat pump. Heating can be thermostatically controlled throughout the property.
    • Highchair
    • Linen & towels provided
      The duvets are feather and down. Pillows are feather filled - hypoallergenic alternatives provided upon request.
    • Outside space
    • Pet free
      Sorry, dogs are not permitted.
    • Wi-Fi
      Fibre broadband is available at the property. Mobile reception is generally good with 4G.

Important Information

It is important to note that the East Wing directly adjoins Fairnington House which is occupied by the owners. While the owners are on hand to help guests with any aspect of their stay, they are very respectful of guest privacy.

Guests with electric vehicles are welcome to use the owner's EV charger during their stay. This is a 22kw tethered type-2 charger. There is no fixed charge to use this facility, however, the owners ask that guests leave a donation for the cost of electricity. For safety reasons, please only use the dedicated charger for car charging at this property. Discover alternative electric vehicle charging points here.

Scottish short-term lets licence number: SB00255F. 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

Please call a member of the team on 01573 226711 to discuss your requirements.
View Special Offers
Guests
Max Adults:
4
Max Children:
3
Max Infants:
2
(Children who require a cot)
Maximum number of adults and children is 4
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The Little Things We Love

Through triple windows by the living area’s sofas, you can see all the way to Northumberland’s heather-covered Cheviot Hills.

Don't take our word for it...

Very comfortable accommodation in a delightful countryside location. Our hosts were responsive to queries and made us feel at home - the welcome gifts were much appreciated. There are so many walks to choose from, but I would recommend the walk to the Waterloo Monument and the various walks around Bowhill House. Highly recommend this accommodation.
Ms Moon, 17th October 2024

Don't take our word for it...

A beautiful house in a beautiful setting. Quality throughout in the way it has been furnished and equipped. The master bedroom with all its character features is lovely and the four-poster bed is very comfortable. The view from the upstairs window is like looking at a Turner painting, with the cows and the landscape. A truly peaceful and relaxing place to stay.
Mrs Forrest, 15th October 2024

Don't take our word for it...

Gorgeous place and we loved the location. Fabulous layout of the wing and super comfortable beds. We all had a very happy break there and were sad to leave. Would highly recommend.
Jones family, 1st August 2024

Don't take our word for it...

We had a fabulous week. Thanks for the beautiful vase of flowers and champagne – much appreciated. We would recommend walking from Roxburgh to Kelso and back, Denholm to Rubislaw among others. Visits to Abbotsford and further afield to Paxton (worth the longer journey). All in all a great week. Nearly forgot the walk to the Waterloo Monument, easily done from the East Wing with a stop for coffee and cake at the Woodside plant centre. Oh, and the cycling – endless opportunities on lovely quiet roads.
Mr & Mrs Sturrock, 19th March 2024

Don't take our word for it...

We had an amazing time in this lovely place. We love the quiet, the views, the space and the lack of people! Very relaxing! We visited Glentress twice, Monteviot Gardens, and Floors Castle to name but a few. The owners have been wonderful hosts – nothing too much trouble and we have felt very welcomed here. Thank you so much for providing such a wonderful place to stay.
Mr & Mrs Vellacott, 19th March 2024

Don't take our word for it...

We have had a really relaxed stay, using the East Wing as our base whilst walking the spectacular St. Cuthbert’s Way. We so appreciated the warm welcome and the flowers and champagne as well as how attentive the owners have been. We completed the week with a walk up to the Waterloo Tower and saw the rest of our days spread out before us. Thank you!
Ms Webster, 19th March 2024

Don't take our word for it...

What a lovely place to stay – beautiful conversion, well-equipped to highest standard. St. Cuthbert’s Way was truly beautiful, but it was lovely to return to the same comfy bed. Champagne, flowers and attention of owners welcome extra touches. Thank you.
Ms Bradley, 19th March 2024

Don't take our word for it...

Lovely relaxing stay and amazing weather!! Great walks at St.Boswells, Dryburgh Abbey and Waterloo Tower. Trips to Melrose and Jedburgh. Always great to return to Fairnington after a days walking and touring. This is a very relaxing spot in beautiful surroundings. Thank you to the owners for the goodies - very much appreciated and enjoyed!
Ashley party, 19th March 2024

Things to See & Do

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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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Services

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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