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Cosy rural retreat in the beautiful Yarrow Valley

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Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Exterior
TV, DVD player, books

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms2 bathrooms

Popular amenities

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

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.

Property manager

Hilary

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Property amenities

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

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

Laundry

  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • 2 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Safety features

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

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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 allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total pets
Note from host: Dogs must be kept on a lead

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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
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

Property is also known as

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

About the neighborhood

Map
Selkirk, SCT

What's nearby

  • St Mary's Loch - 10 min drive - 12.8 km
  • Traquair House - 27 min drive - 36.3 km
  • Neidpath Castle - 28 min drive - 30.9 km
  • Leisure Club and Spa at Macdonald Cardrona Hotel - 32 min drive - 40.9 km
  • 7stanes - Glentress - 34 min drive - 42.7 km

Getting around

  • Tweedbank Station - 34 min drive
  • Edinburgh Airport (EDI) - 97 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Caberston Coffee Shop - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Waterwheel Café - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Saffron - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Gordon Arms Hotel - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪No1 Peebles Road - ‬17 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Cosy rural retreat in the beautiful Yarrow Valley pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Cosy rural retreat in the beautiful Yarrow Valley?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Cosy rural retreat in the beautiful Yarrow Valley?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Cosy rural retreat in the beautiful Yarrow Valley located?

Set in Selkirk, this family-friendly cottage is within 9 mi (15 km) of Bowhill House, Market Square, and St Mary's Loch. Halliwell's House Museum and Sir Walter Scott's Courtroom are also within 9 mi (15 km).

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Cosy rural retreat in the beautiful Yarrow Valley Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 82 out of 83 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 83 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 83 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 83 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 83 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Lara C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great get away
Wonderful spot and very comfortable home.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely stay
A lovely place to get away from it all.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Russell H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful location
Beautiful location, so peaceful. Lovely well equipped house
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ala R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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

Helen P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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

Marie J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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

JE v.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A place to rest.
Just a proper place which is basic and inclusive at the same time.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jason N.

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

10/10 Excellent

Jim D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Rural comfort.
Fantastic rural location, hidden from the main road. Comfortable beds and spacious lounge and kitchen/dining room. Perfect for my family of 6 adults and 2 teenagers.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jason N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Away from it all
This is our second stay at Old Kirkstead and we love it. Great place to disconnect from everything (no cell or internet which is wonderful!)
Stayed 4 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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

Rachel F.

Amazing cottage in the most beautiful setting
We loved our stay as much as our last visit to this truly idyllic location. The cottage is very spacious and has everything you need - the homemade cake on our arrival was a very nice touch. It’s an amazing location if you are looking to get away from it all and the surrounding area has lots of good walks for those looking to just get outdoors and for the more experienced walker too. We will definitely be booking again
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie R., Lancashire

Perfect getaway in peaceful beauty
A wonderful, clean and tidy cottage, hidden away in beautiful hillsides. We loved the animal on the farm surrounding us, the walks, the Loch, the views and the games at the cottage! We also appreciated having no WiFi!!! Perfect week away, we will certainly be back soon!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

Rachel F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Complete relax and recharge
This is our 3rd visit and it never fails to deliver. The location is idyllic for a complete get away from busy everyday lives. The cottage is immaculate and has everything you need. Our family love our time here where we can enjoy walks in the stunning surroundings and totally relax in the well presented cottage. The home baking on arrival is a very personal touch
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

David B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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

Karolina P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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

Fiona B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely, isolated house in the Borders.
Thank you Hilary for a lovely stay despite the wet weather. We all enjoyed our time in the house and thanks for the loan of jump leads. The house was well equipped and warm and well set up for 4 adults and 3 kids. The games were a godsend! Thank you. Fiona
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Mark T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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

Graham N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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

Emma V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect place to relax
We travelled as 4 adults and 4 children from age 2 to 5 . The house was perfect, the kids loved exploring the surrounding hills and stream. They said the best bits of the week were when we were just in the house. They also loved the books and toys there even though we did take our own too. We just spent our evenings watching the birds and bats with a little drink. All in all everyone loved thier stay. The only extra thing would be a mirror in the upstairs bedroom although this didn't impact on our enjoyment it would have been useful. Hilary was responsive to all my many questions before we arrived. Thanks again.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Simona B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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

Janet T., London

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful and remote
Lovely and quiet, the only neighbours are sheep. The track to the house is very rough, my son got a puncture from the sharp stones. A few more home comforts needed, such as three drawer units in the bedrooms for clothes, and shelves in the bathroom and en-suite. There was no mop head for the mop and no dishcloths or scourers. Only one tea towel was provided which we had to keep washing. There’s also no pegs for hanging clothes on the dryer, or washing up liquid. These are just a few niggles, but would really improve the experience. The hot water and en-suite shower was second to none, and the space is great for children to run around. Make sure you take everything you need, as there are no local shops. But this was not a problem for us. We thoroughly enjoyed the remote experience.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Thomas S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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