Once Upon a Fairytale

Dating back over 170 years, this beautiful home in the Scottish Borders was updated in 1870 to take on the Scottish Baronial features that gave it its fairytale castle look, but it was only in the late 70s that the incredible vaulted ceiling was discovered and the mezzanine was added to update the home to what it is today. Of course there has been modernisation since to give it the contemporary, but homely, feel and the result is an ambient, open space that encourages rest and relaxation. With the windows stretching up to towards the ceiling, there’s plenty of natural light and bookworms will rejoice to find a little home library on the mezzanine where they’re able to curl up with any of the good books on offer. Look out over the lounge from up there and when you get a little cold, head down to kindle the fireplace so you can watch the flames dance between every turn of the page. Musicians can retire to the piano room to hone their skills or entertain the rest of the family in style, but not before sitting down for dinner at the chunky oak table. Take to the garden as a group, or in isolation, and walk along the sloping paths as you breathe in the fragrant scents of apple, plum and flowering cherry trees of the orchard. You can also do this from the outdoor bench as you nibble on shortbread. With a bike shed on site, why not bring along bicycles so you can head out to explore the Borders on two wheels. With golf courses aplenty, fishing opportunities, beautiful landscapes to admire, and plenty more around, you’ll never run out of things to do. Should you choose, however, to just stay home and bask in the tranquillity, well, we certainly won’t blame you. Home truths: *Due to the location of this home, we recommend hiring a car to get the most out of your stay *There’s free parking on the premises *Your host can provide a cot for free upon request *Hen and stag parties are not allowed at this home *This home is spread over multiple floors, with no internal lift *Though there isn't a dedicated desk here, the dining table doubles up as a laptop-friendly workspace *The king-sized beds can be split into singles upon request *Toddlers will need supervision on the mezzanine steps