Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of Hume from the comfort of this delightful home
As you sip a drink in the leafy gardens of The Old School, watching sheep graze the peaceful grassy hillock topped by Hume Castle, it can be hard to imagine the ruined castle was once one of the most strategic fortresses in the Scottish Borders. Set at the castle’s feet, The Old School is a dainty stone building surrounded by mature gardens that tumble across various levels. Comfortable benches tucked into quiet corners of these well-tended gardens, including a wraparound bench by a firepit, invite you to contemplate the peace that reigns over Hume, while a cosy garden room provides shelter, books and magazines.
Taking the few steps from this charming two-bedroom property up to the castle explains why it was such a significant defensive site: unbroken views extend far across the Tweed valley, with the Cheviots to the south, the Eildon Hills to the west, and Lammermuirs to the north. Today’s modified Hume Castle is built around the remnants of a late 12th- or early 13th-century castle held by the powerful Hume or Home family, with both spellings recognised for the family, castle and small settlement below it.
Victorian schoolchildren would certainly recognise The Old School’s original panelling and 12-pane sash windows, set up high to provide ample light for them to practise their learning while not distracted by views of the outside world (although visitors today will find the views they offer of Hume Castle from the living area pleasantly distracting).
Today, the wood panelling is painted in soft grey tones, which complement the inky blue cabinetry of the open-plan kitchen, dining and living space that now benefit from the light flooding in through those large windows and the warmth of a cosy wood burner. Leading off from the entrance hallway, the ground floor further houses a double bedroom with an en-suite rainforest shower room, which is particularly well suited for guests with restricted mobility.
The most surprising part of The Old School lies in its first-floor conversion, where its owners have created an expansive bedroom and separate bathroom, set beneath the property’s vaulted ceiling. To one side of the staircase lies a super king bed beneath exposed timber beams, together with a sofa and desk by the window, while a bathroom lies to the other side, also set below exposed beams and boasting a rolltop bath and walk-in shower.
In addition to claiming a castle on its doorstep, The Old School is just 5 miles from the spectacular Floors Castle, which is located on the outskirts of the bustling Abbey town of Kelso. Further historic homes and gardens, including Manderston, Mellerstain and Thirlestane, are all within easy driving distance. The village is also a popular base for anglers, who can enjoy easy access to salmon fishing on various nearby middle Tweed fishing beats.
GROUND FLOOR
Access into inner hall with hanging rail.
Open plan kitchen, dining and living space comprising:
Kitchen with induction hob, electric oven and grill, microwave, washing machine, dishwasher. Door to the rear with small boot room and hanging rail. Dining space with bench seating and chairs.
Sitting room with sofa, armchair, Smart TV, wood burning stove. Views of the garden and castle.
Bedroom one with king size bed, side tables, chest of drawers, peg rail with hangers.
En suite bathroom with large walk-in shower (with rainforest head), heated towel rail, basin and WC.
FIRST FLOOR
Bedroom two - with super king bed with zip and link option which can be configured to 3' twin beds. Side tables, built-in cupboards with ample storage and hanging space, chest of drawers, desk and chair. A foldaway bed (Z bed) for a child can be provided at an additional cost of £35. Gable view across the merse, velux windows view of the castle.
Large adjacent bathroom with roll-top bath, large walk-in shower (with rainforest head), heated towel rail, basin and WC. Velux view of the castle and garden.
OUTSIDE
The Old School benefits from a large private enclosed garden. This is a multi-terrace garden comprising herbaceous borders and lawn, with multiple seating areas. This includes bench seating with an outside fire pit. A charcoal barbecue is available on request (charcoal not supplied).
A cosy garden room has seating and a collection of books.
External storage for bikes and outdoor gear is available.
PARKING
There is ample private parking for up to four cars in the gravelled front courtyard.
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING
For safety reasons, we do not permit electric vehicle or hybrid car charging at this property. If you’re travelling by EV, discover your nearest electric vehicle charging point here.
BABIES & CHILDREN
Due to the multi-level garden, the property is felt to be best suited to children over the age of five. Babes in arms are welcome and a travel cot and high chair can be provided on request.
DOGS
Sorry, dogs are not permitted.
GUEST AMENITIES
All bed linens and towels are included. Duvets and pillows are hypo-allergenic. Guest toiletries are provided. This includes natural bath/shower wash, along with shampoo and conditioner. There is a hairdryer in each bedroom.
WI-FI & MOBILE COVERAGE
Superfast optic-fibre broadband. Due to the thickness of the walls, mobile reception can be variable inside the property. This improves outside.
HEATING
Oil-fired heating with thermostatic control. Wood burning stove in the sitting room (initial basket of logs supplied). Further logs can be supplied at a cost of £5 per basket - paid directly to the owner.
GUEST PRIVACY
The Old School is a detached property and sits in the small hamlet of Hume. There are properties to the left and right of the property, however, they are at a distance and there is very limited over-looking, with plenty of private spaces in the multi-terrace private garden.
The owner lives nearby and would be delighted to help with any queries during your stay, but is equally respectful of guest privacy.
