Stay in a historic Scottish castle tower for romantic weekend retreat.
This fairy tale, dusty pink tower dates back to the 15th century, perfect for a romantic escape. Barns Tower is suitable for 2 adults + 2 (box bed + pull out in Sitting Room). Ideal for honeymoon, anniversary and other special occasions. Barns Tower is set in idyllic countryside, just minutes away from Peebles, and only 40 minutes from Edinburgh by car. Nearby there are many ancient settlements and hill forts to explore, as well as the legendary Dawyck Gardens, and the historic Traquair House and brewery. The fascinating Border towns of Melrose, Hawick and St. Boswells are also within easy reach – and you're temptingly close to the wonderful spa at Stobo, for some first class pampering just five minutes away.
Barns Tower, Neidpath Castle, Peebles, Scottish Borders
This ancient Tower stands in the midst of the beautiful Tweed Valley, a stone's throw from the river itself. The famous author, John Buchan, came from this area and his first novel, 'John Burnet of Barns' perfectly describes this part of the world. There are the sites of Iron Age settlements, a Roman Fort and an early Christian Burial Mound nearby. It is said that Merlin the Wizard was converted to Christianity at Stobo Kirk, just over the hill. For walkers, The John Buchan Way wends over the hills and the Tweed Walk meanders to Peebles through idyllic countryside, passing Neidpath Castle on the way.
For those who need more to do, fishing permits are available at the Tourist Office in Peebles; the world renowned mountain biking centre at Glentress is minutes away; there are beautiful gardens to visit at Dawyck and Kailzie; Peebles Golf Club is considered to be one of the best in the Borders and a visit to Traquair House with its famous Bear Gates, brewery and maze is fascinating. For those choosing to stay at Barns Tower longer, it is a perfect base for exploring the charming Border towns of Melrose, Hawick, Selkirk and St Boswell's. For a spot of pampering, there is a top class spa at Stobo with all manner of luxurious treatments and facilities just five minutes away.
Peebles provides an excellent selection of independent food shops, cafes and restaurants as well as supermarkets. The Eastgate Centre has a lively programme of music, theatre and film all year round. For festival goers, the Beltane Festival, Peebles Jazz Festival, Tweed Valley Forest Festival and Traquair Fair are but a few of the popular events each year.
There is of course, no need to go anywhere or do anything other than cosy up inside your own small but perfect castle, light a roaring log fire, shut the imposing iron yett on the world and play scrabble (provided!).
- Sleeps - 2 +2
- Bedrooms - 1 kingsized double, plus Scottish box bed in sitting room
- Roll top bath in master bedroom
- Dishwasher
- Washing machine
- Microwave
- TV, DVD, CD
- Broadband
- 2 log fires
- Electric central heating
- Be aware - winding stone staircase
- Outdoor table, chairs and barbeque
- Pets welcome
- Short breaks - minimum 3 nights
- Peebles - 3.5 miles
- Edinburgh airport - 30 miles
- Pubs and restaurants
- good choice 3 miles - Golf course - 3 miles
- Walking - The John Buchan Way, Tweed Walk
- Fishing - 300 yards
- Mountain biking - 5 miles
- Swimming pool - 3 miles
- Health spa - 3 miles
- Riding - 3 miles
- Dawyck Botanic Gardens
- Traquair House, Neidpath Castle, Border Abbeys, Abbotsford (home of Sir Walter Scott)
- St Mary's Loch, The Grey Mare's Tail waterfall
Accommodation:
On entering the Tower through the Iron Yett, there is a vaulted chamber with a cobbled floor that was built to shelter animals from marauding rustlers but now has a laundry room, shower and WC with plenty of room for outdoor clothing and kit.
Up the steep winding stone stair to the first floor where there is a splendid, well equipped kitchen with a flag stone floor, large open log fire and beautiful hand-made table and chairs.
Carrying on to the second floor there is a charming sitting room with another open log fire. In the sitting room is an authentic Scottish Box Bed, which is a full sized single, with another single bed that pulls out from underneath.
To get to the top floor with its sumptuous bed and roll topped bath there is a choice of two staircases, either the main wooden stair or a hidden stone stair behind a curtain.
The recent restoration of the Tower kept the original woodwork wherever possible and replaced any missing bits using Elm, Oak and Pine from the surrounding estate, there are many gorgeous original features and special touches.
Directions:
From Edinburgh, take the A72 to Peebles and continue through towards Glasgow. One mile past Neidpath Castle, turn left to Kirkton Manor. Cross the River Tweed and follow the road for 1 mile until the entrance to Barns Estate on the right. There is a lodge house just before and a red telephone box just after the entrance.
Follow the bumpy drive until you arrive at Barns Tower on your right.
What's included:
Electric central heating and logs for the fires are included in the rental price.
Bed linen is provided.
For visits of a week or more, enjoy a complimentary bottle of wine and a private tour of the castle.
Cost and availability:
The Tower is rented out throughout the year and is ideal for a romantic break.
Change over day is flexible, check out by 10am, Check in after 4pm.
Short breaks are available for a minimum of 3 nights.
To book this luxury castle in the Scottish Borders, click the enquiry button below and see availability and rental rates.
an enquiry
direct to the owner
Barns Tower, Kirkton Manor, Peebles, Scottish Borders, EH45 9JL Scotland
