Smailholm Manse
This reduced occupancy version of The Old Manse offers the same sense of space and historic charm, with accommodation arranged perfectly for a more intimate and relaxing stay.
Built in 1804 and set on the edge of the tranquil village of Smailholm, it stands on the site of an earlier house made famous by Sir Walter Scott. You will be immersed in the very landscape that inspired the poet during his childhood - rolling farmland, ancient ruins, and winding rivers that invite exploration and reflection.
Inside, the entrance hall unfolds quietly, a space poised between past and present. From here, rooms extend with a gracious rhythm. To the right, the drawing room unravels with relaxing neutral tones -the perfect setting for a lingering afternoon tea by the window. Opposite, the dining room offers a refined and enchanting space for formal dining and celebratory occasions where red walls glow softly as evening descends.
With space to both gather and retreat, the property boasts a sitting room for cosy fireside chatter and a generous kitchen with AGA centrepiece. This sociable space features a bright breakfast room for morning pastries, freshly brewed coffee and beautiful gardens views. A homely pantry sits close by making this the real heart of the home.
Upstairs, the bedrooms are flooded with natural light. Antique details complement more contemporary pieces, with comfortable beds and softly patterned fabrics giving each room its own delightful character. The master bedroom features a snuggly window seat, the perfect spot to watch the world go by over a hot cup of tea. Three tasteful bathrooms can be found on the same floor, each thoughtfully finished and generous in scale, while a study provides a quiet place to read or unwind.
Encompassed by an acre of lawn unfolding into trees, hedges and flowerbeds – you’ll certainly not be short on outdoor space. A second enclosed garden can be reached directly from the sitting room whilst a summerhouse and small patio offer the perfect gathering spot on warm summer days.
A sophisticated boot room keeps the practicalities of outdoor life neatly in place, allowing you to dip between outdoor ambles and the comfort of the indoors. Beyond the garden, the Scottish Borders is a region of rich history and stunning scenery with an abundance of activities in easy reach. Walk in Sir Walter Scott’s footsteps at Smailholm Tower, explore his home at Abbotsford or make the most of world-class fishing on the River Tweed.
Property Layout
GROUND FLOOR
Access door into the kitchen and snug comprising:
Informal breakfast room seating ten guests with views over the garden. There are a further two bar stools at the kitchen island.
Snug with corner sofa and Smart TV.
Kitchen with corner island. Electric AGA, electric hob, electric oven and grill, large fridge, full size dishwasher, microwave, Magimix Nespresso machine (pod type), DAB radio. Directly off the kitchen is a large pantry cupboard.
Large boot room/utility room with a further dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, Belfast sink, fridge/freezer (3 drawer freezer). This leads to an inner porch and rear access door with hanging hooks and bench seating.
Cloakroom with storage space leading to a separate WC with basin.
Inner hall, leading to the front door of the property, with bench and dresser.
Formal dining room with dining table seating twelve, but with capacity for fourteen guests. Decorative feature fireplace.
Drawing room with views over the garden, with two large sofas, a separate armchair and a wood burning stove.
Sitting room with two sofas, armchair, wood burning stove, bookcase with a selection of books, door to the rear enclosed garden.
Central staircase (two turns with handrail to the first floor).
FIRST FLOOR
Large upper landing leading to four bedrooms and three bathrooms on this level.
Master bedroom with with zip and link option allowing this to be configured to a super king or twin beds, side tables, large wardrobe with drawers below, window seat and chair.
Bedroom two with zip and link option allowing this to be configured to a super king or twin beds, side tables, large wardrobe with drawers below, armchair.
Bathroom one with large walk-in shower (rainforest head and separate mixer), heated towel rail, basin and WC.
Bedroom three with king size bed, side table, window seat, chest of drawers, in-built cupboard with shelving, hanging hooks on the back of the door.
Bedroom four with zip and link option allowing this to be configured to twin beds or a super king, side tables, double wardrobe with drawers.
Bathroom two with large walk-in shower (rainforest head and separate mixer), large bath, heated towel rail, basin and WC.
Through the inner hall:
Study with desk and chair.
Bathroom three with walk-in shower, bath with hand-held shower mixer tap, heated towel rail, basin and WC.
OUTSIDE
Smailholm Manse is surrounded by a large garden (approximately one acre) comprising lawn and herbaceous borders. The garden on the front aspect is enclosed when the access drive gate is closed. There is a further enclosed garden directly off the sitting room to the rear. This has a separate summerhouse which guests are welcome to use, as well as a patio area with garden furniture.
A charcoal barbecue is available on request (charcoal not supplied).
There is a separate lockable boot room with bench seating and storage space for outdoor kit and fishing gear.
There is ample private parking on the gravelled courtyard to the front of the property.
Location
You will find excellent local amenities in the thriving market town of Kelso (6 miles), set around a charming cobbled square. The town is home to a super range of independent shops where you can indulge in a little retail therapy, or purchase fresh local produce and holiday provisions from quality traders. There are some excellent pubs and restaurants for dining out, or for light lunches, you will find plenty of tempting treats in the many cafes in the town, including Cafe U, or the Terrace Cafe at Floors Castle.
A twelve-minute drive will take you to the pretty village of St Boswells, which boasts the fabulous, award-winning Mainstreet Trading bookshop, café, and deli; the excellent Blue Coo Bistro at the Buccleuch Arms next to Brew, a locally run coffee shop; or Hunters Stables for Italian cuisine and pizza. A little further afield, the incredibly picturesque town of Melrose sits around 8 miles from the property and has plenty of restaurant choices, as well as a lovely selection of independent shops.
Amenities
- AGA or Everhot stove
- Allows babies in armsUp to 12 months.
- Allows children1 - 16 years.
- Barbecue
- Bath
- CotA travel cot is available on request. Travel cot bedding is not supplied.
- Dog friendlyThree well behaved dogs are welcome (Ł25 fee per dog). A further dog may be considered on request, subject to details. Dogs must be kept to the boot room/utility room until clean and dry and then kept to the ground floor, uncarpeted areas of the property. They are not permitted on the furniture, and strictly not upstairs or in the bedrooms. There is an outside tap to the rear. When the adjoining paddock is not in use for livestock, guests are welcome to exercise dogs in this area, but must clean-up after their pets at all times. It is important to note that the wider area around the property is farmland with grazing livestock at certain times of the year. Dogs must be well controlled and kept on leads whilst walking. Please take every precaution to ensure your dogs do not present any hazard to farm animals.
- Enclosed garden
- HairdryerA hairdryer is supplied in each of the bedrooms.
- HeatingThere is gas underfloor heating throughout.
- Highchair
- Linen & towels provided
- Open fire/Woodburning stove
- Outside space
- Wi-FiBT broadband is available. Mobile reception improves to the front of the property.
All Amenities
Dog Friendly
Important Information
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: SB00668F. The current EPC rating for this property is band E, a copy of the certificate can be found here.
Arrival time: 4pmDeparture time: 10am
Accessibility
Getting availability
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