Set within an historic estate in the Scottish Borders, Scholar’s Retreat offers a rare opportunity to stay within one of Scotland’s most significant literary homes. Once part of Sir Walter Scott’s private residence and later home to his granddaughter, the house balances heritage features with the comfort expected of a high-end group stay.


Sleeping up to 14 adults and two children across eight individually designed bedrooms, the property is well suited to multi-generational families, celebrations, or corporate gatherings. Spacious reception rooms provide room to come together, whether for long dinners overlooking the River Tweed or evenings spent in the drawing room or billiards room.


Guests have access to private outdoor areas, including a courtyard and patio garden, along with the wider Estate grounds. A wide range of bookable experiences can also be arranged in advance, from private dinners in Sir Walter Scott’s dining room and guided tours of the house to whisky tastings, fishing trips, Highland games, immersive murder mystery experiences, and live entertainment. With so much available, your stay can be shaped around your group, with as much or as little planned as you like.
This is a stay defined by character, ideal for those looking for more than a standard countryside house.


Features:

Lower Ground Floor


- Billiards room- Fully equipped kitchen / breakfast room- Boot room- Laundry room- WC- Prep kitchen
Ground Floor


- Entrance hall- Reception room- Dining room- Sitting room- Library- WC- Bedroom with double bed and en-suite bathroom- Bedroom with double bed and en-suite bathroom
First Floor


- Bedroom with four poster bed and Jack & Jill bathroom (shared with twin bedroom)- Bedroom with twin beds and Jack & Jill bathroom- Bedroom with double Zip & Link beds and ensuite bathroom- Bedroom with double Zip & Link beds and ensuite bathroom- Deluxe suite with sitting room, bedroom with queen sized bed and ensuite bathroom- Lift between ground and first floor
Exterior Grounds


- Private courtyard garden- Patio area with outdoor seating- Access to the wider Estate grounds- Lawn space suitable for garden games
Additional Facilities


- Wi-Fi- Billiards table- Laundry facilities- Parking on site


Location:

Scholar's Retreat is located in the Scottish Borders, at Abbotsford, the Borders’ biggest attraction and most significant historic site. Sitting just outside the town of Melrose. This is a region known for its rolling countryside, historic landmarks and connections to Scottish literature, with the River Tweed running through the surrounding landscape.



From the house, guests can explore the wider Abbotsford Estate, including woodland walks, riverside paths and the main House itself, which is open to visitors. Melrose is a short drive away and offers a selection of independent shops, cafés and restaurants, as well as the ruins of Melrose Abbey, one of the most notable historic sites in the area.
The location also works well for those looking to explore further afield. The Borders are ideal for walking, cycling and fishing, while Edinburgh can be reached in around an hour, making day trips entirely feasible.
This setting combines a sense of rural space with good connections, offering both quiet surroundings and easy access to local highlights.


Terms & Conditions:

?
£500 charged to client’s credit card by the owner upon arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection.

4:00 pm

10:00 am

Yes, included in the rental price

Yes, included in the rental price

Up to 3 dogs are welcome on request only and with prior agreement with the owner. Due to the historic nature of the property, dogs must remain on the lower-ground floor. Dog friendly facilities provided.

Please note that the house manager lives in a neighboring property on site.

Flexible

No smoking or vaping

2 nights in low season, 3 nights in high season. 7 nights over Christmas and New Year.

Yes, included in the rental price

Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are on request only and subject to prior arrangement with the owner and additional charges.
Pets - allowed
Smoking - not allowed