The White House
Based on a historic castle estate, explore Berwickshire’s best sights and scenery from an enchanting woodland setting.
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 Layout
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.
A number of books and board games are available for guest entertainment.
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.
Ample private parking for three cars.
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.
Amenities
- AGA or Everhot stove
- Allows babes in arms (up to 12 months)
- Allows children (1 - 16 years)
- Dog friendlyTwo dogs are welcome (£20 fee per dog). Dogs must be kept to the utility area and kitchen. Please note there is no enclosed outside space at the property.
- Hairdryer
- HeatingGas central heating throughout, log fire in sitting room (initial baskets of logs provided October to end of April) and heated towel rails in bathrooms.
- Highchair
- Linen & towels providedBed linen is mix of both hypoallergenic and feather.
- Outside space
- Tennis court
- Wi-FiGood rural broadband speed and good mobile coverage on most networks.
All Amenities
Important Information
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.
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: SB00211F. The current EPC rating for this property is band F, a copy of the certificate can be found here.
Arrival time: 4pm
Departure time: 10am
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