Experience
Windlestraw GuestHouse
Windlestraw is a charming Edwardian manor nestled in the heart of the Scottish Borders, built in 1906 for the Ballantyne family, who were prominent mill owners in Walkerburn. Today, the house has been lovingly restored to balance historical elegance with modern comfort.
The House
We have three individually styled ensuite bedrooms, each celebrating the house’s Edwardian heritage with high ceilings, wood panelling, and original architectural details, alongside modern touches: luxurious bedding, walk-in showers, a tea and coffee station, and flat screen TV.
Guests are welcome to enjoy the bar area and sunroom, where a continental breakfast is served each morning. The bar area offers two inviting leather chairs by a cozy fireplace, along with a selection of books for your enjoyment. The sunroom features a comfortable sofa, an assortment of board games and puzzles, and stunning views of the front grounds and rolling hills, creating the perfect setting to relax and unwind.
The Grounds
Our 10-acre property is a peaceful haven, featuring a variety of trees such as cherry, birch, apple, and plum, alongside an array of beautiful flowers and plants. Take a stroll around the grounds and see what’s blooming. The kitchen garden beds and greenhouse have been reinstated, now growing fresh herbs, vegetables, and Scottish berries. You'll see a wide variety of local birds flocking to our bird feeders, such as chaffinches, pheasants, robins, and much more. Alongside the river views and gardens, our chickens bring a touch of country life to your stay.
The extensive property offers tranquillity and beautiful vistas of the surrounding countryside. For outdoor enthusiasts, there’s a trail that starts from the back field and winds through the hills behind Windlestraw, leading to Caberston Farm Shop, where you can enjoy hot drinks and café food. The hills are also home to fantastic mountain biking trails. We’re just a 10-minute walk from the River Tweed, and there are plenty of hiking routes nearby, including around Walkerburn and Glenbenna.
The Local Area
The Tweed Valley, in the heart of the Scottish Borders, is a landscape shaped by rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and the famous River Tweed winding its way to the sea. It’s a place where history and nature meet — dotted with castles, abbeys, and traditional mill towns, yet also known as a haven for walking, cycling, and outdoor adventure. Visitors can enjoy everything from peaceful riverside strolls to world-class mountain biking trails, all while soaking up the valley’s rich wildlife and breathtaking views.
your hosts
Your hosts at Windlestraw Guesthouse are Liv and Phil. Liv is American, Phil is English, and together we’ve somehow found ourselves running a guesthouse in the Scottish Borders. Drawn by the peace and natural beauty of the area, we now call this special spot on the River Tweed home.
We enjoy welcoming guests from near and far, whether you’re here for walking, cycling, fishing, or simply to unwind. The house and grounds are also shared with our two cats, Cheddar and Bonnie, and a flock of hens, who add to the charm of life at Windlestraw.
