Entire home

Cosy rural retreat in the beautiful Yarrow Valley

Photo gallery for Cosy rural retreat in the beautiful Yarrow Valley

Old Kirkstead
Exterior
Kirkstead Farm is on the shores of St Mary's Loch
Room
Well equipped kitchen

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
Selkirk, Scotland
  • St Mary's Loch
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Traquair House
    ‪27 min drive‬
  • Leisure Club and Spa at Macdonald Cardrona Hotel
    ‪32 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Spaces

Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

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
Premier Host

Languages

English
Lock

Protect your payment — always book on Vrbo

If someone asks you to book through them or pay them directly before you book on Vrbo, report it.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Parking available

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
Dogs must be kept on a lead
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
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 and a first aid kit

About the area

Selkirk

Selkirk is home to this cottage. Bowhill House and Halliwell's House Museum are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at St Abbs & Eyemouth Voluntary Marine Reserve and St Mary's Loch.
Map
Selkirk, Scotland

What's nearby

  • St Mary's Loch - 10 min drive - 12.8 km
  • Abbotsford The Home Of Sir Walter Scott - 19 min drive - 21.3 km
  • Traquair House - 27 min drive - 36.3 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?

Checkout 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 miles (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 83 out of 84 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 84 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 84 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 84 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 84 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Lara C.

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

Relaxing break

Love the secluded location, great social space and super comfy!!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

susan edna s.

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

new year in yarrow

beautiful place loved it.the children also loved it.so did the dog.will deffo book again.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jacqueline I.

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

Stunning Stay

Our stay was in stunning setting. Recommend getting there before dark as it is set back but then you are sitting in a postcard. We had a delicious lemon loaf and well equipped kitchen and home over the holidays. Thank you Hilary!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 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

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

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

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

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

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

rivka d.

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

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

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

About the host

Hosted by Hilary

Host profile image

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests