Cosy castle in the Ettrick Forest. Luxury self-catering accommodation for ten. | Other in Selkirk

Aikwood Tower, a grade A-listed traditional Peel Tower in the Scottish Borders, is packed with 500 years of history and medieval castle charm, offering some of the best luxury self-catered accommodation in Scotland. Combining history with five-star interiors and contemporary boutique accommodation, our cosy castle will surprise and charm you in every room. It has been sensitively restored and renovated to offer luxury self-catering holidays and special breaks for ten guests (and their dogs) in five luxury ensuite bedrooms - a very special place where you can bring together family and friends of all ages for adventures, romance and celebrations.
Our passionate and hard-working team ensures that every guest expectation is exceeded, leaving you with nothing to worry about other than relaxing and enjoying everything that the South of Scotland has to offer. And we can guarantee that you will find your new favourite place in the world in front of our roaring Great Hall fire!
Located in the heart of the Ettrick Forest in the Scottish Borders, Aikwood Tower is just over an hour’s drive south of Edinburgh and north of the border with England. Its position surrounded by the rolling hills, woodland trails and rivers of the Ettrick and Yarrow Valleys is perfectly placed for unique holidays, short breaks and weddings.
With five en-suite bedrooms we can sleep families and groups of up to ten guests (children under the age of twelve can be added as extras with put-up beds and travel cots). All the rooms are fitted out with Duxiana beds, the ‘most technologically advanced sleep system in the world’ and are made for lazy holiday lie-ins - or hurkle-durkling as we call it in Scotland (lounging in bed long after it's time to get up!) Each bedroom is accessorised with tweed throws, cushions and curtains from the local mills in nearby Selkirk.
Four of our bedrooms can be made up as doubles or twins giving you flexibility on sleeping arrangements depending on who you're staying with. Each room has a plentiful supply of towels, bathrobes and locally-made toiletries. While Aikwood Tower is very cosy and warm we do recommend you bring your slippers with you as the stone spiral staircase can be a wee bit cold underfoot.
Whatever the reason for your stay at Aikwood Tower, you will find that it's perfect for relaxing, socialising and entertaining. Huge roaring fires, a convivial kitchen and a well-equipped games room all lend themselves to you spending quality time with your family and friends. Start your day together over a morning coffee in the AGA-heated kitchen and finish with a wee dram in the early hours, in front of the Great Hall fire.
Aikwood Tower’s fully equipped kitchen with Aga and dining room is a fabulous place to prepare and enjoy the finest ingredients from the local area.
The nearest town for shopping, Selkirk, has a great array of small independent grocery shops and local produce (butcher, baker, deli, pharmacy etc.) plus all the big supermarkets will deliver all groceries and supplies you may need.
If you’d like to treat yourselves during your stay then we can arrange for a private chef to come and serve you an extra special meal or stock the fridge with homemade meals.
The stunning local landscape around Aikwood Tower offers some of the finest walking, cycling, shooting, fishing and horse riding in Scotland, among many other leisure activities. No matter your age or adventure criteria, or whether it’s by foot, pedal or horseback you’ll be out and about, soaking up the fresh air and exploring this breathtaking part of the world.
Aikwood Tower's south-west facing walled garden and orchard are a beautiful sanctuary all year round. The main lawn area is bordered on two sides by herbaceous beds full of plants similar to those that would have been found in the fine gardens of the eighteenth century. The third side of the lawn has a rose-hedged path filled with roses whose variety and names link to the age, history and legends of the Tower, including the 'Duchess of Buccleuch' and the 'Alchemist' rose. From here, steps lead down to a flagged terrace that is a warm, sheltered sun-trap throughout the day and evening.
Beyond the lawn is a small orchard where old varieties of apple tree grow and where our wooden wendy house for smaller guests resides! Running down to the garden gate is the laburnum arch which is at its full glory in late May and June.
The garden is totally enclosed making it safe for children and dogs to run around in while you relax, play a spot of croquet or rustle up the BBQ!
The Scottish Borders has some of the richest and most dramatic history in the whole of Scotland. Discover turbulent tales of the Border Reivers, journey through the ancient hunting grounds and houses of Scottish royalty. Immerse yourself in the literature of Walter Scott and James Hogg and trace your own family connections to the area. Or just soak up the fantastic history of Aikwood Tower, the 500-year-old walls have many stories to tell!

Cosy castle in the Ettrick Forest Luxury self-catering accommodation for ten is located in Selkirk. Cosy castle in the Ettrick Forest Luxury self-catering accommodation for ten provides accommodation, featuring Child Friendly, among other amenities. This Other features Child Friendly, to make your stay a comfortable one.

Cosy castle in the Ettrick Forest Luxury self-catering accommodation for ten has 5 Bedrooms , 7 Bathrooms, and max occupancy of 10 people. The minimum rental for this property is 1 nights, but this can change depending on the season you plan on staying. Previous guests have given good rated it, and VRBO labeled it a top-rated Other because of the excellent services rendered by the owner or manager of this Other, and has consistently provided great experiences for their guests. Most families or guests that use it recommend it to their friends and some of them are repeat guests. Other has a friendly neighborhood, and the Selkirk has interesting places to visit. If you want to learn more about the Other in Selkirk, such as places to visit and things to do nearby, you can check below to learn more.