Set amidst the glorious open countryside of the Scottish Borders, New Ladykirk Farmhouse is a handsome rural retreat which is ideal for families and groups. Encompassed by the land which saw centuries of skirmishes between the English and Scots – including the nearby stronghold of Norham Castle which was notably besieged by Robert the Bruce – today the area is defined by its tranquil atmosphere and pastoral beauty. The castle’s dramatic ruins lie across the River Tweed which flows moments from the doorstep of the farmhouse, sure to delight fishing parties as much as those who long to be immersed in history and wildlife.
After a day out in the fresh air, enter the house through its rear door into a welcoming entrance hall with coat hooks and plenty of space to store muddy wellies. You’ll find the open-plan country kitchen and living area on the ground floor, including an AGA, pantry, and a large farmhouse kitchen table at which to savour leisurely breakfasts. Beyond the kitchen, a warm living area is gathered around a log burner in an inglenook fireplace. The elegant drawing room lies separately, home to another log burner, comfy furnishings, and a large bay window which fills the room with natural light. The formal dining room across the hall is equally sophisticated, with atmospheric dark teal walls, an antique grandfather clock, and a large table which is the perfect setting for dinner parties enjoyed beside the crackling open fire.
Ascend the central staircase to the first floor, where you’ll find the four individually styled and spacious bedrooms. Stairs branch left to the front of the house, where the master bedroom is home to a super king size bed, large dressing area, and an ensuite bathroom with a separate bath and shower. The second bedroom also lies on this side of the house, with a super king size bed which can be configured as twins, an ensuite bathroom with a separate bath and shower, as well as the family bathroom next door with a separate bath and rainforest shower. The third and fourth bedrooms lie opposite at the rear of the house, one with a king size bed and an ensuite with a roll top bath and separate shower, the other with twin beds which can also be configured as a super king.
Outside, the patio area at the rear of the house is a true sun trap, where two outdoor tables promise idyllic suppers enjoyed al fresco in the warmer months. The large utility room on the ground floor, in addition to the cloakroom with a WC and basin, make for an effortless transition from outdoor pursuits to the restful interior, with plenty of room to store fishing gear and walking boots. An expansive lawn stretches to the front and side of the house, providing the perfect space for dogs to stretch their legs, while a track will lead you directly to the banks of the River Tweed with fishing available on the Ladykirk beat by arrangement.
GROUND FLOOR
Rear access door into entrance hall with coat hooks.
Open-plan kitchen and sitting room comprising:
Kitchen with 4-oven electric AGA, electric hob, electric oven and grill, full size dishwasher, filter coffee machine, Roberts radio, and large farmhouse kitchen table seating seven. Directly off the kitchen is a large pantry cupboard containing microwave and American style fridge/freezer with ice machine.
Sitting room with two large sofas, two armchairs, wood burning stove, and wall-mounted Smart TV.
Cloakroom with WC and basin.
Large utility room with antique pew bench, coat hooks, washing machine and two large wash basins. There is plenty of space here for outdoor gear.
Inner hallway, leading to the front of the property with separate entrance hall at the front access door containing antique pew bench and coat hooks.
Drawing room with two large sofas, two armchairs, two additional chairs, coffee table, and wood burning stove. Bench seating in the bay windows offering views of the garden.
Formal dining room with large dining table seating eight and open fire place. Bay windows offer views of the garden.
Central staircase (one turn with handrail before the staircase splits into two on the first floor).
FIRST FLOOR
The split staircase creates two distinct sides to the first floor.
To the front of the property:
Bedroom one, master bedroom with large dressing area, containing fixed super king size bed, bedside tables and lamps, two chest of drawers, built-in wardrobe, dressing table and velvet chaise longue.
En-suite with bath, separate walk-in electric shower, WC, basin, and heated towel rail.
Bedroom two with zip and link beds that can be configured as a super king size double or twins upon request, bedside tables with lamps and cupboard space, and built-in wardrobe.
En-suite containing bath with separate hand-held shower attachment, separate electric corner shower, WC, basin, and heated towel rail.
Family bathroom containing bath with separate hand-held shower attachment, separate walk-in shower with rainforest showerhead and separate hand-held attachment, WC, basin and heated towel-rail.
To the rear of the property:
Bedroom three with fixed king size bed, bedside tables and lamps, chest of drawers, bult-in wardrobe, and chaise longue.
En-suite with roll top bath, separate electric corner shower, WC, basin, and heated towel rail.
Bedroom four with zip and link beds that can be configured as a super king size double or twins upon request, bedside tables and lamps, occasional chair, built-in wardrobe, and shelving unit.
OUTSIDE
Large lawned garden to the front and side of the property with gravelled driveway and patio area. Two outdoor tables and bench seating are provided.
The garden is enclosed when the access drive gates and door to the rear courtyard are closed, however, please note the bars of the gate may be wide enough for smaller dogs to get through.
A charcoal barbecue is available for guest use (charcoal not provided).
LOCATION
For nearby walks, guests are welcome to follow the track to the side of the property which will take them down to the River Tweed.
There is ample private parking on the gravelled driveway to the front of the property, as well as additional parking in the farm yard at the rear.
New Ladykirk Farm sits 2.3 miles from Norham village. This historic border village has plenty to offer alongside its own castle with a village shop, bakery, gunsmith and the popular Foreman’s Butcher where you will find a fantastic selection of quality produce including locally-sourced meats, pies, bread, and fine wines.
The Mason’s Arms is the hub of the community in Norham, serving real ales and tasty food as well as hosting social events. Alternatively, try the newly refurbished Victoria Hotel and Bistro. The fish and chip van visits the village each Thursday evening for those who wish to enjoy a traditional British take-away. Or if it is fine dining you are looking for, The Collingwood Arms at Cornhill-on-Tweed is just 8.8 miles away, or cross back over the border to The Cross Inn at Paxton (4.8 miles).
The Elizabethan walled town of Berwick-upon-Tweed is eight miles away offering more extensive amenities. The town has a mix of high street and independent shopping, as well as four large supermarkets, a Marks & Spencers food outlet and a good selection of cafes, pubs and restaurants. You will also find a theatre and art galleries within the town.
New Ladykirk Farm is an ideal base for exploring the Scottish Borders with easy access to Northumberland's Heritage coastline and countryside. The charming, ancient towns of Duns and Kelso are also nearby, and Edinburgh is an easy day trip either about an hour by car or 45 minutes on the train from Berwick-upon-Tweed.
FISHING ON SITE
Fishing is available on the owner's nearby Ladykirk beat. This is bookable through FishPal at additional cost and subject to availability. Ladykirk beat is one of the River Tweed's most prolific low water beats. Primarily a salmon beat but with a good run of sea trout as well.
