SCHLOSS Roxburghe reopens its doors - Scotland on Sunday Travel Wishlist

A Borders estate with fishing, golf and Borders produce to enjoy

SCHLOSS Roxburghe is a historic manor house surrounded by its 300-acre estate near Kelso. Just over an hours drive from Edinburgh and Newcastle, there is fishing in the River Teviot, a championship golf course and cuisine from the estate and local suppliers.

@schloss_roxburghe

SCHLOSS Roxburghe, Roxburghshire

Escape lockdown and head for the Borders where this historic manor house surrounded by its 300-acre estate is a haven in which to reconnect with friends and family. Just over an hour’s drive from Edinburgh and Newcastle, there is fishing in the River Teviot, a championship golf course and sustainably-sourced Scottish cuisine from the estate and local Borders suppliers. Formerly owned by the Duke of Roxburghe, the hotel is the second of the SCHLOSS brand properties launched by German-based 12.18 Investment Management, following on from SCHLOSShotel Fleesensee in northern Germany.

The 21 bedrooms were renovated last year

Now reopening its doors with an offer for guests and Covid procedures, SCHLOSS Roxburghe is part of the Visit Britain “We’re Good To Go” campaign. Its Feel Good, Stay Safe programme includes team members wearing masks and gloves, hand sanitiser stations, the option of a “Do not enter my room” agreement, and regular sanitisation of front desk and communal areas.

To mark the reopening, the hotel has an offer that includes 15 per cent discount, a flexible cancellation policy (free until three days before arrival), a three-course dinner, full Scottish breakfast, green fee discount on the 18-hole championship golf course, free welcome drink, wifi, parking, newspaper and early check-in/late check-out.

Future plans include opening the spa next spring/summer and an extension which will add 57 rooms, a new restaurant, state-of-the-art conference and banqueting facilities and a 600-square-metre spa area with a heated outdoor pool, plus 60 holiday cottages within the grounds.

Budget or boutique?

Neither, it’s a historic Scottish country house with golf course and restaurant championing the best of Scottish produce from land and sea in elegant comfort.

Room service

All individually designed, the 21 rooms which were renovated last year feature original fireplaces, three-metre-high ceilings and stucco-ed ceilings and walls and subtle traditional textiles. Five different room categories, between 20 and 70 square metres, all feature bathrobes and slippers, flat-screen TV, floor-level showers, minibars, safe, telephone, underfloor bathroom heating, free internet access, tea and coffee making facilities, a hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

Wining and dining

With the Borders on the doorstep and a commitment to source from the estate, expect to be spoiled with rich local produce. In the Sunlaws restaurant executive chef Olivier Borja and his team showcase a modern interpretation of Scottish cuisine with a French twist. Highlights include rabbit and pheasant ballotine, ox-cheek “Daube” and confit shallot pie, while The Drawing Room, Bar 1745, and State Room Lounge offer informal elegance with cosy open fires.

There is also the Fairways Restaurant in the Clubhouse where guests and golfers can fill up on light snacks including breakfast rolls, salads and sandwiches or enjoy a drink after a round.

Worth getting out of bed for

You don’t need to go far for entertainment. There’s a wide range of sports and activities on the estate, from clay pigeon shooting and archery, hunting and falconry to tomahawk throwing and fly fishing on the River Teviot or at the SCHLOSS Roxburghe trout pond, and golfers will rise to the challenge of course architect Dave Thomas’s 18-hole championship course.

If you want to explore further, the Borders is bursting with attractive towns such as nearby Kelso and Melrose and there are numerous abbeys, stately homes and castles to explore. Guest relations will also arrange trips further afield for those keen to explore the coast, capital or Highlands.

Little extras

Some rooms allow dogs, so your pooch can be pampered too.

Guestbook comments

From golfers to gourmands, guests will find a lift after lockdown luxuriating in this Borders retreat that is “good to go”.

Janet Christie

Rooms start from £235 based on two sharing on a b&b basis. SCHLOSS Roxburghe Hotel & Golf Course, Heiton by Kelso, Roxburghshire TD5 8JZ (Tel:[phone], [email protected], www.schlosshotel-roxburghe.com)

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