Sunderland Farmhouse
Two driveways approach the 1796 farmhouse, hidden away on a rural hillside about one mile north of the market town of Selkirk and encompassed by ancient trees and wildflowers. Inside, texture and colour have been used to striking effect, from wood panelling and bobbin furniture to unexpected bursts of colour – including raspberry reds inside cupboards and cabinetry. The whimsical palette is complemented by antiques, botanical prints and some original artworks, which were specially painted for the house by the artist owner.
On entering the house, there is a spacious entrance hall with original flagstone tiles and hooks for hanging coats and leads. This then leads into the bright and welcoming sitting room, where dual aspect sash windows draw in views of the garden and landscape beyond. With comfortable seating for eight guests around a log burner, as well as an ample collection of board games and books, it’s a comfy and colourful space to spend time together.
At the heart of the home is the farmhouse kitchen, which enjoys more of those scenic views through large Georgian windows – plus the perfect window seat for relaxing with a cup of coffee. The large wooden table creates a laid-back setting for family breakfasts, while the statement burgundy five-oven Aga is ideal for preparing group meals. An original shelved and tiled pantry provides plenty of storage space, as does a boot room with a Butler’s sink and washing machine, so you can easily make the transition from wild country walks to the indoors. The formal dining room also enjoys romantic garden views and the warm glow of its own log burner, perfect for settling in for Sunday lunch or cosy evening meals.
Up the staircase on the first floor, the first bedroom features a super king size four poster bed, draped with sheer fabric, and more dual aspect windows looking out over the garden which are flanked by floral patterned curtains. Next door, the sky-blue panelled second bedroom is home to twin beds with pink upholstered headboards, which also be configured to a super king as required. Both rooms are bright and calming places to enjoy a good night’s sleep and have easy access to the two family bathrooms which lie on the same floor – one with a rainforest shower and playful fish-patterned wallpaper, and the other with an inviting red rolltop bath.
The further two bedrooms are tucked away under coombed ceilings on the upper floor. Both feature twin beds with patterned headboards and share a hanging cupboard on the landing, the first decorated with leaf-green panelled walls and the second with a lively blue. Skylights bathe the bedrooms in natural light, while ruby-red touches mirror the quirky character of illustrative artworks on the walls.
Outside, a large lawned area is surrounded by mature trees and shrubs with extensive spring bulbs and charming romantic planting through the summer months. A secure outdoor room at the side of the house is ideal for storing any outdoor kit.
There is excellent walking to be enjoyed from the doorstep of Sunderland Farmhouse and a map is provided for the best routes to explore around the estate, in addition to fine strolls along the Rivers Ettrick and Tweed and into the hills. Fishing can be arranged on the estate through the booking agency FishPal. Sunderland Hall, uniquely offers fishing on both the River Tweed as well as the River Ettrick, with both flowing down to converge at the Meetings. Nearby, Selkirk is a well-provided town to gather provisions from independent butchers, bakers and grocers.
Property Layout
GROUND FLOOR
Front entrance hall with original flagstone floor tiles and coat hooks.
Dual aspect sitting room with views over the garden and fields beyond, seating for eight guests, wood burning stove, smart television, board games and an interesting selection of books.
Dining room with views over the garden, seating for eight guests and wood burning stove.
An initial supply of logs is provided for both wood burning stoves and thereafter additional logs can be purchased from the Estate.
Rear entrance hall with views across the fields, original flag stone floor.
Kitchen with views over the garden to the fields beyond, table and seating for eight guests, 5-oven oil Aga, dishwasher, microwave, fridge / freezer, toaster and kettle.
Boot room / utility room with Butler’s sink, washing machine and storage space.
Original shelved and tiled pantry with ample storage space.
Boiler room with drying space.
FIRST FLOOR
Bedroom one with super king size four poster bed, dressing table, substantial fitted cupboards with hanging space, shelving and dual aspect views over the garden and fields beyond.
Bedroom two with 3’ zip and link beds to form a 6’ super king bed or 3’ twin beds, fitted cupboard with hanging space, additional fitted cupboard with shelving, chest of drawers and dual aspect views over the garden and courtyard.
Bathroom one with walk-in shower with low level tray and rainfall shower head, basin, heated towel rail, WC and views over the garden and fields beyond.
Bathroom two with freestanding bath with handheld shower, basin, heated towel rail, WC and views over the courtyard.
SECOND FLOOR
Bedroom three with 3’ single beds and chest of drawers.
Bedroom four with 3’ single beds and chest of drawers.
A hanging cupboard on the landing provides hanging space for bedrooms three and four. Please note that these bedrooms have coombed ceilings with limited ceiling height. Both rooms have views from the rooflights over the garden.
OUTSIDE
The house sits in attractive private grounds comprising a large lawned area surrounded by mature trees and shrubs with extensive spring bulbs and charming romantic planting through the summer months. The garden maximises the views over fields to the hills beyond.
There is ample parking in the courtyard to the rear of the property.
There is a secure outdoor room at the side of the house for storage of outdoor kit.
The garden is partially enclosed. Once the front gate is closed, it is fenced or walled on three sides; however, there is a low ha-ha to the front of the house. Guests with children and dogs should therefore supervise them at all times, particularly near the road.
Location
Nearby, the market town of Selkirk provides a good range of local amenities, including a bakery, butcher and small supermarket for holiday provisions, as well as welcoming pubs and coffee shops. Make sure to try a Selkirk Bannock, a traditional Scottish fruit bread which originated in the town. Selkirk is also well known for its historical prominence in the woollen industry, and you will find a number of textile producers in the area. Nearby Galashiels is home to a museum displaying The Great Tapestry of Scotland – a fascinating large-scale artwork created by a thousand volunteer stitchers from the Borders to the Highlands and Islands.
There’s plenty to see and do in the surrounding area, from hikes up the Eildon Hills and across the Southern Uplands Way, which passes just four miles from Sunderland Hall, to tours of the spectacular ruins of Kelso Abbey, Jedburgh Abbey, Dryburgh Abbey, and Melrose Abbey, and the Borders Book Festival which takes place in Melrose in the June. The museums and thriving food scene in Edinburgh are also only an hour away, as are the golden sands of Scotland’s heritage coastline.
Amenities
- AGA or Everhot stove
- Allows babies in armsUp to 12 months.
- Allows children1 - 16 years.
- Bath
- CotA travel cot is available on request. Travel cot bedding is not provided.
- Dog friendlyTwo dogs are welcome (£25 per dog). Dogs must remain on the ground floor and are not permitted on the furniture. The garden is enclosed on three sides once the gate is closed; however, there is a low ha-ha to the front of the property, so dogs should be supervised at all times and particular care should be taken near the road. Dogs must be kept on a lead when walking in fields on the estate due to livestock.
- Fishing on site
- Heating
- Highchair
- Linen & towels providedHypoallergenic and feather bedding are available.
- Open fire/Woodburning stoveTwo wood burning stoves, one in the sitting room and the other in the dining room. An initial supply of logs is provided.
- Outside space
- Wi-FiWi-Fi signal is good but is currently only available in the sitting room due to the thick walls. Mobile reception is good on most networks but the signal strength varies from room to room.
All Amenities
Dog Friendly
Important Information
The two driveways to the farmhouse lead directly onto the road and the gate should be kept closed when not in use to help ensure the safety of children and dogs.
The garden is partially enclosed. Once the gate is closed, it is enclosed on three sides; however, there is a low ha-ha to the front of the property. Children and dogs should therefore be supervised at all times and particular care should be taken near the road.
Please note that the Aga is the property's sole cooking appliance. Detailed operating instructions are provided for guests who may be unfamiliar with cooking on an Aga.
The farm buildings behind the house are no longer in regular use. However, occasional access may be required by members of the Estate team during your stay.
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.
Arrival time: 4pm
Departure time: 10am
Accessibility
Getting availability
The Little Things We Love
The mind-quieting experience of walking on the estate, keeping an eye out for the resident roe deer and red squirrels through the greenery.On The Doorstep
Discover our curated picks of things to see and do nearby.
On The Map
Selkirk, Scottish Borders
