It’s not often that you get a chance to experience the splendour that inspired one of Scotland’s greatest writers, but that’s exactly what’s on offer for lucky guests staying in a special wing of Sir Walter Scott’s fantastical Abbotsford House near Melrose.
Originally a family residence, the Hope Scott Wing was home to Scott’s descendents who lived there until 2004, having kept the historic rooms of the main house open to the public since a few months after Scott’s death in 1833. By all accounts, Scott’s great, great granddaughters, the last of the family to live in the wing, were colourful characters who brought a warmth to the wing that can still be felt today.
When the wing was refurbished in 2013, a host of original features were retained as well as family belongings including original artworks and furniture. Now designed to accommodate groups of up to 14 on a self-catering basis, each of the wing’s seven bedrooms (six en-suite) are individually styled and named after a famous previous guest or family member.
The public rooms include an exquisite sitting room – once the withdrawing room of Scott’s wife, Charlotte – a formal dining room, complete with one of Scott’s favourite views over the River Tweed, a reading room and billiard room. The wing is completed by a spacious kitchen, private courtyard and patio garden.
Although the wing has its own exquisite dining room, guests are also able to hire the grand, oak-tabled dining room in the main house – once one of the most celebrated tables in Scotland, welcoming the likes of William Wordsworth, American writer Washington Irving and Prince Leopold, later King of Belgium.
In the five years since opening to the public, the wing has seen groups celebrating all sorts of occasions, from birthdays to anniversaries and family gatherings. For really special occasions, private dining with the services of a personal chef and butler are also available.
It’s an intimate, historic base from which to explore the riches of Abbotsford itself, from the house – something of a life’s work for Scott – to the remarkable gardens and wider estate with its many lovely walks. Further afield there’s also fishing, shooting, golf and all manner of adventure sports.
Or, if that’s all too much, just recline with a book and gaze out the window as the River Tweed flows by on its journey to the sea.
Further info
For much more on the Hope Scott Wing, including tariffs and availability, visit www.scottsabbotsford.com/stay