Medieval Tower House in the Ettrick Forest
- Towers
- Castles / Chateaux
- Houses / Villas
- Internet Access
- Log Fire
- Courses Available
- Cycling
- Fishing
- Golf nearby
- Horse Riding
- Therapies
- Walking
- Child Friendly
- Cook available
Aikwood Tower is a striking Grade A listed tower house dating back to the 1540s and oozing medieval castle charm. With a spiral staircase winding its way through the heart of the building to the Great Hall, and luxurious accommodation for up to ten guests, it’s a superb spot for a get together with friends and family and to enjoy all that the Scottish Borders has to offer. Bespoke concierge service offering a wide range of on and off site activities.
The tower is in the heart of the Ettrick Forest (the ancient hunting ground of Scottish royalty), 40 miles south of Edinburgh. Surrounded by stunning local landscape which offers some of the finest walks, biking trails, shooting and fishing in Scotland. Unlike many of Scotland’s castles and country houses, Aikwood Tower is supremely intimate. Choose to be spoilt by local caterers with find food and drink, and glory in the endearing quirks of architecture and craftsmanship. The team at Aikwood Tower offer a bespoke concierge service for all guests and build very individual itineraries including whisky tasting, wine-paired dinners, nature and wildlife tours, fishing, archery, and personal guided tours of the Scottish Borders.
There’s masses to see an do in the surrounding area. There are rolling hills and woodland trails all around which are perfect for walking, biking and horse riding, and local rivers where you can kayak. In the house you’ll find maps and suggested trails, and we can help organise local guides too, so you can get a better insight into the local flora and fauna (and maybe even spot an osprey, recently returned to this region). Glentress Forest, the UK’s leading mountain biking centre, is 30 mins away and has masses of trails and downhill runs. For golfers, the championship courses of Roxburghe and Cardrona are nearby. There are tennis courts a five minute drive. Visit Melrose Abbey, Samye Ling Buddhist Temple and other historical attractions, or head to Edinburgh which is less than an hour away, for a glimpse of the famous city. The nearby shops are brimming with high quality local produce, and we will happily provide recommendations for restaurants and pubs for eating out, or external caterers who can come and produce fine meals in the Aikwood kitchen! We can also arrange for local yoga or massage practitioners to come to Aikwood Tower on request.
Getting There:
The A7 from Edinburgh to Carlisle passes directly through Selkirk. Once in Selkirk, take the A708 out of the town centre. Follow the road down a slight hill. The B7009 and Aikwood Tower are signposted left. Keep on the B7009 for about four miles and Aikwood is on your left.
Nearest Airport:
Edinburgh 1 hour
Nearest Train Station:
Galashiels (11 miles)
Nearest Restaurant:
Lots of pubs and restaurants in the surrounding area
Nearest Beach:
Edinburgh
Nearest Shop:
Car Hire:
Advised
Interior Details
Aikwood tower sleeps up to 10 guests in five en suite bedrooms. Four double bedrooms in the main tower, and the fifth in the extending byre, all with Duxiana beds (the most technologically advanced sleep system in the world!). The whole building is kitted out with exquisite furnishings and plush textures. The art on the walls is constantly changing and available for guests to purchase. The Great Hall is the central relaxing and dining room with an open fire and luxurious furnishings. The kitchen is in the vaulted ground floor of the tower and is superbly equipped, including an AGA, a wide array of cookery books for the self caterers, and an oak dining table. There’s a small reading study, with a library of political biographies, personally chosen by Lord Steel himself. On the upper floor you can find digital TV, and a hot desk, and in the gallery, a small bar for the mixologists amongst you! Wifi is available throughout. Also at the tower, for the game players, giant jenga, table tennis and monopoly!
Exterior Details
The garden faces south west and is a delight. There’s a terrace where you can soak up the sun, an apple orchard, and a croquet lawn, and it’s a secure environment for youngers to play in.
Further Details
The beautifully restored Grade A listed Border peel tower is a perfect backdrop for a wedding and the Laich Hall which can seat 40, an ideal space for any number of events and family celebrations. Enquire for more details about wedding and event bookings.
Conditions of Rental
All prices are inclusive of VAT. Weekend bookings are for three nights, Friday to Monday. Week stays are Friday to Friday. A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking to guarantee your reservation, with the balance for accommodation and events payable eight weeks before your stay. Late arrivals and early departures will be charged for the full booking period. Full terms and conditions are available for download.
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