Curling Rink Cottage

Sitting at the edge of the former stable courtyard on the Sunderland Hall Estate, Curling Rink Cottage is a delightfully characterful hideaway where country house elegance is paired with imaginative design. Throughout, the playful use of colour, carefully chosen antiques, and thoughtful touches create a historic house that feels both timeless and wonderfully individual. A stay here embraces a slower pace of life that is perfect for a romantic or peaceful solo retreat, accompanied by the sights and sounds of the native breed Romney sheep, red squirrels, roe deer, and owls which populate the surrounding estate.

Wend your way up the garden path to the red and white harlequin front door. Inside, you’ll find a small entrance hall with a trio of murals of wildlife found on the estate painted by the artist owner. The decorative plasterwork ceiling was also created by the owner, who was encouraged to turn his hand to the craft by a retiring plasterer who kindly shared his knowledge. The handsome living room lies to one side of the cottage, where muted raspberry patterned wallpaper is complemented by cream wooden panelling, bookshelves laden with novels and board games, and a variety of paintings and prints hanging on the walls. A comfortable two-seater sofa sits before the log burner, creating a lovely place to relax in the evenings, while an antique writing desk and chair create the ideal industrious corner for those on a writing retreat.

A quintessential cottage kitchen lies opposite the inner hall. Decorated in tones of cream and sage green, its bespoke wooden shelving has been lovingly crafted by a local artisan. A farmhouse dining table and chairs is set in the centre of the room, with garden views through the sash windows providing the perfect accompaniment to relaxed breakfasts. Next door, a utility room with Belfast sink, washing machine, and storage space, as well as a handy under-stairs cupboard, allow for boots and fishing equipment to be tucked away with ease.

You’ll find the bedroom upstairs, with romantic Jacobean-style wall panelling and gentle sloping eaves that make the space feel warm and embracing. The super king size bed with pink upholstered headboards can also be configured as twins, as required. In the spacious neighbouring bathroom, a decorative trompe l’oeil fireplace joins a fuchsia free-standing clawfoot bath with a handheld shower. Surrounded by calming sky blue walls and filled with natural light, it’s the perfect place to unwind after time spent out exploring the grounds of the estate.

The cottage is nestled in an attractive private garden planted with geraniums, roses, crab apple trees, and shrubs – including fragrant mock orange and hydrangeas. A beautiful hut sits at the edge of the garden, thatched with heather sourced from the local hills and topped with a heather topiary grouse, serving as a secluded spot to sit with a good book or evening drink. The creativity and good humour of the cottage’s interiors are equally reflected throughout the garden, such as in the fabulous topiary yew swan created by the owner.

There is excellent walking to be enjoyed from the doorstep of Curling Rink Cottage and a map is provided for the best routes to explore around the estate, in addition to fine strolls along the Rivers Ettrick and Tweed and into the hills. Fishing can be arranged on the estate through the booking agency FishPal. Sunderland Hall, uniquely offers fishing on both the River Tweed and the River Ettrick, with both flowing down to converge at the Meetings. Nearby, Selkirk is a well-provided town to gather provisions from independent butchers, bakers and grocers.

ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION

For guests looking to holiday together, Curling Rink Cottage can be booked alongside dog-friendly Sunderland Farmhouse, sleeping 8 guests. The farmhouse is located a short drive south-west of Curling Rink Cottage, making it an ideal option for larger groups wanting to stay close to one another while enjoying separate accommodation.