Windlestraw is an independently-owned boutique hotel overlooking the picturesque Tweed Valley in the stunning Scottish Borders. A magnificent Edwardian manor set in three acres of landscaped grounds, award-winning Windlestraw offers 5 star gold accommodation and an intimate dining experience. Our unique offering of luxury facilities and personal service makes us a truly unique destination and the perfect getaway.Set within two acres of private, landscaped grounds, Windlestraw was originally built in 1906, as a wedding gift for the future wife of the Scottish cashmere mill owner, John King Ballantyne.
Services
John & Sylvia have spent a lifetime in hospitality with experience in all areas of operations and global corporate finance, however their passion is people. John & Sylvia returned from the Middle East in early 2015 with a dream to establish a truly unique hospitality experience in the Scottish Borders, a place to escape and unwind, reflect and indulge and to do so in style.
We continue the tradition of providing charming, luxury accommodation combined with modern cuisine. With many years of experience, we bring both knowledge and passion to our purpose, ensuring your stay is truly exceptional. Our rooms feature everything you could want to make your stay at the house comfortable and memorable - including the highest quality beds, Egyptian cotton sheets, bath robes, telephone, television and wi-fi. Our Grand bedroom boasts an original Edwardian tub in the en-suite bathroom.
We are passionate about providence and sustainability. Our ground to plate philosophy supports both the environment as well as our local community. Our cuisine reflects our wonderful location and exceptional local produce. We source our ingredients from suppliers based in the Borders, this ensures consistency and quality - supporting both the environment as well as the local community.
Windlestraw is a unique venue offering a very personal experience. Situated within easy commuting distance of the major cities of Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle we are ideally positioned for corporate or private events and celebrations. The house is also close to the Border towns of Peebles, Melrose and Kelso.
Reviews (11)
Margaret Maxwell
Jun 20, 2022
We have just returned today from our 3rd visit to Windlestraw. Sylvia and John are exceptional hosts. Our room was McIntosh.it was beautifully decorated and very comfortable. The dining experience and the warmest welcome is what brings us back each time. I would highly recommend this restaurant with rooms to anyone who loves food and the company of good people. Thank you Sylvia, John and Bramble. for a wonderful stay.
Keith Brown
Jun 06, 2022
Ross Gays
May 14, 2022
FAB-U- LOS! - A-MAZ-ING! Simply the Best! Silvia and john have created the most wonderful hotel and restaurant. Windlestraw is absolutely superb in every way. The hotel & rooms are just exquisite with such love and care in every detail. The 6 course set menu was the best we have experienced in many years. Our stay was 1st class. If I could award 6 stars I would.
Ali R.
May 09, 2022
Neil Forsyth
Jan 16, 2020
Yvonne Dickson
Jun 10, 2019
Susan Ball
Nov 15, 2018
Karen Scrymgeour
Oct 29, 2018
John Shaw
May 19, 2018
Fergus Macdonald
Feb 02, 2018
An amazing place to stay. Definitely one of the nicest places we've stayed and would highly recommend it. The whole house is lovely and our room was no exception. Huge bathroom with walk in shower and freestanding bath. Our food there was exceptional with a 5 course tasting menu for dinner and a superb breakfast. The owners are lovely and make the whole experience that bit more unique and enjoyable.
Qype User Sheehl
Aug 13, 2009
My husband took me here for my birthday this year. There is a hotel as well as the restaurant - we stayed over. The rooms were lush - there are virtual tours on the website of the rooms. Our room had a huge bathroom with free standing roll top bath and a walk in shower with dinner plate sized shower head. Anyway - the meal, was just amazing. The chef specialises in freshly cooked local produce.
I had smoked salmon for starter - very simply presented and tasted just great. My main was chicken breast with wild muchrooms and dessert was a pineapple carpaccio with home made vanilla icecream. Was all wonderful. Best thing though was the steak that my husband ordered - has to have been the best steak I have ever tasted. Restaurant is small and cosy and you move through into the lounge for coffee and petit four.
The lodge is set on the edge of Walkerburn, near Peebles - wonderful views out across the tweed valley. I would recommend this place to anyone. Dinner, B+B starts at 210 for 2 people - I think it is well worth it.
I had smoked salmon for starter - very simply presented and tasted just great. My main was chicken breast with wild muchrooms and dessert was a pineapple carpaccio with home made vanilla icecream. Was all wonderful. Best thing though was the steak that my husband ordered - has to have been the best steak I have ever tasted. Restaurant is small and cosy and you move through into the lounge for coffee and petit four.
The lodge is set on the edge of Walkerburn, near Peebles - wonderful views out across the tweed valley. I would recommend this place to anyone. Dinner, B+B starts at 210 for 2 people - I think it is well worth it.
