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 with a separate family bathroom. 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 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 town of Berwick-upon-Tweed.
Finally, for larger parties seeking extra living space, a lower ground floor apartment can be let in conjunction with Cairnbank House which can be accessed from the main house if required. With an open plan living, dining and kitchen space, two double bedrooms, a shared bathroom and direct access to the rear garden, it’s ideal for those seeking some independence from the main group. You can book Cairnbank House and the Garden Apartment here.
