St Mary's House, Duns Castle - Sleeps 9-11

A fittingly historic Borders setting

Superbly set within the 1,200 acre estate surrounding magnificent Duns Castle, and just 30 minutes’ drive from sandy beaches, these holiday cottages are perfectly positioned to make the most of a holiday in Scotland’s Border country. Providing comfortable accommodation, they each enjoy access to walks in the extensive grounds, which include deciduous woodland, hill vistas, a nature reserve and a splendid lake. At the heart of the Estate, Duns Castle is the owner’s home where generations of the Hay family have lived since 1696. Today it is a splendid Gothic Revival building which has evolved around a pele tower given in the 14th century by King Robert the Bruce to the Earl of Moray. Step back in time with dinner in the grand castle dining room, available by arrangement. The Castle is just under a mile from the quiet market town of Duns which has good local shops, pubs and restaurants along with a swimming pool, sports centre, tennis courts and 18-hole golf course. Enjoy peaceful lake and woodland walks from the doorstep, where the patient observer may spy roe deer, badger or red squirrel, and mute swans and numerous ducks take right of way on the lakeside road. Activities to suit all ages and tastes are nearby, with 7 golf courses within an hours’ drive; sandy beaches at Scemerston and Coldingham; visit ancient Holy Island; historic houses at Manderston, Floors Castle, Paxton House or slightly further afield at Bamburgh or Alnwick; shooting, salmon fishing and trout fishing, permits available locally or by prior arrangement; archery and clay pigeon shooting available by arrangement or simply savour the peace and quiet of this secluded setting. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.

All properties: Gas CH (controlled by owner), elec and bed linen inc. Freeview TV. Elec cooker. M/wave. W/machine. Shared use of tennis court. No smoking. NB: Unfenced lake in grounds.

Adjacent to the Coach House, this exceptionally attractive Georgian house with diamond leaded windows, is in a wonderfully secluded setting surrounded by rhododendrons and azaleas. Ideal for family parties or larger groups it provides spacious, elegant accommodation with some period pieces.
Ground floor: Living room. Second living room. Dining room. Kitchen. Utility room. Bathroom with shower over bath and toilet. Separate toilet. First floor: 5 bedrooms: 2 double (5ft), one with en-suite shower room and toilet, 1 double with additional double and z-bed, 1 twin, 1 single.

Towels for hire. Cots and h/chairs on request. T/dryer. D/washer. F/freezer. Garden with patio and furniture. Ample parking. Natural water supply from spring. Friday to Friday.