Call Now 01835 822277

West Barn

Near Melrose, Scottish Borders

Feefo RatingsGuest Rating
 
Availability & Book Now

Found along a private track, West Barn is a converted agricultural barn that has been lovingly refurbished. Enjoy the quiet countryside of Bowden Moor Farm, all just under 3 miles from the historic town of Melrose.

Quick Info

Sleeps: 4 Bedrooms: 2
Changeover Day: Fri Pets Allowed: Yes (2)
No smoking Bathrooms: 1
Licence No: SB-01346-F
  • No Smoking
  • Pets Allowed
  • Open Fire/Solid Fuel Stove
  • WiFi
  • Electric vehicle charging point
Overview

Located on a 1800-acre working farm at the foot of the Eildon Hills with views over to Cauldshiels Loch, West Barn is an attractive country-style cottage which cleverly blends traditional and modern. Home to a world-famous herd of pedigree Belted Galloway Cattle that have been in the family for over a hundred years, the farm also has variety of sheep, including the rare Jacob breed, Blue Leicester and Suffolk Swales.

Charming features of the old agricultural barn have been retained, like the A-frame gable, steep sides and the high vaulted ceiling, which keeps the main area roomy and spacious, perfect for perching by the woodburning stove. Though if not nestled by the fire, the underfloor heating is sure to keep guests warm. Three generations of artists in the owners’ family mean the barn is decorated with lots of art, as such the owner is a ceramicist and her studio is in the old bull barn, along with her textiles and paintings.

The kitchen is well-equipped for cooking up a storm, and a washing machine is neatly tucked away behind wood panelling. Adjacent to the kitchen, there’s a spacious shower room and WC. Nearby, an external door leads out to a suntrap spot with a bench, perfect for perching with your morning cuppa, watching the countryside pass by.

The master bedroom nestles in the south wing and has a cast-iron double bed and cast-iron-roll top bath. Both bedrooms have an enclosed loo and hand basin adjacent. The high vaulted ceilings keep the room spacious and relaxing, making for the perfect night’s sleep.

The other bedroom is in the roof of the north gable, the zip and link allows either a super-king bed or two singles, whichever you prefer.

The sauna, cold plunge bath and outside shower (avaiable by request) are great for unwinding after a cool dip in the wild swimming pond located just 5 minutes away. The owners have a barbecue available on request, water hoses, and outdoor storage for those who will be exploring the area by bike. Ample parking and an EV charger are available outside West Barn.

The owners live next door (though West Barn is not overlooked) and are on hand for any queries but remain respectful of guests' privacy.

West Barn’s sister property, East Barn, is also available for larger groups wishing to holiday together.

Map & Local

Situated on a historic moor, the area is ideal for walking, with paths leading straight from the door and plenty of routes to explore throughout the farm and beyond. After a morning in the sauna or exploring nearby Bowden Loch, tackle the Eildon Hills and reservoir on the horizon.

Take a wander into Melrose, stroll bankside along the River Tweed, and make your way along to Sir Walter Scott’s beautiful baronial home at Abbotsford House. While in Melrose, try a round at Melrose Golf Club (1 mile), found at the bottom of the Eildons and in close walking distance to West Barn, or marvel at Melrose Gardens.

Take the Border Abbeys walk, the route includes Melrose Abbey, one of the four famous 12th-century Border Abbeys and four more at Dryburgh (8 miles), Jedburgh (13 miles), and Kelso (14.5 miles). The entire route is over 60 miles, but it also features several shorter, wonderful walks within it.

Start your trip with Scottish history at The Great Tapestry of Scotland (5 miles) in Galashiels. Nearby, the Scottish Borders Donkey Sanctuary (4 miles) runs guided tours where you can feed the donkeys and even adopt one. The William Wallace monument overlooks the rushing River Tweed, where guests can grab a permit and try the world-class salmon fishing.

Marvel at the Leaderfoot Viaduct (5 miles) or travel a little further and discover the history of Sir Walter Scott's courthouse or the Mary Queen of Scots Visitor Centre in Selkirk (8 miles). Visit Floors Castle (13 miles), grounds and garden, and stop for a bite to eat at the terrace café overlooking the walled garden. In under 20 miles, you will reach the impressive Traquair House, where guests can explore the house, grounds, gift shop and dine in the café.

Closer to West barn, stop for a Michelin-starred, fine-dining experience at The Hoebridge (3.5 miles). More nearby eateries in Melrose include Burts Hotel for brilliant dining, as well as the cafes, Apples for Jam and Eden Coffee House, all offering delicious drinks and treats perfect for a break on your adventures.

The Northumberland coastline and Hadrian’s Wall are only an hour away. Edinburgh City Centre is just over an hour by car or a 55-minute train ride from the nearby Tweedbank station.

Local Events and Attractions

Category:

Please note: while we make every effort to be as accurate as possible, the actual position of the cottage indicated on the map above and the proximity of the amenities in the Local Info section cannot be guaranteed to be precise and should be used as a guide only.

Facilities

Accommodation

Downstairs

Open plan living area with wood-burning stove, Smart TV, electric oven, ceramic hob, fridge with ice box, washing machine, dishwasher and microwave
Shower room with WC and wash basin

Upstairs

Double bedroom with bath and en suite WC with wash basin
Twin bedroom (can convert to double bed) with en suite WC with wash basin

What's included

Linen (Double Bed)
Free
Pet
Free
Linen (Single Bed)
Free
Sets of towels (per person)
Free
WiFi
Free

Services

Bed linen and towels are INCLUDED. Electricity is INCLUDED (EV charging is charged at 50p per kWh). Heating is by air source heat pump (INCLUDED) and wood-burning stove (starter pack INCLUDED). WiFi is INCLUDED. Water is from a private source which is UV filtered and regularly tested; however (as is typical in many parts of Scotland) it can be discoloured, particularly after heavy rainfall. Guests may therefore prefer to bring bottled water to drink. A maximum of 2 dogs are welcome (1 large, 2 medium or 2 small). If you wish to bring any other pets please contact us and we will see what we can do. No smoking.

Availability

Availability

The calendar below shows dates which are either available or booked for this property. Use the Book Now menu above to select your desired holiday dates.

Changeover Day: Fri

Booked Available
2026
Price

Weekly Prices

The weekly guide prices for this property are shown below. Use the availability & book sidebar on the right to select your holiday or calculate short break rates (where available).

Changeover Day: Fri

Rental - Date Range Sleeps 4
29 May 2026 - 25 Jun 2026 £695.00
26 Jun 2026 - 16 Jul 2026 £795.00
17 Jul 2026 - 27 Aug 2026 £895.00
28 Aug 2026 - 10 Sep 2026 £695.00
11 Sep 2026 - 01 Oct 2026 £595.00
02 Oct 2026 - 22 Oct 2026 £695.00
23 Oct 2026 - 19 Dec 2026 £495.00
20 Dec 2026 - 27 Dec 2026 £895.00
28 Dec 2026 - 05 Jan 2027 £895.00
06 Jan 2027 - 28 Jan 2027 £495.00
29 Jan 2027 - 25 Mar 2027 £595.00
26 Mar 2027 - 15 Apr 2027 £695.00
16 Apr 2027 - 29 Apr 2027 £595.00
30 Apr 2027 - 27 May 2027 £695.00
28 May 2027 - 03 Jun 2027 £795.00
04 Jun 2027 - 24 Jun 2027 £695.00
25 Jun 2027 - 15 Jul 2027 £795.00
16 Jul 2027 - 26 Aug 2027 £895.00
27 Aug 2027 - 09 Sep 2027 £695.00
10 Sep 2027 - 30 Sep 2027 £595.00
01 Oct 2027 - 21 Oct 2027 £695.00
22 Oct 2027 - 19 Dec 2027 £495.00
20 Dec 2027 - 27 Dec 2027 £895.00
28 Dec 2027 - 05 Jan 2028 £895.00
06 Jan 2028 - 05 Jan 2029 POA
06 Jan 2029 - 05 Jan 2030 POA

Please note: Prices are calculated based on your party size at the time of booking. If your party size changes for any reason after booking, please let us know so we can ensure the accommodation provided meets your exact requirements.

Reviews

Reviews
(Supplied Independently through Feefo)

#
12-Jun-2026

I loved the location and the luxury/ quirky set up of the house. The hosts were friendly and very helpful. I loved the s...

Read More
BookedAvailable
Loading...
Searching...

Refundable House Holder's deposit required