16th Century Scottish Borders Tower, by Earlston

Mary Queen of Scots stayed here when she toured her domains in the ancient Scottish Borders. The Tower rooms are in an old defensive tower (dating from 1574 on a site occupied since the 12th century). Enter a huge stone entrance, into an inner panelled hall & up a private door a narrow staircase to a tiny sitting area with shower room & kitchenette off. Finally up a spiral stone staircase leading to a romantic upper chamber. Medieval and bijoux - be the Laird or Lady of the House for the night. The space For an extra welcome there is a miniature wood burning stove in the panelled hall. Please use the kindling sized dry wood in small amounts as it can be a bit of a smoker if overfed. There is also a working open fire in the kitchenette area - wood supplied in the wooden window seat as you come up the stairs. The top floor sleeping area has a romantic large wood burning stove and a supply of firewood. As if that weren't enough fireplaces we also provide a fire bowl and seating area with two antique white benches opposite the stone entrance hall, which is full of fire wood. We do ask that you use these responsibly and safely. The glass doors of the stoves must be closed once the fires are lit. If you have any doubts about using the fireplaces or accessing wood supplies please send me a message - I'm more than happy to help out. Guest access Guests are welcome to park in front of the Tower. The stone arched porch and the panelled entrance hall are for you to enjoy for your stay. Although they are connected to the main house the link doors are shut, locked and screened to ensure your privacy and security . We don’t encourage guests to unpack all their belongings in this luxurious space. Luggage is much better taken upstairs. Turning through the panelled entrance to the right you go up a VERY steep flight of steps up to the small reception room on the first floor. Below an ancient vaulted stone ceiling we are limited by the medieval size of the room and have squeezed in a micro kitchenette, an absolutely tiny shower room (I mean minuscule...) an eating area, and an access to a single bed loft. Up again, this time via a stone spiral staircase you access the sleeping chamber on the top floor. PLEASE MIND YOUR HEAD AS YOU GO IN - THERE IS A VERY LOW BEAM. This chamber is beautiful, light with beams exposed on the ceiling, a working stove, gothic windows, stone floors with underfloor heating, a reading nook and a bookcase full of books. Totally private and very romantic. Other things to note Do let us know if you are celebrating a birthday or anniversary. From time to time we will arrange (at extra agreed cost) bouquets of flowers, a bottle of something sparkling or a box of chocolates upon arrival. Please message Caroline to work out the possibilities.