Exquisite country houses

Can there be a more dramatic location anywhere in the Borders? Perched on a rocky escarpment high above the River Tweed just outside Peebles, Neidpath Castle is a rare example of a fortified medieval tower house, and remains amazingly preserved given what it has been through down the centuries.

Perhaps Neidpath’s true beauty is that very little has changed in the 700 years since the first families stayed here. The thick stone walls, the deep well, hidden staircases, wonderful tapestries and panoramic views from its battlements would all have been very familiar to its former residents.

Today, Neidpath is an understandably popular location for weddings, film shoots, even live music. It’s also possible to visit and stay in Queen Mary’s Chamber – a suite in the main castle where Mary Queen of Scots stayed in 1563 – or in a nearby cottage.

As with many other kings and queens, Mary was also a visitor at nearby Traquair – the oldest continually inhabited house in the whole of Scotland. Dating back to 1109, Traquair has been home to the Stuarts since 1491, with the family managing to remain Catholics and Jacobites without counting the cost during even the most turbulent of times.

With its house, gorgeous grounds, a giant maze, craft workshops, a walled garden (spot the peacocks!), café and even a celebrated brewery, Traquair is a full-day destination in its own right. Look out too for a host of exciting events, from a Medieval Fayre to the brand new Muck n’ Mac gravel riding race festival. You can even live like Scottish royalty and stay in one of Traquair’s luxurious antique-furnished rooms.

Further along the valley is a very different but no less impressive house. Home to the Buccleuch family, Bowhill House near Selkirk is a magnificent country seat set in the heart of the ancient royal hunting forest of Ettrick. Another place where it’s easy to spend an entire day, Bowhill offers house tours full of history (and a remarkable art collection), an adventure playground, ranger-guided tours of the estate and fine walks amidst glorious scenery. There is also fishing, horse riding, a soft play for little ones, a tearoom and even an atmospheric theatre!