The Old Manse

Surrounded by mile upon mile of pastoral fields and tree-shaded trails, The Old Manse is a welcoming home in the heart of the Scottish Borders. Dating to 1804 and set at the edge of the tranquil village of Smailholm, it lies in the stead of an earlier incarnation which was immortalised in the work of Scott – the abode of the priest in his poem ‘Marmion’. This landscape deeply inspired the poet as a child and its enduring beauty continues to enchant visitors, defined by its rolling fields dotted with historic ruins and crisscrossed by winding rivers.

You’ll sense the warmth and spaciousness of the house as soon as you enter. To the right of the main hallway lies the drawing room, decorated in neutral tones and serving as the perfect spot for an afternoon tea, while a second cosy sitting room can be found further along the hall. At the heart of the home is the country kitchen, complete with an AGA, roomy pantry, and relaxed breakfast room with views out to the gardens. For more formal meals, the dining room lies opposite the drawing room and creates a magical atmosphere at dusk with its rich red walls and feature fireplace.

Upstairs, four bedrooms lie off a central landing. Combining modern styling with antique touches and furnished with inviting beds and patterned fabrics, they are bathed in sunlight through windows which afford wonderful views out to the Cheviot Hills. The window seat in the master bedroom is a particularly lovely spot to take in this scenery with a cup of tea in the morning. Three sleek and contemporary bathrooms can be found on this floor, including two large baths, while a study provides a quiet place to read or write. Up another flight of stairs you’ll find the final two bedrooms and bathroom, where whitewashed beams and panelled walls create an airy refuge in the eaves.

Return downstairs and venture out into the leafy garden through the breakfast room. The house is encompassed by around an acre of lawns bordered by trees, hedges, and flowerbeds, while a second enclosed garden can be accessed through the sitting room. Here you’ll find a summerhouse and patio seating area for savouring fine weather – perhaps alongside an al fresco meal prepared on the barbecue.

The separate boot room is an invaluable place to store walking boots and fishing rods, so you can effortlessly transition from adventuring in the great outdoors to elegant country living. The Borders is a region of rich history and stunning scenery and you’ll discover an abundance of activities within easy reach, from walking in Scott’s footsteps at Smailholm Tower or his home at Abbotsford, to making the most of the world-class fishing on the Middle Tweed salmon beats nearby.