Windlestraw

Since they took charge of Windlestraw in 2015, owners John and Sylvia have breathed new life into this charming hotel just outside the village of Walkerburn. They have completely transformed the interior, whilst retaining all the period splendour of this pretty Grade II listed Edwardian manor house. You can expect original wooden panelling and staircase, elaborate ceiling cornicing and more, all adorned with an eclectic mix of objets and art works many of which reflect the countryside setting (think plenty of hares, wild flowers and highland cows). The six individually designed bedrooms have been finished with the kind of attention to detail that you'd expect from a couple who have spent the last 30 years in the hosptality industry in the Middle East: super comfy beds, luxurious linens, spacious bathrooms with walk-in showers (free standing baths in deluxe rooms and above), nespresso machines...But not content with upgrading the house, attention has also been lavished on the gardens; John has replanted throughout, completely renovated the listed greenhouse and re-instated the kitchen garden, which provides a wealth of produce which ends up on your plate! Dining at Windlestraw is the reason many guests come here in the first place, and quite frankly it is outstanding. The five course set dinner menu changes on a daily basis and relies on the best quality, freshest, local and seasonal produce available. The chef is clearly skilled and easily deserves the 3 AA rosettes which Windlestraw has been awarded. Breakfast too does not disappoint from the home made bircher and soda bread, to the aga cooked Full Scottish accompanied by locally pressed apple juice and much more. John and Sylvia are clearly passionate about not only their hotel, but also the area surrounding it (and there is much to commend in this beautiful Borders region from Traquair House to racing at Kelso or Scotts home at Abbotsford, not to mention the world-famous fishing on the Tweed). The ethos here is one of "come as a hotel guest, leave as a friend"; the idea is that you treat Windlestraw as your home for however long you're staying, albeit a home where you don't have to lift a finger! The result is a seriously special property set amid stunning countryside that is the perfect romantic getaway, and one that you will be happy to return to time after time.

 

Written by Sarah Empson

• Garden
• Lovely mature gardens, plus a fantastic kitchen garden providing many of the ingredients for the restaurant
• Sit-out Terrace
• The garden features plenty of areas to sit out, with loungers stategically placed throughout
• Pet friendly
• Dogs are welcome in all rooms except the Grand Mackintosh Room
• Fireplace
• Fireplace both in the bar, drawing room and dining room

• Restaurant
• Award winning modern Scottish cuisine
• Not suitable for disabled guests
• Wifi
• Suites

• Sights nearby
• Visit Abbotsford House, Roslin Abbey, Melrose Abbey and Traquair, Scotland's oldest inhabited property
• Fishing
• Windlestraw is located in the Tweed Valley famous for its world-class fishing
• Great walks
• There are lots of great walks in the surrounding countryside

• Golf
• There is a good selection of golf courses within easy reach
• Other Activities
• Enjoy a day out in Edinburgh, just an hour to the north
• Mountain biking
• Glentress is renowned for its trails

Why do people love staying in your hotel?

Because Windlestraw is genuinely unique , offering a very personal service with no compromise on luxury.

What is there to do in the area or on site?

Many walking and cycling routes in the Tweed Valley , historical houses gardens and market towns

What kind of breakfast do you offer?

Full Cooked and Buffet. AA award winner.

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally?

Three AA Rosette fine dining. Listing of recommended local restaurants in our site

Which are your most popular room types, and why?

The Deluxe and The grand are equally popular. All rooms are 5 star standard

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms?

We can provide a cot or extra bed but we primarily a fine dining destination

What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers?

Come and visit the beautiful Tweed Valley and Scottish Borders.

Don’t believe the amazing reviews come and experience Windlestraw for yourself