Georgian splendour meets rural charm in this magnificent property set in rolling Borders countryside
You won’t forget your first glimpse of Cairnbank House, as you follow a leafy driveway past ancient stone gate pillars, the Old Stables and Coach House before crunching up the gravel drive to this splendid Georgian property. Set in 8.2 acres of lush gardens and grounds, which lead out onto rolling countryside dotted with horses and goats, Cairnbank House is a textbook example of symmetrical Georgian beauty: wide curved steps lead up to the front door, which is flanked by elegant arched windows. The house’s generous side wings, with their voluptuous bay windows, were added to the original house in 1855 yet blend in quite seamlessly.
Rumoured to have hosted Rabbie Burns, Cairnbank House blends quintessentially Georgian grand arched hallways, intricate cornicing and towering sash windows with a truly bucolic setting. Ideally suited for an extended family or group of friends, the house has been sensitively renovated to bring out its many period features and style.
The sophisticated drawing room is flooded with light from the large bay window overlooking the Cheviot Hills and a pair of soaring 14-pane sash windows flanking the fireplace. Tastefully decorated in delicate grey-blue tones, it features a grand piano for those inspired to tinkle the ivories. There’s also a cosy sitting room overlooking the rear garden and paddock: daubed in midnight blue paint and decorated with burnt orange sofas and vintage Scottish tourism prints, it has the sultry feel of an indulgent gentleman’s club.
The spacious country kitchen features a sunny dining area for breakfasts and informal meals but you can’t beat the dining room for more special meals. Boasting sweeping views from its bay window, a roaring fire and a table large enough for 12 guests, it sets the scene for memorable occasions.
Follow a sweeping staircase from the entrance hall upstairs to discover three generous ensuite double bedrooms. Featuring original wooden shutters and fireplaces, each bedroom offers unbroken views of the surrounding gardens and grounds. The master bedroom boasts an impressive bathroom with a roll-top bath and shower as well as a large dressing room, which would also be suitable for a child's travel cot. The top floor of the house reveals two further attic bedrooms and WC under sloping (or coombed, to use the Scots word) ceilings.
With such a wonderful house to call your own, as well as expansive gardens and grounds in which to potter and play, you’re unlikely to wish to venture far from home. However, for all its tranquil sense of rural isolation, Cairnbank House is conveniently located on the outskirts of the bustling market town of Duns and just 20 minutes’ drive from the historic coastal city of Berwick-upon-Tweed.
Finally, the Garden Apartment sits on the lower ground floor and can be accessed from the main house to accommodate larger parties or those seeking some independence from the main group. This comprises an open-plan living, dining and kitchen space, two double bedrooms, and a shared bathroom.
GROUND FLOOR
Access into a large hall with ground floor reception rooms divided by a central staircase.
The ground floor accommodation comprises:
Drawing room with two large sofas and a wood burning stove. Blüthner piano. Two armchairs positioned in front of the large bay window afford far-reaching views over farmland towards the Cheviot Hills and coast.
Sitting room with two double sofas, armchair, Smart TV and wood burning stove.
Kitchen with Brittania range cooker with five burner hob and double oven, slimline dishwasher, large fridge/freezer (with pull-out freezer drawers), Roberts radio. Informal dining space with bench seating and chairs for up to 10. There is a full size dishwasher, washing machine and separate dryer in the utility room to the rear of the formal dining room.
Formal dining room with large dining table and seating for 12 guests. Open fire. Sonos sound system. There is an additional table in the bay window which could be utilised for extra dining space if required using chairs from the kitchen.
Small utility / boot room sits to the rear of the dining room with Belfast sink, WC, full-size dishwasher, washing machine and separate dryer.
FIRST FLOOR
Bedroom one - front facing master bedroom with super king bed, side tables, chest of drawers, decorative fireplace. Five steps lead up to a separate dressing room with plenty of wardrobe space. This is also an ideal space to place a travel cot for families with young children.
En suite bathroom with roll top bath, large shower with rainforest head and separate mixer, heated towel rail and WC.
Bedroom two - front facing room with king size bed, side tables, armchair, and dressing table. Five steps lead to an upper level with an in-built cupboard with hanging space which leads to the en suite bathroom.
En suite bathroom with large shower, heated towel rail, basin and WC.
Bedroom three - looks over the rear garden and paddock with double bed, side tables, decorative fireplace. Five steps lead up to an upper level with in-built cupboard with hanging space which leads to the en suite bathroom.
En suite bathroom - bath with shower over, heated towel rail, basin and WC.
The floor also benefits from a family bathroom with bath and shower over (rainforest head and separate mixer) basin, heated towel rail and WC. This serves the two attic rooms on the upper floor.
SECOND FLOOR
Important - Please note that the second floor (the attic level) is limited to restricted ceiling heights of 6ft. throughout. Please contact us if you have any concerns.
Bedroom four with double bed, side table, chest of drawers, window seat.
WC with basin.
Bedroom five with single bed with pull-out which converts to a double, chest of drawers, window seat. Please note that this room is suitable for up to two children only.
GARDEN APARTMENT
The garden apartment sits on the lower ground floor of Cairnbank House (east side) and is accessed from the main house but also has its own private rear access. This comprises:
Open-plan living, dining and kitchen area:
Kitchen with electric oven, induction hob, slimline dishwasher, fridge (no icebox). Dining area for four.
Living area with large sofa, Smart TV.
Bathroom with bath and shower over, basin and WC.
Bedroom one with king size bed, side tables, two chests of drawers, TV with Freeview.
Bedroom two with super king bed with zip and link option which can be converted to a twin. Side tables, wardrobe space with hanging rail, chest of drawers.
OUTSIDE
The property benefits from an extensive garden with far-reaching views to the front of the property, with garden furniture and garden recliners. Please note this is not enclosed.
To the rear of the property is a lawned garden with a children's play frame with chute and swings, and a trampoline. This extends into a large rear paddock with football goalposts. This area is ideal for children and dogs and is enclosed with three bar post and rail fencing.
Six burner gas barbecue available for guest use. Guests are responsible for the cleaning prior to departure.
PARKING
There is parking to the rear, with parking for two additional cars to the front of the property at the top of the access drive. Parking on the gravelled courtyard directly in front of the property is not allowed.
BABIES & CHILDREN
A travel cot and highchair are available on request.
DOGS
One well behaved dog is welcome. A second may be considered on request. Dogs must always enter the property via the rear door into the utility / boot room and dried off completely before entering the rest of the house. Dogs are not permitted in the drawing room, on the furniture, upstairs, or in the bedrooms.
It is important to note that the area around the house is farmland with livestock, horses and goats therefore dogs must be closely supervised and kept under control at all times.
GUEST AMENITIES
Bed linen and towels are provided for guests, along with hand soaps and bath/shower wash. Hairdryers are provided in the principal bedrooms. Duvets are hypo-allergenic while pillows are a combination of feather and hypo.
WI-FI & MOBILE COVERAGE
Fibre broadband is available. Mobile reception is generally good.
HEATING
Gas central heating throughout. There is an open fire in the dining room, and wood burning stoves in the drawing room and sitting room with an initial generous supply of logs.
GUEST PRIVACY
Important - there is a Coach House property which sits adjacent to Cairnbank House and a separate apartment on the lower ground floor of Cairnbank House (west side), both of which are tenanted properties. The residents are respectful of guest privacy but please contact us should you wish to discuss further or have any concerns prior to booking.
