Luxurious stays in Southern Scotland

Looking for that perfect place to escape for a weekend – something with a touch of luxury as a well-earned treat for yourself or perhaps to celebrate a family event? Anytime is an ideal time to get away from it all and treat yourself to a luxurious stay. Somewhere to hunker down with that book on your To Be Read list. Or to go for wonderful walks and feel rejuvenated by the spectacular Scottish scenery. Or to see old friends or family to celebrate life, whatever the occasion.

We have collected a wide variety of luxurious stays in the South of Scotland for you to choose from. Couples will love the bed and breakfasts and golf and spa breaks. Groups and large families can experience historic homes from the inside. Or choose a country house hotel to get away from it all. Enjoy yourself, you deserve it!

Schloss Roxburghe Hotel

Where: Heiton by Kelso

This historic property, formerly owned by the Duke of Roxburghe, features a 74-bedroom luxury hotel, spa, championship golf course and sporting pursuits. Schloss Roxburghe Hotel boasts sumptous suites large enough for the whole family and some rooms accommodate the family dog too. There is the recently opened spa and the golf course offers an excellent challenge and there is a PGA golf professional on hand to offer tuition.

Dabton House

Where: Thornhill

Dabton House was designed in 1820 by the popular architect William Atkinson, for Walter Montagu Douglas Scott, the 5th Duke of Buccleuch. The house has historically served as the home of the Queensberry Estate’s factor until, in the 1980s, it was refurbished by the 10^th Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch as a wonderful family home for themselves and their four children, including Walter Dalkeith. Today the Earl and Countess of Dalkeith, Walter and Elizabeth, have overseen the recent renovations of Dabton House, which they completed last summer. Today this family home is available for large group bookings so is ideal for a luxurious retreat to celebrate family events or get away with a group of friends for some relaxation. There are with 11 ensuite bedrooms and several areas in which to relax and dine. A private chef is available if required and the estate’s gardens and woodlands offer seclusion and privacy.

Five Turrets

Where: Selkirk

Voted by the Sunday Times as one of the UK’s top 25 Holiday Properties, the Five Turrets offers a luxurious stay for eight people. Dating from 1870, this Scottish Baronial style listed building, is ideally located at the heart of the Borders in the Royal Burgh of Selkirk. The owners have put together personalised packages with local businesses to offer guests a range of experiences. Don’t fancy cooking? Have a professional chef come in to tantalize your tastebuds. Want a walk with a difference? Hire an alpaca for the afternoon! This is a mini-break no one will forget in a hurry.

Abbotsford Hope Scott Wing

Where: Melrose

Trying to find accommodation large enough and luxurious enough for a special celebration can be tricky. The Abbotsford Hope Scott Wing offers sleeping for 16 in seven luxury ensuite bedrooms, with an adjoining additional bedroom. This is ideal accommodation for any group celebrating a special occasion or those simply looking to escape to the Scottish Borders in style.

Once home to Sir Walter Scott’s grand-daughter Charlotte Hope, the building retains its integrity as a family home while offering modern comforts. The elegant public rooms provide the perfect place to celebrate and relax. You can enjoy the peaceful reading room, billiard room, games corner and lavish sitting room. A large bespoke kitchen comes with a range of excellent facilities and the formal dining room boasts spectacular views of the River Tweed. Canine friends are welcome downstairs and are sure to enjoy their daily outings with the grounds of Abbotsford to explore.

Thirlestane Castle’s South Wing

Where: Lauder

Thirlestane Castle’s South Wing offers private apartments that can be rented individually or all together to provide accommodation for 16. Recently renovated, the suites provide guests the chance to stay in a 16th century Scottish castle, but with modern comforts. Expect high ceilings and a classic style with objects and portraits from the castle furnishing the rooms. In addition there are stunning views of the surrounding parkland and estate. If cooking for that many does not appeal, have no fear – the Castle’s caterers are on hand for a fee to provide for your hungry hoard. So all you have to do is sit back and relax and enjoy your time together.

Cringletie

Where: Peebles

Hidden in the Borders is Cringletie, a wonderful bijou hotel, sitting within 28 acres of grounds with an award winning dining experience. The estate dates from 1666, and has a listed Walled Garden, which provides the kitchen with homegrown herbs and vegetables. There are 13-bedrooms plus a two-bedroom cottage with hot tub for you to kick back and relax. Read your book, sample the bar’s whiskies or meander along the hotel’s nature trail.

The hotel’s Sutherland Restaurant, has two AA rosettes and won Hotel Dining Experience of the Year in 2019. Stay on the weekend and you can enjoy chef Ian Gourlay’s classic roast Sunday lunch. Locally sourced produce including Tweed Valley beef is on the menu. Meats are carved at the table, served with crispy potatoes cooked in goose fat and lovely green veg followed by indulgent desserts. The hotel is running winter special offers of 4-5 nights including all meals and entry Rosslyn Chapel.

Knockinaam Lodge

Where: Portpatrick

Known for holding a Michelin star for its food, Knockinaam Lodge offers a boutique hotel experience on the edge of Scotland. Who could turn down the stunning coastal walks within easy access of this 10-bedroom former Victorian hunting lodge? Sitting near Portpatrick on the western edge of Dumfries & Galloway, the hotel has views across the Irish Sea. Deserted beaches, botanic gardens, coastal paths and challenging golf courses are all in close proximity.

This is a wonderful boutique hotel with an interesting past. Churchill and Eisenhower met here in secret to plan D-Day and the lodge featured in John Buchan’s The Thirty-Nine Steps. There is also the option of staying in Shingle Lodge, a self-catering cottage with stunning sea views.