Where to stay at the Scottish Borders: Windlestraw
Why the Borders?
Most travellers drive through the picturesque Borders rushing past the ‘Welcome to Scotland’ sign and heading further up north. Little they know what they’re missing as the region is a bit of a hidden gem! Scotland indeed starts here - with pretty market towns, castles and historic mansions, and scenic B roads through the beautiful Southern Scottish countryside.
We fell in love with the Scottish Borders in 2018 and have been frequent visitors ever since. I’m still amazed how much the region can offer, yet how little it is known and frequented as a holiday destination. I particularly love how easily we can escape to the Borders from busy Edinburgh for a daytrip or longer.
About Windlestraw
The beautiful Edwardian manor of Windlestraw is a hidden gem itself in the small village of Walkerburn. It was originally the family home of John King Ballantyne, mill owner and son of Henry Ballantyne, founder of the village. The house was built in 1906 as a wedding present for Hilda Moritz and it is full of beautiful period details referencing Hilda’s Austrian heritage. Today Windlestraw is a small luxury hotel and restaurant run by the lovely Sylvia and John.
We first stayed at Windlestraw in the summer of 2019 as paying guests while visiting the Big Houses of the Scottish Borders. We loved our Windlestraw experience and when Sylvia and John kindly invited us back in 2021 (pr stay) we were very excited to revisit. Our second Windlestraw visit was just as special as the first - with delicious meals cooked by John, autumn strolls in the beautiful garden followed by warming up by the fireplace. I will let the pictures talk and tempt you for a visit at this magical place:
Our favourite spots nearby
Windlestraw is the perfect base if you wish to explore the Big Houses of the Borders - the closest houses being Traquair, Neidpath Castle, Bowhill and Abbotsford. You can easily fit in visiting two of the houses per day at a leisurely pace.
If you fancy a walk in town, we recommend the high street of Innerleithen and picturesque Peebles. We always pop in to the independent cafe No1 Peebles Road in Innerleithen when we are in the area and heard good things about the Cocoa Black Chocolate Shop in Peebles.
There are excellent walking routes near Windlestraw and we loved the pocket guidebooks provided by Sylvia: The Scottish Borders: 40 Favourite Walks by Robbie Porteous and Tweed: 25 Walks From Source to Sea by K R Fergus. If you prefer two wheels over walking boots, the Borders have several cycling routes ranging from easy and moderate to hard and challenge. There’s a list of these on the Scotland Starts Here website.
Acknowledgement: The views and opinions expressed on this blog are honest and purely my own. This was a PR stay however we previously stayed at Windlestraw as paying guests and can wholeheartedly recommend the experience.
All photos by The Edinburgh Enthusiast (C)
