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12% launch discount on stays between now and the 27th September and between the 11th October to 1st November 2024, this discount is increased to 20% on stays throughout July and August (3 night stay minimum).
Overview
A spacious country home, perfect for family gatherings and fishing parties in the Borders.
Explore the landscape which so inspired Sir Walter Scott from this inviting house.
Surrounded by mile upon mile of pastoral fields and tree-shaded trails, The Old Manse is a welcoming home in the heart of the Scottish Borders. Dating to 1804 and set at the edge of the tranquil village of Smailholm, it lies in the stead of an earlier incarnation which was immortalised in the work of Scott – the abode of the priest in his poem ‘Marmion’. This landscape deeply inspired the poet as a child and its enduring beauty continues to enchant visitors, defined by its rolling fields dotted with historic ruins and crisscrossed by winding rivers.
You’ll sense the warmth and spaciousness of the house as soon as you enter. To the right of the main hallway lies the drawing room, decorated in neutral tones and serving as the perfect spot for an afternoon tea, while a second cosy sitting room can be found further along the hall. At the heart of the home is the country kitchen, complete with an AGA, roomy pantry, and relaxed breakfast room with views out to the gardens. For more formal meals, the dining room lies opposite the drawing room and creates a magical atmosphere at dusk with its rich red walls and feature fireplace.
Upstairs, four bedrooms lie off a central landing. Combining modern styling with antique touches and furnished with inviting beds and patterned fabrics, they are bathed in sunlight through windows which afford wonderful views out to the Cheviot Hills. The window seat in the master bedroom is a particularly lovely spot to take in this scenery with a cup of tea in the morning. Three sleek and contemporary bathrooms can be found on this floor, including two large baths, while a study provides a quiet place to read or write. Up another flight of stairs you’ll find the final two bedrooms and bathroom, where whitewashed beams and panelled walls create an airy refuge in the eaves.
Return downstairs and venture out into the leafy garden through the breakfast room. The house is encompassed by around an acre of lawns bordered by trees, hedges, and flowerbeds, while a second enclosed garden can be accessed through the sitting room. Here you’ll find a summerhouse and patio seating area for savouring fine weather – perhaps alongside an al fresco meal prepared on the barbecue.
The separate boot room is an invaluable place to store walking boots and fishing rods, so you can effortlessly transition from adventuring in the great outdoors to elegant country living. The Borders is a region of rich history and stunning scenery and you’ll discover an abundance of activities within easy reach, from walking in Scott’s footsteps at Smailholm Tower or his home at Abbotsford, to making the most of the world-class fishing on the Middle Tweed salmon beats nearby.
Property details
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 and a separate armchair. Please note the fireplace in this room is decorative only at this time. A wood burning stove is due to be installed later in 2024.
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, and a separate single bed.
Bathroom three with walk-in shower, bath with hand-held shower mixer tap, heated towel rail, basin and WC.
Staircase to the second floor and bedroom five and six.
SECOND FLOOR
Bedroom five with zip and link option allowing this to be configured to twin beds or a super king, side tables, chest of drawers, storage shelves, cupboard with hanging rail. Velux window with blackout blind.
Bathroom four with shower, heated towel rail, basin and WC.
Bedroom six with zip and link option allowing this to be configured to a super king or or twin, separate 3' single bed, side tables, chest of drawers, cupboard with shelving and hanging rail. Velux window with blackout blind.
OUTSIDE
The Old 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.
PARKING
There is ample private parking on the gravelled courtyard to the front of the property.
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
Babies and children are welcome and a travel cot and highchair can be provided on request.
DOGS
Two well behaved dogs are welcome at a charge of £25 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.
GUEST AMENITIES
Bed linen and towels are provided, along with hand soaps and shower wash. A hairdryer is supplied in each of the bedrooms.
WI-FI & MOBILE COVERAGE
BT broadband is available. Mobile reception improves to the front of the property.
HEATING
Oil central heating throughout with thermostatically controlled radiators. There's an electric AGA in the kitchen - guests are asked to ensure this is in Eco-mode when not in use. There is a wood burning stove in the sitting room - initial basket of logs provided. Important - please note that the fires in the drawing room and dining room are decorative only and not available for use.
GUEST PRIVACY
The Old Manse is a large detached property in extensive grounds on the edge of the village of Smailholm.
SHORT-TERM LETS LICENSING
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.
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; 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.
Activities
The Scottish Borders is an area steeped in history. You will find an abundance of castles and historic sites nearby from Floors Castle and Smailholm Tower, to Jedburgh Abbey and the Flodden Battle Field just over the English border. But where better to start than right on your doorstep with Hume Castle? Sitting in a commanding positon above the village, Hume Castle is thought to be one of the most formidable defensive castles in the Scottish Borders as well as offering some of the best views in the area.
For those with a passion for fishing, Kelso sits right on the confluence of the Rivers Tweed and Teviot and is a much loved destination for salmon anglers who come to experience world-class fishing on the prolific Middle Tweed salmon beats around this area - Rutherford, Makerstoun, Upper and Lower Floors, Junction and Hendersyde are all within a 30 minute drive of the property.
For golf enthusiasts, Kelso Golf Club is an attractive parkland course resting on the edge of the town, or you can experience a fantastic day-out playing the Roxburghe Championship Course (19 miles), recently voted 6th best course in Scotland by readers of the country’s best selling golf title. There is a pro-shop and PGA golf academy here for those who are new to the game or wish to refine their swing, and if you’re feeling particularly energetic you may decide to finish off your day popping a few clays at the nearby shooting school.
For sightseeing, the grand stately homes of Mellerstain, Manderston, Abbotsford and Thirlestane are all within a short half hour drive where the beautiful artworks, rich architectural detailing and scenic grounds and gardens are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.
Our local events and festivals provide the perfect excuse for short breaks or friendly get-togethers where you can enjoy National Hunt Racing at Kelso Racecourse, local Antique Fairs and Auctions, the Floors Castle Horse Trials, Point-to-Point Meets, the Borders Book Festival, Walking Festival and Common Ridings.......to name just a few!
Crossing the border into Northumberland you will find the wonderful heritage coastline with miles of deserted golden sands perfect for rest or play, while driving north will take you to the cultural city of Edinburgh in less than an hour where you can take advantage of events such as the vibrant Edinburgh Fringe Festival, exceptional Jazz and Blues Festival, or simply a day-out exploring the exquisite historical architecture of this beautiful city.
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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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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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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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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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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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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Museums, galleries and culture
Our museums tell the story of Borders people and provide a unique insight into our region’s heritage and culture, such as the turbulent past of the Border Reivers or the tragic tale of exiled Mary Queen of Scots.
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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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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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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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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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Dog sitting
Our experienced dog sitters will look after your furry friends whilst you are out exploring.
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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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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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Holiday photography
Family holidays, reunions and honeymoons kindle priceless moments that deserve preserving.
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Availability
- Two dogs are welcome with a charge of £25 per dog.
- Typical arrival day: Friday
- Arrival time: 4pm
- Departure time: 10am
"With its rich red walls, the formal dining room is an atmospheric space for getting together with friends and enjoying delicious local produce from the wonderful array of Borders-based suppliers."Duncan and Lucy, owners of The Old Manse
