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Overview
The Smiddy forms part of a superb new barn conversion just three miles from Melrose with outstanding views over rolling Borders countryside to the Eildon Hills.
A superb new barn conversion
Drawing on its former farm heritage, the property has been sympathetically redeveloped to create a fantastic light-filled living space that remains faithful to its rural setting.
The property strikes a perfect balance between old and new, incorporating original stonework and larch cladding along with luxurious furnishings, contemporary features and underfloor heating. The open plan living area has been opened up to take full advantage of the exceptional views and its south-facing aspect means that it is a perfect sunny spot to unwind and relax with a good book or a smooth glass of Merlot! The two en-suite bedrooms are beautifully appointed with enormous beds and sumptuous linens for a dreamy night’s sleep.
Set in the very heart of the country that inspired the writings of Sir Walter Scott, the location of the Smiddy on seven hundred acres of unspoilt estate land means that it is perfectly placed for walkers, cyclists, nature lovers and field sports. Stabling can be provided for guests interested in bringing their own horse, and guided tours of the area can be arranged - whether on two feet, two wheels or four hooves!
Property details
Ground floor
Entrance hallway.
Open-plan sitting room/dining/kitchen area:
The sitting room area features elegant furnishings by Michael Vee Interiors including a double sofa, large wing armchair and two leather chairs. Large bi-folding doors open out to the patio and garden. Technology includes a Smart TV with Freeview play. Books and board games are provided.
The kitchen is fully equipped with an electric cooker, hob, large retro fridge with ice box, integrated dishwasher, washing machine and microwave.
There is a dining area with seating for four.
Guest cloakroom.
First Floor
Bedroom one enjoys views across to the Eildon Hills and features zip and link beds which can be set up as a super king double or twin as preferred, two bedside cabinets and a dressing table.
En-suite bathroom with bath and shower over, rainforest shower head, heated towel rail, basin and WC.
Bedroom two with king size bed and views across to the Eildon Hills.
En-suite shower room with heated towel rail, basin and WC.
Outside
There is an attractive lawned garden to the front of the house which is fully enclosed for the safety of children and dogs. This can also be accessed through large bi-folding doors from the living space. There is a terraced patio for dining with garden furniture and sun loungers.
There is a secure outside store for the storage of outdoor kit such as bikes, fishing gear and golf clubs.
Parking
There is private parking for two cars to the side of the cottage.
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
A travel cot and highchair are available on request.
Dogs
Two well-behaved dogs are welcome, but they must be kept to the ground floor uncarpeted areas of the property and are not permitted in the bedrooms. There is a charge of £25 per dog. It is essential that owners clean-up after their dogs and respect the access requirements of the estate. The area surrounding the barn is farmland and dogs must be kept under control at all times, and particularly when there is livestock in the adjacent fields.
Guest amenities
The beds are made up with high quality Egyptian Cotton bed linen. One hairdryer is supplied. Luxurious bath sheets and hand towels are provided for guests along with hand soaps and toiletries. Grab rails can be provided on request.
Wi-Fi & Mobile Coverage
Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.The area has 3G connectivity and there is good mobile coverage on most networks.
Heating
Heating throughout the property, with underfloor heating in all the main living areas.
Guest privacy
This is a semi-detached property and sits within a small, peaceful steading development of three additional properties which have been converted to ensure guest privacy wherever possible. If you have any concerns, please call us to discuss. There are open fields to the front and rear of the development.
Location
The Smiddy sits just a five minute drive from the historic and very picturesque town of Melrose where you will find some of the best independent shopping in the area with Melrose Abbey as the stunning backdrop. Here you will find an excellent range of independent shops selling fine quality food and drink including The Country Kitchen for deli produce, cheeses, whole foods and fresh coffees; Dalgetty’s Bakery, makers of the original Selkirk Bannock; Baird’s Butchers for locally sourced produce as well as freshly prepared homemade meals which are perfect for holiday stays. You will also find a quality fishmongers, a fresh fruit and veg shop as well as two small convenience stores.
For gifts and lovely things, head to Michael Vee Design for elegant interiors; Sarah Thomson or Twelve for ladieswear; beautiful artisan goods from The Crafters; or Masons bookshop for a good holiday read. For those seeking something a little more energetic, there is also a bike shop and cycle hire where you will find plenty of friendly advice on local trails around the area.
For coffee and cake, pop into Apples for Jam for a steaming cappuccino and a delicious butter cream sponge, or for evening dining, the Town House, Provender, Burts or Marmions all come highly recommended. A short drive or twenty minute walk will take you to the pretty conservation village of Gattonside (1.5 miles) for excellent food at Seasons or the Hoebridge Restaurant.
Activities
The area is a perfect base for sightseeing and exploring the wider attractions of the central Borders area. For sightseeing, the area sits in the heart of myth and legend and visitors come from all over the world to soak up its rich historical connections. Top of the list is the magnificent monastic ruins of Melrose Abbey founded in 1136 by the monks of the Cistercian order, featuring beautiful architectural detailing and fascinating connections to St. Cuthbert, Scottish Kings, and the philosopher wizard. Nearby you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the Harmony Garden and Priorwood Garden before a visit to the Three Hills Roman Heritage Centre based in the town square.
Next, a short drive will take you to Leaderfoot Viaduct, an outstanding 19 arch bridge spanning the Tweed before heading to Scott’s View - the inspiration for many of Sir Walter Scott’s writings with stunning panoramic views across the rolling Border heartland. After a lazy lunch, head up the three peaks of the Eildon Hills for yet more amazing views, and explore their association with the fabled Thomas the Rhymer, the Fairy Queen, King Arthur and Merlin. Sir Walter Scott’s home at Abbotsford will reveal a treasure trove of artefacts connected to this great writer, while the grand stately homes and gardens of nearby Manderston, Mellerstain, Floors Castle and Thirlestane will not fail to impress.
For walking, there is an abundance of local trails and waymarked routes across the area, with leisurely routes right from the doorstep to more extensive loops across the wider estate. Melrose is the starting point for St. Cuthbert’s Way which charts the historic trail of this revered seventh century Saint on a 62 mile walk between Melrose Abbey where he started his religious life and his eventual resting place on the mystical Holy Island of Lindisfarne. Alternatively the sublime Southern Upland Way, Borders Abbeys Way and Sir Walter Scott’s Way run right through this area - each with shorter routes for less experienced walkers or those with less time.
If your passion is country sports, the famous Tweed and its tributaries provide the opportunity for salmon, trout and grayling, with notable middle Tweed beats offering some excellent value fishing. Shooting, be it clays or game, can be arranged locally including nearby Bisley at Braidwood where you can pay and play, sharpen up your eye with a few shooting lessons, or try the first full-bore pipe rifle shooting range in Scotland.
For golf fans, the picturesque 9 hole Melrose Golf Club sits in the shadow of the Eildon Hills while the 18 hole courses at Galashiels and Torwoodlee both sit nearby. Alternatively choose from over 30 courses within a 30 mile radius including the fantastic championship courses at Cardrona in Tweeddale or The Roxburghe at Kelso.
Cyclists will delight at the range of biking options across the wider area from long forest cruises to high energy burning climbs, including the 7Stanes biking centres at Innerleithen and Glentress which are just a half-hour drive away. Guided cycling tours of the area can also be arranged with the owners on request. For families, there is a playpark and tennis courts in nearby Melrose, a multi-screen cinema, skate park and leisure pool in Galashiels (5 miles), or try the wonderful forest adventure playground with huge slides and zip wires at Bowhill House and Country Estate (10 miles).
Melrose plays host to an impressive range of events throughout the year ensuring the town is always pleasantly bustling, even in the winter months. The Melrose Rugby 7s draws an international crowd in April, or you can witness the ancient traditions of the Melrose Festival in June which includes the custom of riding the town's boundaries on horseback. Also not to be missed is the fabulous Borders Book Festival which attracts a hugely impressive line-up of names such as Michael Palin, Germaine Greer, Ian Rankin, Rory Bremner, Lynda La Plante and Jennifer Saunders to name but a few! Finally, why not soak up the sights and sounds of traditional Scotland at the International Pipeband Championships in August.
C&C experiences
We invite you to enjoy the most coveted and exclusive local experiences available in the North of England and the South of Scotland on your next Crabtree & Crabtree adventure.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Dog sitting
Our experienced dog sitters will look after your furry friends whilst you are out exploring.
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Holiday photography
Family holidays, reunions and honeymoons kindle priceless moments that deserve preserving.
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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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"It was our second time in Smiddy and it’s just perfect. What a wonderful place, we love it and will be back. And as always great service from the Crabtree & Crabtree team, thanks!"
Schmitt family"Fabulous, relaxing, ideal setting. The Smiddy was THE best holiday rental we have ever had. Scotland in November? Inclement weather but a lovely stay. The walk into Gattonside Village and on to Melrose was lovely via the Chain Bridge.
The cottage was extremely well presented with everything we needed. The views were stunning and constantly changing. We arose in the morning with the sheep, who slept in the field at the bottom of our garden; so, so comforting. We have already booked our next stay. Best accolade ever."
"We have had a lovely time here. We have loved that the flock of sheep sleep nearby and awake more or less when we do. Very comforting. We just loved our time in The Smiddy and are excited about our return. We are looking forward to our summer break here."
Glynis & Colin"Smiddy cottage was fantastic, location as well as house. Everything was perfect: cleanliness, view, comfort. We’ll be back!"
Mr Schmitt & family"We had a wonderful stay at the Smiddy, the property was beautiful and the views stunning. We definitely hope to be back."
Ms Macdonald"We really enjoyed our stay, the position is superb as is the Granary where we stayed last year. The fixtures and fittings were excellent. A great holiday."
Mrs Quantrill"We had a fantastic time at Smiddy. Smiddy was exactly as we imagined it would be in terms of decor, facilities and view. It's a very stylish yet comfortable property with quirky details that we really enjoyed. Even on the odd day when the weather made sightseeing tricky and we stayed in, it was a joy to sit and watch the world go by. The views are exceptional - watching a snowstorm move in was very enjoyable as was watching the changing light and the wildlife. We are already considering when we can return! The booking process was, as always, very smooth and from previous experiences with Crabtree & Crabtree, I had every confidence that it would be. I was also very impressed with the speed with which emails were answered to a query during our stay - with professionalism and humour."
Harnett family"I just wanted to let you know that we had a wonderful week at the Smiddy. The property was beautiful and exactly as the pictures on your website. With regards to the booking of the Smiddy, the process was very straightforward, professional and arrival arrangements were sent out in plenty of time. I would have no hesitation in booking through Crabtree & Crabtree again and would recommend you to friends & family."
Clark family"We had an very comfortable and enjoyable stay at 'The Smiddy' near Melrose. An amazing setting and lovely touches in the accommodation. Thank you for the high standard of accommodation."
Shedden family"The Smiddy was perfect and my friends and I had a wonderful weekend. Please pass on our thanks to the owners (the wine, bread, milk, cheese etc that welcomed us was much appreciated). This is our 2nd Crabtree & Crabtree property and we thank you for providing accommodation of such a high standard. Long may your success continue."
Parker family"We had a marvellous peaceful relaxing week at the Smiddy. We could not fault the accommodation, which was first rate. The views were exceptional and the setting perfect. We hope we are lucky enough to return."
Monks family"Had the most wonderful stay. Property immaculate, decor stunning, superb attention to detail in every area and the perfect view. You could see the weather approaching along the valley and all life happening below the beautiful Eildon Hills as we sat out enjoying afternoon tea. We will certainly be back."
Butchard family"Smiddy was very cosy, comfortable and practical for staying with dogs. Everything relatively new so in tip top condition... great towels, bedding etc. Stunning views!"
Dodds familyAvailability
- Two dogs are welcome at a charge of £25 per dog.
- Typical arrival day: Flexible during low season. Saturday during high season.
- Arrival time: 4pm
- Departure time: 10am
"Fold back the bi-folding doors and admire the incredible views of the Eildons and surrounding countryside."Sue, Crabtree & Crabtree
