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Cosy rural retreat in the beautiful Yarrow Valley

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your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Cosy rural retreat in the beautiful Yarrow Valley

Miscellaneous
Exterior
Miscellaneous
TV, DVD player, books
Interior

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms2 bathrooms

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Washer
    Washer
  • Pet-friendly
    Pet-friendly
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Dryer
    Dryer

Explore the area

Map
Selkirk, SCT
  • Bowhill House
    9 min drive
  • St Mary's Loch
    10 min drive
  • Traquair House
    27 min drive

Room options

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Cosy rural retreat in the beautiful Yarrow Valley

Old Kirkstead is tucked away in the beautiful Yarrow Valley between Selkirk (16 miles) and Moffat (16 miles). It is accessed from the A708 through Kirkstead Farm steading and along 0.5 miles rough track.

This traditional stone shepherds cottage has been extended to provide a large contemporary kitchen with a spacious open plan living area and four bedrooms. There is a double bedroom with en-suite shower room, and a twin bedroom downstairs; and a further twin bedroom and king size bedroom upstairs. The bathroom is located downstairs, and has an over bath shower. The utility room has space for a dog bed as well as the washing machine and tumble drier.

Warmed by oil-fired central heating, Old Kirkstead is comfortable and cosy throughout the year.

The cottage is an ideal base for hill walkers, bird watchers, wildlife enthusiasts, or families who just want to get away from it all and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Well behaved dogs are welcome, however they must be kept on a lead as this is a working farm.

There is no broadband and limited mobile signal at Old Kirkstead although there is 4G a couple of miles down the valley.
During your stay at this cottage, you'll be close to Bowhill House. Enjoy your stay with amenities like a kitchen and 2 bathrooms in the cottage.
  • The cottage offers a kitchen, a washing machine, and 2 bathrooms
  • 9 minutes by car from Bowhill House and 10 minutes from St Mary's Loch

Property manager

Hilary

Languages

English

Property amenities

Parking and transport

  • On-site parking

Kitchen

  • Fridge
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Toaster
  • Electric kettle

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Hairdryer
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • TV with cable/satellite service
  • DVD player
  • Books
  • Games

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • 2 total pets
  • Welcoming dogs only

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 2 pets
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Note from host: Dogs must be kept on a lead

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account which will enable you to manage your booking.

Property is also known as

Cosy Rural Retreat in the Beautiful Yarrow Valley Cottage
Cosy Rural Retreat in the Beautiful Yarrow Valley Selkirk

Cosy rural retreat in the beautiful Yarrow Valley Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 80 out of 81 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 81 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 81 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 81 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 81 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Thomas S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Old Kirkstead
Old Kirkstead is a really nice spot which was enjoyed by kids and parents alike. We'd never been to this part of Scotland before but we'll be back for longer in the summer having only had three nights this time round. Hilary (the host) couldn't have been more helpful after we managed to completely mess up the booking too!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nigel D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful retreat.
It's easy to forget what peace and tranquillity is living near a large city but after a full day here you really begin to feel unwound. The property was very clean, escpecially the kitchen and bedding. The hosts just left us to it which we also appreciated. I would echo what a few other guests have mentioned about the 0.5 mile track to the property however. I would recommend a vehicle with at least "normal" ground clearance. A family hatchback / saloon can make it without grounding if driven slowly but a sports car would struggle. The sheep really entertained us also! Thank you.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Allan M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Short break to celebrate a 50th birthday with friends
The Old Kirkstead was the perfect getaway with friends. The house had everything we needed & was in the perfect location.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

rivka d.

Liked: Cleanliness
Aug 2024
We had a lovely very peaceful stay at Kirkstead farm. We didn't meet a soul near by our entire stay. The nearest supermarket/co op was half hour drive away! Was warmed by the lovely gesture of a fresh cake on arrival and wine and milk in the fridge too. the property was very clean and the grounds are superb. the stream just by the house was a a real perk and the sheep and stunning surrounding scenery was just beautiful. though we had a mostly rainy stay, we were grateful for the dry days at the end of the week and had a great time. Hilary, our host answered any quires we had and was lovely knowing she was just down the road from our house.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Katy R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Hidden gem
Old kirkstead was perfect for a friends and family break away from busy lives ! If you want to get away from everything and have gorgeous views and sheep in the garden this is the place for you. We loved the peace and quiet and no wifi we played games and wandered outside.One thing to bear in mind though is the track to the cottage is very rough and has pot holes so don’t go in a fancy car that is low as you’ll end up with no underneath!!Overall the cottage was well equipped apart from a lack of space to hang clothes in downstairs bedrooms but we loved having a washer and dryer and the cake and wine was a lovely treat for our arrival. Thank you so much hangclothes
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ala R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic view
The property was nice and clean enough to sleep 8 peoples and more. Very comfortable and nothing lacking, the host has provided everything needed. Lovely communal areas and outside space. We've enjoyed the seen and the walk to St Mary's Loch. Would recommend and go again :)
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lara C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great get away
Wonderful spot and very comfortable home.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karolina P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Christmas break
The best Christmas break ever! House in the middle of nowhere! Amazinng lake and river just next to you! We walked into warm and cosy cottage! We had milk, water and wine waiting for us! You will find everytjing you need for your stay! Clean and spacecious house! Kitchen fully equipped! We also had a Christmas tree!!! Thank.you very.much! We will be back over summer ☀️
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Marie J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cosy getaway
Cosy getaway with all mod cons and plenty of space for 8 adults. We enjoyed exploring the beautiful countryside surrounding the cottage, playing games and sharing home cooked meals.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Russell H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful location
Beautiful location, so peaceful. Lovely well equipped house
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mark T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Summer break
Great location with just sheep for neighbours. The property is accessed by a dirt track around half a mile long we had no problems just slow and steady in the car. We had a few meals out in Peebles which is around 35 mins away by car. If you are tired of hill walking you can rent a kayak or paddle board at St Mary’s lock just ten mins drive away. I had read a number of reviews regarding phone signal my wife and daughter both got 3 /4 G on the EE network at the property I’m on Vodafone and didn’t get a signal until I stood outside but again managed to get 3G Vodafone was problematic though. Great location, fantastic house a great time had by all.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Helen P.

Liked: Cleanliness
A gem!
A beautiful property both inside and out. Perfect place to stay, can’t wait to return.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful stone cottage in amazing setting
Beautiful old cottage that has been perfectly retrofitted for comfort without ruining the ambiance. Nice large public areas, very well equipped kitchen, pleasant bedrooms… The setting is absolutely gorgeous, albeit with a bumpy road in for a short distance. Wonderful hiking all around. I would love to come back!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

David B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Exceeded our expectations
Completely remote and surrounded by wildlife, this cottage exceeded our expectations. We recommend: a walk around St Mary's loch from the cottage stopping at the Glen Cafe for cake, eat out at home from the Gordon Arms, and a visit to one of the many historic houses and gardens nearby. We were surprised to find so much to do, that we couldn't fit it all in one week. Our two dogs loved the holiday as well.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mary Y.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely stay
A lovely place to get away from it all.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Graham N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful Easter getaway
Everything lived up to the description and our hopes. The house is very well proportioned and equipped, and utterly peaceful. We were seven people including two children,and there was something for everyone in and around the house, and in the area. The hosts cannot take the credit for the fantastic weather, but the natural entertainment in the form of sheep and lambs and lambing a few yards from our window was much appreciated, as was the friendly shepherd doing his rounds. Do not be daunted by the very bumpy track in to the cottage - just go slow! Make sure to bring what you need of food - it's a long way to the shops (which is part of what makes it so relaxing). Highly recommended!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jason N.

Liked: Cleanliness
A repeat rental
Clean, quiet, comfortable. Always a pleasure to stay here!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Simona B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing NY hideaway with family and frends
We booked the cottage for a relaxing New Year getaway with friends, 4 adults and 3 sassy teenage girls. The location is fantastic, on a valley where your only neighbours are the river and the sheep and the views are relaxing. The cottage is perfect, all that you need and more: spacious, clean, and very well equipped, including towels. The lack of internet connection is well balanced with a variety of games and a nice selection of books on the selves. The welcome pack of fresh cake, prosecco and milk in the fridge, provided by Hilary was lovely and greatly appreciated. Communication was very smooth and we received all information needed. We will love to return in the summertime to explore the surroundings more, and I hope Hilary will accept us back, after smashing the glass of a picture during the girls' fun play. She was very kind to refuse any extra payment for the damage.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Andrew G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastically isolated
Was fantastically isolated, just what we were hoping for . Located nestled in between mountains and beside a hill-stream with sheep watching us eat breakfast, perfect. Complete darkness at nights with just the stars , awesome!👍
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Roger R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Raw nature
Quite amazing relaxing back to raw nature, healthy exhilarating hill walking would love to live in such an environment. We took our daughter & husband who live in Korea it was such a treat for them that will never be forgot, thank you. Roger
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Neil B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Just as advertised
Lovely stay in a truly unique setting. House was perfectly outfitted and very comfortable.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Chantal S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Idyllically isolated cottage. Perfect for escaping to.
Beautiful remote cottage where no one will hear you scream... at the enormous spiders 🕷, they're friendly enough though. The cottage was warm , welcoming and comfortable. The location is breathtaking next to the stream surrounded by hills full of sheep. An ideal escape from the world. The ONLY downside is the track up to the cottage. We have a Tiguan and found it tough going. It's all part of the charm, but I wouldn't want to do it in a smaller car. Would go back in a hearbeat.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Solomon H.

Liked: Cleanliness
peaceful, beautiful and extremely comfortable
We had such an enjoyable time at this comfortable, spacious house. Secluded and extremely peaceful surroundings, set in a beautiful area. Swimming and water fun down the road at st mary's loch and paddling at the doorstep - lots of fun for the kids and adults! Owners were very helpful and really not intrusive, leaving a lovely warm welcome when we arrived. Would love to come again and would highly recommend.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ryan E.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful spot away from everything.
Great spot. Have to drive on a dirt road to get there for about 1/2 mile. Can do with any car, a bit bumpy, but not bad. No internet access, one of our phones barely had access. The nearby loche and waterfall are amazing, really beautiful area. I had my kids stay in a tight apartment in London for 3 nights before coming here and they said I "totally redeemed myself". They loved it.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jon P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely cottage
The track to the house was rough but the house it self was lovely. The house worked well for my family as it was big enough for everyone to have a space. We loved the walks we could do from the house. The cottage was very clean and well presented, a space in the bedrooms to put clothes in would have been a great finishing touch. Thank you for the very tasty cake. We loved staying here and exploring the borders. We will definitely be recommending it.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022