- 6
- 3
- 2
- 2
- Map
Overview
Based on a historic castle estate, explore Berwickshire’s best sights and scenery from an enchanting woodland setting.
A family and dog-friendly retreat great for golfers, walkers or beach-lovers – plus motorsports enthusiasts
The White House is a charming period cottage dating to when adjacent Duns Castle received a grand Gothic Revival makeover in the 1820s. That fortress’s walled garden now borders the length of The White House’s own garden – a lovely, lawned space in which you can stroll past pretty shrubs en route to a rope swing, or sit and read under the dappled light of large trees.
Such tranquillity is just one way that The White House is so well suited to families. Another example is its spacious kitchen: a bright, homely hang-out filled with country charm. The farmhouse table here seats six, while a bright red AGA range cooker will keep the room comfortably warm as you rustle up dinner, or perhaps a cake or three, and relish garden views.
Although compact in size, the sitting room is a cosy space for relaxation following busy days courtesy of its comfy seating and crackling log fire. Just along the hallway, you will find the ground floor bedroom, set up with twin beds amid a calming colour palette. There's also a separate downstairs loo and a handy utility room.
Two more bedrooms await on the first floor (as do books and board games ready to keep everyone entertained). A large sash window and skylight render the first a bright, airy space, one containing a king-sized sleigh bed and an en-suite bathroom with a tub. Neighbouring a shower room, the second double contains a cute nook affording further garden vistas.
A multitude of walks navigating the 1,200-acre estate of this turreted, picturesque castle – whose defensive pele tower supposedly dates to 1320 – begin from The White House’s front door. There are winding woodland paths to delight your four-legged friends (two are welcome to stay here), or two attractive ponds – Mill Dam and the curiously-named Hen Poo Lake – amid the castle’s nature reserve. Look out for roe deer, red squirrels, mute swans, badgers and birds galore as you saunter about.
The White House is an idyllic retreat, yet civilization is just a mile away in the form of Duns. As well as shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants, this market town hosts The Jim Clark Motorsport Museum, where you can learn about the late local son turned Formula One champion. Alternatively, head to Duns Golf Club for 18 spectacular parkland holes.
Further afield, there are six more golf courses in the vicinity and sandy beaches within a half-hour drive. Holy Island is in reach, too, as is Edinburgh.
Property details
GROUND FLOOR
Access hall with coat hooks and storage space in the utility room.
Large open-plan kitchen and dining area consisting of a 3-oven gas AGA, 2-ring electric hob, microwave and large fridge / freezer with icemaker. A DAB radio is also provided. A large wooden dining table can seat up to 8 guests.
A cosy sitting room with two 2-seater sofas, two pouffes, log fire and a TV with Freeview and a DVD player. Guests should be aware that the sitting room is compact and seating is limited to 4 adults.
Bedroom one has two 3' single beds, wardrobe and chest of drawers.
Utility space with WC and Belfast sink with mixer tap as well as a washing machine.
FIRST FLOOR
Bedroom two with king size bed, wardrobe and chest of drawers.
En-suite bathroom with bath and handheld shower, heated towel rail, WC and basin with mirror above.
Bedroom three with 4'6" double bed, chest of drawers and hook on the back of door for hanging space.
Family shower room with large walk-in shower, heated towel rail, WC and basin.
OUTSIDE
A large, pretty, secluded garden with various shrubs and surrounding trees. A rope swing is located at the bottom of the garden for guest enjoyment and a large wooden shed is suitable for bike storage, however this is not secure.
Please note that the garden is not enclosed.
A tennis court at the end of the drive is available for guests' use - please note that the tennis court is not regularly maintained and shows signs of age, but guests are welcome to use it if they bring their own balls and rackets.
PARKING
Ample private parking for three cars.
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.
CHILDREN & BABIES
A highchair can be provided on request. However, please bring your own travel cot if you require one.
DOGS
Two dogs are welcome with an additional fee of £20 per dog. Dogs must be kept to the utility area and kitchen. Please note there is no enclosed outside space at the property.
GUEST AMENITIES
Bed linen is mix of both hypoallergenic and feather. Hand soap is provided.
A number of books and board games are available for guest entertainment.
WI-FI & MOBILE COVERAGE
Good rural broadband speed and good mobile coverage on most networks.
HEATING
Gas central heating throughout, log fire in sitting room (initial baskets of logs provided October to end of April) and heated towel rails in bathrooms.
GUEST PRIVACY
Tucked away in peaceful, secluded part of the estate. Another nearby cottage shares the same access but The White House is not overlooked.
ACCESS
The property is accessed via a private single hardcore track road which is uneven and rutted in places. Care should be taken when driving. Please contact us if you have any concerns.
SHORT-TERM LETS LICENSING
Scottish short-term lets licence number: Pending
The current EPC rating for this property is band F, a copy of the certificate can be found here.
Location
The White House sits on the outskirts of the charming market town of Duns which offers a good range of small-town shopping including a butchers, bakery, country and fishing store, a small Co-op supermarket, as well as a small selection of local gift and coffee shops. The Jim Clark Motorsport Museum in Duns has been recently revamped and is dedicated to the life and career of racing driver Jim Clark. The museum includes a unique collection of 100 trophies and memorabilia.
The Riverside Bakehouse & Café, in the rural hamlet of Abbey St Bathans is 8.6 miles away. They specialise in handcrafted, small batches of slowly fermented sourdough bread and a wide variety of delicious seasonal cakes and pastries, to be enjoyed in their café or at home. There are lovely walks in this area too so it's the perfect place to stop for lunch or a coffee and cake afterward.
The historic town of Kelso sits 16.2 miles from the property, where you can relax and watch the world go by in one of the many cafes, delicatessens or tea rooms, while in Berwick-upon-Tweed (17 miles), you'll find a selection of larger supermarkets, including a Marks & Spencer food outlet. There's also a good selection of cafes, pubs and restaurants, including the very popular Maltings Kitchen with adjoining arts and theatre venue, and The Mule on Rouge café and deli. Head to the quayside at Tweedmouth where you can purchase lobster, scallops or wild Scottish salmon fresh from the day’s catches from the Berwick Shellfish Company or order direct to have a perfect seafood platter delivered to your holiday home.
For eating out, the Inn at Allanton (7.3 miles) or the Wheatsheaf Hotel at Swinton (6.8 miles) are both renowned for serving dishes full of fresh local flavours amidst relaxed, convivial surroundings. Alternatively, for a perfect pint and lovely ambient surroundings, the newly refurbished Cross Inn at Paxton (12.9 miles) is developing a super reputation for its excellent local menu and friendly atmosphere, or why not try the Collingwood Arms at Cornhill-on-Tweed (12.6 miles), which is an elegant setting for lingering lunches or evening dining.
Activities
There is excellent walking from the house within Duns Castle Estate. The Nature Reserve to the rear of the castle offers a popular woodland loop, taking in the curiously name Hen Poo Lake. Further walks can be found in the surrounding hills and gentle ambles can be taken along river trails. Serious hikes will enjoy following Scotland's Coast to Coast walk, the Southern Upland Way which sits right on the doorstep. While keen cyclists can enjoy exploring quiet lanes and miles of forest tracks where they will find a number of designated routes from low level meanders to high energy treks.
There is internationally-renowned fishing on the Tweed while productive fishing can be found on the River Whiteadder. For trout fishing and sailing, head to the nearby Whiteadder Reservoir nestled in an idyllic spot at the foot of the Lammermuir Hills. Alternatively, you will find some good sport and a friendly welcome at Coldingham Loch (16.6 miles). For shooting, a number of local estates offer high quality walked-up and driven shooting for grouse, pheasant and partridge over a wide range of habitats taking in the picturesque valleys and heather clad hillsides of the area.
For golfing, there is plenty of choice with a fantastic selection of eleven courses to choose from within a 22 mile radius, including the highly regarded 9 hole course at Duns, the sublime Roxburghe Championship Course in Kelso and the 18 hole cliff top links course at Eyemouth.
For the ultimate off-road experience, the Ronnie Dale Driving Centre in nearby Abbey St. Bathans (8.6 miles) offers 4x4 driving adventures for adults under the watchful eye of a personal instructor in 2000 acres of hill and forest terrain, as well as quad bike treks for adults and children around the 500 acre farm estate.
The stunning sandy beaches of the Berwickshire and North Northumberland coastline are just a stone’s throw away. Some of our favourite spots include the stunning beach at Bamburgh, miles of pristine sands popular for walking, beach rides or surfing, the magnificent views from the cliff tops at St Abbs Head, a designated Nature Reserve and the breeding ground for thousands of seabirds and seals; and the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, an overwhelmingly mystical place cut off from the mainland during high tide.
There’s an array of fabulous castles and historic houses to visit across the area. including majestic Floors Castle in Kelso and nearby Manderston a stunning example of an Edwardian country house set in 56 acres of formal gardens. Built with no expense spared, it features every modern convenience of that era, including sumptuous staterooms, opulent detailing, and an incredible silver staircase - the only one in the world. As the film location for a Channel 4 six-part series on life below stairs, its elaborate domestic quarters give a captivating insight into daily life in the Edwardian period.
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.
Find Out More
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.
Find Out More
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.
Find Out More
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.
Find Out More
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.
Find Out More
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.
Find Out More
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.
Find Out More
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.
Find Out More
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.
Find Out More
Shooting
For sheer variety alone Northumberland and the Scottish Borders are irresistible to any gun.
Find Out More
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.
Find Out MoreServices
Dog sitting
Our experienced dog sitters will look after your furry friends whilst you are out exploring.
Find Out More
Additional housekeeping
Award yourself a real break and let us provide a pair (or more) of helping hands.
Find Out More
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.
Find Out More
Holiday photography
Family holidays, reunions and honeymoons kindle priceless moments that deserve preserving.
Find Out MoreReviews
“We had a great time and loved the tyre swing. Thank you!”
The Ward Family“We had a fantastic stay. The kids loved exploring the woods. Thank you!”
The Sanders Family“Fantastic to be the first guests. Absolutely lovely stay and very relaxing. We will be back!”
Mr & Mrs Blackburn"What a beautiful house in a beautiful location - our dog had the time of his life!"
Lane Party"A very relaxing, peaceful cottage with cosy AGA. Perfect base for our get together celebration"
Emma & Susan"We loved the house and particularly the garden and peaceful location. Very spacious and comfortable"
Philips Party"A beautiful cottage in a stunning location. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the White House, making the most of what the Scottish Borders has to offer!"
Dimbeley PartyAvailability
- Two dogs welcome with a charge of £20 per dog.
- Typical arrival day: Friday during high season with the additional option of Monday out of high season.
- Arrival time: 4pm
- Departure time: 10am
"Sitting down to breakfast while enjoying the views of the pretty garden."Imogen, Crabtree & Crabtree
