Fairnington East Wing
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
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
- Allows babies in armsUp to 12 months.
- Allows children1 - 16 years. Should guests require any equipment for babies or children, the owners would be pleased to try and assist.
- CotA travel cot is available on request. Travel cot bedding is not supplied.
- EV chargingRefer to Important Information for further details.
- HairdryerA hairdryer is provided in each bedroom.
- HeatingHeating is via a ground source heat pump. Heating can be thermostatically controlled throughout the property.
- Highchair
- Linen & towels providedThe duvets are feather and down. Pillows are feather filled - hypoallergenic alternatives provided upon request.
- Outside space
- Pet freeSorry, dogs are not permitted.
- Wi-FiFibre broadband is available at the property. Mobile reception is generally good with 4G.
All Amenities
Important Information
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: 4pmDeparture time: 10am
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