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Overview
For history lovers and romantics, the Cloister House is an absolute gem, gifted by direct views of the magnificent architecture of Melrose Abbey and bathed in the shadow of the three peaks of the Eildon Hills.
A first for Historic Environment Scotland with a pretty spectacular view
Gently restored by Historic Environment Scotland, this property oozes character and charm, infused with the rich history of the area and boasting the most incredible backdrop. Originally built for the minister of Melrose Church and dating from around 1810, architect John Smith was also responsible for the design of Sir Walter Scott’s home at nearby Abbotsford.
Crabtree & Crabtree are thrilled to launch Cloister House as a holiday home sleeping up to eight guests in four bedrooms. Sensitively revived to protect the integrity of this listed building, the overall look is beautifully pared-back, using a beguiling palette of period colours and distinctive Georgian, Edwardian and Victorian pieces.
The main reception rooms are perfect for relaxation and entertaining with a large double drawing room which flaunts neo-classical fan window detailing, wooden shutters and original open fire along with plenty of modern home comforts, sofas and armchairs. The dining room in rich Folly Green is incredibly atmospheric for dinner parties with a stunning Welsh elm dining table enhanced by the smooth contours of the classic ladderback chairs of the period.
The elegant curve of the mahogany staircase is complemented by a colour scheme in deep Inchyra Blue leading up to four bedrooms (two doubles and two twins) and two bathrooms. The main master bedroom is a generous space, enjoying panoramic views from the vast floor to ceiling window which beautifully frames the magnificent east window of the Abbey for a truly amazing wake-up.
Bedroom two features an original Edwardian bedstead, its simplicity evocative of the arts and crafts style, while the moody intensity of bedroom three has a wonderfully cosy feel in rich India Yellow. Lastly, bedroom four with Victorian twin bedsteads completes the bedroom arrangement, divided by two bathrooms, including a freestanding Victorian slipper bath.
Ideally set up for families too, head upstairs to the eaves of the house which has a TV room and games room with Smart TV, beanbags and a pool table.
Outside, there is a fully enclosed courtyard for dogs or children to play safely while the side and front aspect of the property offers majestic views of the Abbey and grounds. With the one of the most picturesque towns in the Borders a mere stone’s throw away, this really does tick all the right boxes for a perfect getaway.
*Guests also receive a complimentary ticket to access the grounds of the Abbey with a free audio guide.
Property details
Ground floor
Two steps up from the walled rear courtyard into hallway with hanging space.
Kitchen with oven, separate grill, 4 burner hob, integrated dishwasher, Belfast sink and cafetiere. Original kitchen range - decorative only. Small round table with seating for 2.
Large utility room with large fridge/freezer and microwave.
One step up into cloakroom with basin, WC, washing machine and condenser dryer.
Dining room with seating for 8 guests and open fire.
Inner hallway with access to front of property and gravelled courtyard.
Drawing room with large feature window, two large double sofas, high backed armchair and open fire. Small Smart TV with DVD player. Reading area with large double sofa, armchair and table with seating for 2.
First Floor
Upper hallway.
Bedroom one - master bedroom - with king size bed, feature floor to ceiling window with fantastic views of Melrose Abbey, chest of drawers, hanging rail, armchair and decorative fireplace.
Family bathroom with clawfoot bath and hand held shower, separate walk-in shower with rainforest head, basin and WC.
Bedroom two with 4'6 double bed, armchair, chest of drawers, side tables, hanging rail and decorative fireplace.
Bedroom three with twin beds, side tables, chest of drawers, hanging rail and decorative fireplace.
Family bathroom with bath and handheld shower, basin and WC.
Bedroom four with twin beds, side table, chest of drawers, hanging rail and decorative fireplace.
Second floor
Two flights of stairs to the games room with Smart TV and integrated DVD player, games, books and a small selection of DVDs. Separate space with pool table, card table and writing desk.
Outside
Private gravelled courtyard to the front of the property with two picnic benches and excellent views of Melrose Abbey and grounds.
Private rear walled courtyard which is fully enclosed.
Melrose Abbey and grounds sit adjacent to the property and are publicly accessible daily from 9.30am to 5.30pm between 1st April to 30th September and from 10am to 4pm between 1st October and 31st March. There is a public footpath which runs on the other side of the Abbey grounds.
Parking
There is parking for two cars to the rear of the house. Additional parking can be found in the town car parks.
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
A travel cot and highchair are available on request.
Dogs
Two dogs are welcome. We kindly ask that dogs are kept downstairs, out of the bedrooms and off the furniture.
Guest amenities
Bed linen and towels are provided. Complimentary access to Melrose Abbey is included.
Wi-Fi & Mobile Coverage
Wi-Fi is available. Mobile coverage is good on most networks.
Heating
Central heating throughout property with thermostatically controlled radiators. Open fires in the drawing room and dining room with generous initial supply of logs provided.
Guest Privacy
Melrose Abbey and grounds sit adjacent to the property and are publicly accessible daily from 9.30am to 5.30pm between 1st April to 30th September and from 10am to 4pm between 1st October and 31st March. There is a public footpath which runs on the other side of the Abbey grounds.
SHORT-TERM LETS LICENSING
Scottish short-term lets licence number: Pending
The current EPC rating for this property will be available soon.
Location
Set in the very heart of the country that inspired the writings of Sir Walter Scott, you will find some of the best independent shopping in the area with Melrose Abbey as the beautiful backdrop.
An enjoyable afternoon can be spent browsing the range of interiors, gift, craft and boutique style shops around the pretty Market Square before afternoon tea or supper at one of the many convivial coffee shops or restaurants. Browse the lovely Henderson’s for gifts and vintage finds; Sarah Thomson or Twelve for ladieswear; the beautiful hand-sewn Harris Tweed garments from Jane Hall at The Crafters; or Masons bookshop for a good holiday read.
For coffee and cake, pop into Apples for Jam for a steaming cappuccino and a delicious cream sponge, or head to the Town House, Provender, Burts or Marmions which all come highly recommended. Alternatively take a walk along the river and over the suspension footbridge to Gattonside for excellent food at either Seasons restaurant or the Hoebridge Restaurant.
You will find an excellent range of shops selling fine quality food and drink here including The Country Kitchen for deli produce, cheeses, whole foods and fresh coffees; Dalgetty’s Bakery, makers of the original Selkirk Bannock; Baird’s Butchers for locally sourced produce as well as freshly prepared homemade meals which are perfect for holiday stays. You will also find a quality fishmongers, a fresh fruit & veg shop as well as two small convenience stores.
Activities
The area is a perfect base for sightseeing and exploring the wider attractions of the Borders area. For sightseeing, the area sits in the heart of myth and legend and visitors come from all over the world to soak up its rich historical connections. Top of the list is Sir Walter Scott’s home at Abbotsford (1.5 miles) which will reveal a treasure trove of artefacts connected to this great writer, while the grand stately homes and gardens of nearby Manderston, Mellerstain, Floors Castle and Thirlestane will not fail to impress.
A must-visit is the magnificent monastic ruins of Melrose Abbey founded in 1136 by the monks of the Cistercian order, featuring beautiful architectural detailing and fascinating connections to St. Cuthbert, Scottish Kings, and the philosopher wizard. Nearby you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the Harmony Garden and Priorwood Garden before a visit to the Three Hills Roman Heritage Centre based in the town square. After a lazy lunch, head up the three peaks of the Eildon Hills for yet more amazing views, and explore their association with the fabled Thomas the Rhymer, the Fairy Queen, King Arthur and Merlin.
For walking, there is an abundance of local trails and waymarked routes, with leisurely walks right from the doorstep to more extensive loops across the wider area. Melrose is the starting point for St. Cuthbert’s Way which charts the historic trail of this revered seventh century Saint on a 62 mile walk between Melrose Abbey where he started his religious life and his eventual resting place on the mystical Holy Island of Lindisfarne. Alternatively the sublime Southern Upland Way, Borders Abbeys Way and Sir Walter Scott’s Way run right through this area - each with shorter routes for less experienced walkers or those with less time.
If your passion is country sports, the famous Tweed and its tributaries provide the opportunity for salmon, trout and grayling, with notable middle Tweed beats offering some excellent value fishing. Shooting, be it clays or game, can be arranged locally including nearby Bisley at Braidwood where you can pay and play, sharpen up your eye with a few shooting lessons, or try the first full-bore pipe rifle shooting range in Scotland.
For golf fans, the picturesque 9 hole Melrose Golf Club sits in the shadow of the Eildon Hills while the 18 hole courses at Galashiels and Torwoodlee both sit nearby. Alternatively choose from over 30 courses within a 30 mile radius including the fantastic championship courses at Cardrona in Tweeddale or The Roxburghe at Kelso.
Cyclists will delight at the range of biking options across the wider area from long forest cruises to high energy burning climbs, including the 7Stanes biking centres at Innerleithen and Glentress which are just a half-hour drive away.
For short breaks, Melrose plays host to an impressive range of events throughout the year ensuring the town is always pleasantly bustling, even in the winter months. The Melrose Rugby 7s draws an international crowd in April, or you can witness the ancient traditions of the Melrose Festival in June which includes the custom of riding the town's boundaries on horseback. Also not to be missed is the fabulous Borders Book Festival which attracts a hugely impressive line-up of names such as Michael Palin, Germaine Greer, Ian Rankin, Rory Bremner, Lynda La Plante and Jennifer Saunders to name but a few!
Alternatively, hop on a train from Tweedbank (3 miles) where you can take advantage of events such as the vibrant Edinburgh Fringe Festival, exceptional Jazz and Blues Festival, or simply a day-out exploring the exquisite architecture of this beautiful city.
C&C experiences
We invite you to enjoy the most coveted and exclusive local experiences available in the North of England and the South of Scotland on your next Crabtree & Crabtree adventure.
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Historic houses and castles
With more stately homes, castles and historic sites here than you can shake a proverbial stick at, visitors are quite simply spoilt for choice.
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Fishing
Welcome to the realm of the king of fish, the mighty River Tweed. Every year thousands of Atlantic Salmon make their way up river, an annual odyssey that is one of nature's miracles.
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Walking
From the lush green uplands to shimmering sea, the area boasts a hugely diverse and enticing landscape that is perfect for exploring on foot. From gentle rambles to long-distance hikes, there are a vast array of trails and waymarked routes for newbie walkers or experienced alike.
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Golf
There are 40 golf courses in Northumberland, and another 21 in the Scottish Borders offering visitors an incredibly wide and varied range of golfing options.
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Adventure Sports
If you love a challenge or just crave a little excitement away from the day-to-day bustle of working life, we have lots to offer - whether it be watery pursuits, muddy blasts or thrill seeking, adrenaline-charged adventures.
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Wildlife
Our region is home to outstanding scenery which boasts emerald forests, pristine lochs and rivers, heathery hillsides, sweeping moorlands as well as a picture perfect coastline.
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Ancestral history research
Crabtree & Crabtree know that tracing the history of your family can be a wonderful journey of discovery. Here are our top tips for starting your family tree.
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Shooting
For sheer variety alone Northumberland and the Scottish Borders are irresistible to any gun.
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Cycling & mountain biking
Whether you ride fast or slow, on-road or off-road, there is something uniquely special about enjoying some outdoor time on two wheels. Here in the region we have something for everyone from high-energy mountain biking blasts to gentle forest paths the whole family can enjoy.
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Children and families
Here at Crabtree & Crabtree, we like to think we’ve pulled together some rather nifty ideas to keep tots to teens happy and entertained during your stay.
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Wine delivery
Crabtree & Crabtree have teamed up with Corney & Barrow one of the longest established independent Wine Merchants in the UK to offer a bespoke service.
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Dog sitting
Our experienced dog sitters will look after your furry friends whilst you are out exploring.
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Holiday photography
Family holidays, reunions and honeymoons kindle priceless moments that deserve preserving.
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Additional housekeeping
Award yourself a real break and let us provide a pair (or more) of helping hands.
Find Out MoreReviews
"Just to let you know how much we enjoyed our stay at Cloister House for my wife’s 65th birthday. Everything went well and the fire cheered the nights and helped to make it cosy. Our experience was a positive one and I’m sure if we wished to book a house in the Borders or Northumberland, we will return to Crabtree & Crabtree."
Mr Macfarlane"Cloister House was so much more than a holiday hire. Its location is unique, the sense of history in the house itself interesting and the decor beguiling - the use of historic colour schemes is really clever. We absolutely loved every aspect of our stay there. As two retired couples who often holiday together, we have been feeling rather miserable about missing other trips, but our week in Melrose gave us the boost to the spirits which we all really needed. Walks along the Tweed, visiting Abbotsford and of course the Abbey were highlights but so too was the ambiance of Melrose: warm people and very Covid aware. We even ate out twice which seems adventurous these days. Crabtree & Crabtree staff were brilliant with my Covid anxiety questions before we arrived and the housekeeper was both re-assuring and very fast with replies to texts. The house was immaculate when we arrived. We couldn’t have been more comfortable. We have already booked another C&C property for April and are now looking for something else with them before Christmas. Cloister House is definitely one we want to return to - a week was simply not long enough!"
Ms Hall"We loved cloister house. Fantastic setting in a lovely picturesque village. We have two young children and the games room was a hit. We would definitely recommend."
Wrightson Family"We had a fabulous 4 day break at Cloister House, the house was beautiful and very well equipped with everything you could possibly need for a 4 day break. Melrose is a beautiful town and Cloister is situated right next to the abbey you could not want for a more beautiful setting."
Anderson FamilyAvailability
- Two dogs are welcome.
- Typical arrival day: Friday during high season. Flexible during low season.
- Arrival time: 4pm
- Departure time: 10am
"Imagine atmospheric candlelit suppers and moonlit evenings casting a gentle glow over the outline of Melrose Abbey."Sue, Crabtree & Crabtree
