Entire home
The Five Turrets: stay in Scotland in style in a historic four-bed holiday home
Holiday home in Selkirk with kitchen and patio
Photo gallery for The Five Turrets: stay in Scotland in style in a historic four-bed holiday home





Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8152 sq m
Popular amenities
Explore the area

- Place, Market Square
- Place, Bowhill House
- Place, Abbotsford The Home Of Sir Walter Scott
Rooms & beds
4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)
Ettrick
1 King Bed
Teviot
1 Double Bed
Tweed
1 King Bed
Yarrow
1 Queen Bed
2 bathrooms
Downstairs
Toilet · Shower only
Upstairs
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area
About this property
The Five Turrets: stay in Scotland in style in a historic four-bed holiday home
The Five Turrets has been recommended by Cosmopolitan magazine, The Sunday Times and The Times as one of the best places to stay in the UK.
The stylish self catering home features fairytale castle good looks, set in a B-listed stone-built property at the heart of the Scottish Borders.
Inside is an extraordinary blend of style and substance and enough space to comfortably accommodate eight people in four big bedrooms.
Our chic bedrooms are named after the local rivers - the Tweed, Ettrick, Yarrow and Teviot.
We use award winning Casper mattress - described by Which? magazine as "supportive, breathable, stable, easy to turn over on, doesn t sag or soften, support doesn t deteriorate with time. Cons? None.”
Bedlinen is Egyptian cotton and each room is carpeted and fitted with a modern and efficient radiator equipped with individual thermostat.
Two of the rooms are normally set up as super king size beds, but these can also be split to provide twin beds. One of the remaining rooms features a king size bed and the other a double bed.
The heart of the comprehensively refurbished home is the unique triple height living space, with sofas arranged around a fabulous wood burning stove, a huge dining table set up to provide commanding views over the stunning Ettrick valley.
There are three lighting zones all controlled by dimmer switches, so you can have it as bright or as romantic as you fancy. And just in case the fire is not enough, there are four powerful modern radiators dotted around the walls to ensure that you are comfortable on even the coldest day.
An oak and glass stair leads up to the mezzanine library, stocked with hundreds of books, more sofas and a smart 49 inch TV connected to the free fast broadband available throughout the property.
The kitchen has everything to captivate the keenest cook and is open into the main living space. We ve kitted it out with high quality appliances and cookware, including super-tough Circulon non-stick pans. The AEG oven does everything you could want an oven to do and even has a steam function for brilliant baking. The Bosch fan is whisper-quiet and there s a full-size dishwasher to make clearing up a doddle.
There s a washing machine and a tumble dryer in a separate utility room and a boot room for cleaning up after a day out on the hills.
The star of the big downstairs bathroom is the lovely walk-in Bristan rain shower, with an additional handset. You ll find it stocked with a range of luxurious Cole & Lewis toiletries. There s also a modern white bathroom suite, a heated towel rail and, of course, fluffy towels. Upstairs you get most of the same features as the downstairs bathroom - including the Bristan rain shower and additional handset - but there s also a nice deep bath to soak in.
To complete the accommodation there s a spacious entrance room, which also features a piano. Because why not?
Built around 1870 in the Scottish Baronial style, this historic listed building is ideally located at the heart of the Borders in the Royal Burgh of Selkirk, with road and nearby rail links to Edinburgh to the north and England to the south.
Working with some of the best local businesses it offers guests a range of exciting personalised packages. From a personal chef to in-house massage therapies, we can make your stay special.
Guests who can bear to drag themselves away from the comforts of the house will enjoy a region steeped in history and reminders of the region’s colourful past as the home of the notorious and bloodthirsty Border Reivers.
There’s some of the best hillwalking in Scotland on the doorstep and easy access to world-class cycling trails (with secure bike storage on site) and golf courses. For anglers, there’s the Tweed, while wildlife lovers have the opportunity to spot golden eagles, ospreys and red squirrels.
And if that’s all too energetic, guests can put their feet up in the garden where there is a lovely decked area looking out to the hills, with a dining table and eight chairs and a barbecue available. Or why not retire to one of the local bars and restaurants a short walk away for a bit of rest and relaxation?
The stylish self catering home features fairytale castle good looks, set in a B-listed stone-built property at the heart of the Scottish Borders.
Inside is an extraordinary blend of style and substance and enough space to comfortably accommodate eight people in four big bedrooms.
Our chic bedrooms are named after the local rivers - the Tweed, Ettrick, Yarrow and Teviot.
We use award winning Casper mattress - described by Which? magazine as "supportive, breathable, stable, easy to turn over on, doesn t sag or soften, support doesn t deteriorate with time. Cons? None.”
Bedlinen is Egyptian cotton and each room is carpeted and fitted with a modern and efficient radiator equipped with individual thermostat.
Two of the rooms are normally set up as super king size beds, but these can also be split to provide twin beds. One of the remaining rooms features a king size bed and the other a double bed.
The heart of the comprehensively refurbished home is the unique triple height living space, with sofas arranged around a fabulous wood burning stove, a huge dining table set up to provide commanding views over the stunning Ettrick valley.
There are three lighting zones all controlled by dimmer switches, so you can have it as bright or as romantic as you fancy. And just in case the fire is not enough, there are four powerful modern radiators dotted around the walls to ensure that you are comfortable on even the coldest day.
An oak and glass stair leads up to the mezzanine library, stocked with hundreds of books, more sofas and a smart 49 inch TV connected to the free fast broadband available throughout the property.
The kitchen has everything to captivate the keenest cook and is open into the main living space. We ve kitted it out with high quality appliances and cookware, including super-tough Circulon non-stick pans. The AEG oven does everything you could want an oven to do and even has a steam function for brilliant baking. The Bosch fan is whisper-quiet and there s a full-size dishwasher to make clearing up a doddle.
There s a washing machine and a tumble dryer in a separate utility room and a boot room for cleaning up after a day out on the hills.
The star of the big downstairs bathroom is the lovely walk-in Bristan rain shower, with an additional handset. You ll find it stocked with a range of luxurious Cole & Lewis toiletries. There s also a modern white bathroom suite, a heated towel rail and, of course, fluffy towels. Upstairs you get most of the same features as the downstairs bathroom - including the Bristan rain shower and additional handset - but there s also a nice deep bath to soak in.
To complete the accommodation there s a spacious entrance room, which also features a piano. Because why not?
Built around 1870 in the Scottish Baronial style, this historic listed building is ideally located at the heart of the Borders in the Royal Burgh of Selkirk, with road and nearby rail links to Edinburgh to the north and England to the south.
Working with some of the best local businesses it offers guests a range of exciting personalised packages. From a personal chef to in-house massage therapies, we can make your stay special.
Guests who can bear to drag themselves away from the comforts of the house will enjoy a region steeped in history and reminders of the region’s colourful past as the home of the notorious and bloodthirsty Border Reivers.
There’s some of the best hillwalking in Scotland on the doorstep and easy access to world-class cycling trails (with secure bike storage on site) and golf courses. For anglers, there’s the Tweed, while wildlife lovers have the opportunity to spot golden eagles, ospreys and red squirrels.
And if that’s all too energetic, guests can put their feet up in the garden where there is a lovely decked area looking out to the hills, with a dining table and eight chairs and a barbecue available. Or why not retire to one of the local bars and restaurants a short walk away for a bit of rest and relaxation?
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
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House Rules
Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 10:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Suitable for children, but not ideal for toddlers.
Events
No events allowed
Private family parties allowed, of course
Pets
No pets allowed
We can arrange home boarding for pets nearby
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
No smoking inside: smoking outside is fine.
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: Private family parties allowed, of course
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
About the area
Selkirk
Located in Selkirk, this holiday home is in a rural area and in the mountains. The area's natural beauty can be seen at St Abbs & Eyemouth Voluntary Marine Reserve and Bank Street Gardens, while Sir Walter Scott's Courtroom and Halliwell's House Museum are cultural highlights. Scott's View and Woodside Garden Centre are also worth visiting. Take in the nearby slopes with skiing, or try out other outdoor activities such as sledging.

Selkirk, Scotland
What's nearby
- Sir Walter Scott's Courtroom - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
- Market Square - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
- Bowhill House - 6 min drive - 5.2 km
- Abbotsford The Home Of Sir Walter Scott - 7 min drive - 8.0 km
- Dryburgh Abbey - 18 min drive - 18.1 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Ochiltree's Dining - 7 min drive
- Waterwheel Café - 4 min drive
- The Salmon Inn - 9 min drive
- Quins - 11 min drive
- Herges on the Loch - 8 min drive
Frequently asked questions
About the host
Hosted by Gethin Chamberlain
Your hosts are Gethin Chamberlain and Carolynn Shaw: we live opposite the property with our son Ieuan.
We’re a family business and we want to make you feel at home. We’ve spent a lot of time and effort renovating the property to make sure that your stay is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
Gethin works as a freelance foreign correspondent, specialising in human rights investigations, while Carolynn's background is in IT. We started the business to subsidise Gethin’s work and to support Carolynn as she endeavours to turn her passion for weaving into a business.
You’ll find examples of Carolynn’s beautiful work throughout the property, while some of Gethin’s pictures decorate the walls. Ieuan, meanwhile, cuts the grass...
We moved to the Borders in 2014 after six years in India and fell in love with the place. It’s a beautiful part of the world and we’re learning more about it every day. Talk to us before you arrive and we’ll do everything we can to share some of our knowledge to help you get the most out of your stay.
We’re a family business and we want to make you feel at home. We’ve spent a lot of time and effort renovating the property to make sure that your stay is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
Gethin works as a freelance foreign correspondent, specialising in human rights investigations, while Carolynn's background is in IT. We started the business to subsidise Gethin’s work and to support Carolynn as she endeavours to turn her passion for weaving into a business.
You’ll find examples of Carolynn’s beautiful work throughout the property, while some of Gethin’s pictures decorate the walls. Ieuan, meanwhile, cuts the grass...
We moved to the Borders in 2014 after six years in India and fell in love with the place. It’s a beautiful part of the world and we’re learning more about it every day. Talk to us before you arrive and we’ll do everything we can to share some of our knowledge to help you get the most out of your stay.
Why they chose this property
When this property came onto the market, we knew it was what we were looking for. It's a really extraordinary building in terms of the external architecture and the dramatic internal space. We had an idea how to transform it into the sort of place we'd love to stay on holiday - somewhere a little bit extra-special. With a lot of renovation work needed throughout the property it gave us a blank canvas to work with and we seized the opportunity to produce a unique property that is a destination in itself.
The place itself looks a bit like a fairytale castle, thanks to the Scottish Baronial style of architecture which dates back to the time of Mary Queen of Scots but was revived by Sir Walter Scott, a former sheriff of the town. The property owes much to Scott's own home at Abbotsford, a few miles to the east.
The place itself looks a bit like a fairytale castle, thanks to the Scottish Baronial style of architecture which dates back to the time of Mary Queen of Scots but was revived by Sir Walter Scott, a former sheriff of the town. The property owes much to Scott's own home at Abbotsford, a few miles to the east.
What makes this property unique
It's got turrets, lots of turrets. Well, five, anyway. Only one of them is accessible from inside - and it's a bit of a squeeze, but they do make it a bit special.
The views out over the valley to the hills opposite are fabulous throughout the day, but dawn and sunset are particularly notable.
But the stand-out feature has to be the main living space. Everyone who walks in stops and smiles and says "Wow!".
It's just a really comfortable space for a large group to spread out: there's half a dozen sofas and chairs downstairs and up on the mezzanine, the fire is warm and cosy and when its time to eat there's a great big dining table in front of the windows, lit with mini theatre spotlights, for everyone to get together. We're really looking forward to welcoming you so you can see it for yourself.
The views out over the valley to the hills opposite are fabulous throughout the day, but dawn and sunset are particularly notable.
But the stand-out feature has to be the main living space. Everyone who walks in stops and smiles and says "Wow!".
It's just a really comfortable space for a large group to spread out: there's half a dozen sofas and chairs downstairs and up on the mezzanine, the fire is warm and cosy and when its time to eat there's a great big dining table in front of the windows, lit with mini theatre spotlights, for everyone to get together. We're really looking forward to welcoming you so you can see it for yourself.
Languages:
English
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