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Cosy rural retreat in the beautiful Yarrow Valley

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Exterior
Dining
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
TV, DVD player, books
4 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, bed sheets

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms2 bathrooms

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View in a map
Selkirk, Scotland
  • Place, Bowhill House
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Place, St Mary's Loch
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Place, Market Square
    ‪18 min drive‬

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About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Cosy rural retreat in the beautiful Yarrow Valley

Old Kirkstead is tucked away in the beautiful Yarrow Valley between Selkirk (16 miles) and Moffat (16 miles). It is accessed from the A708 through Kirkstead Farm steading and along 0.5 miles rough track.

This traditional stone shepherds cottage has been extended to provide a large contemporary kitchen with a spacious open plan living area and four bedrooms. There is a double bedroom with en-suite shower room, and a twin bedroom downstairs; and a further twin bedroom and king size bedroom upstairs. The bathroom is located downstairs, and has an over bath shower. The utility room has space for a dog bed as well as the washing machine and tumble drier.

Warmed by oil-fired central heating, Old Kirkstead is comfortable and cosy throughout the year.

The cottage is an ideal base for hill walkers, bird watchers, wildlife enthusiasts, or families who just want to get away from it all and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Well behaved dogs are welcome, however they must be kept on a lead as this is a working farm.

There is no broadband and limited mobile signal at Old Kirkstead although there is 4G a couple of miles down the valley.
During your stay at this cottage, you'll be close to Bowhill House. You'll find features such as laundry facilities. Enjoy your stay with amenities like a kitchen and 2 bathrooms in the cottage.
  • The cottage offers a kitchen, a washing machine and 2 bathrooms
  • Amenities include laundry facilities
  • 9 minutes by car from Bowhill House and 10 minutes from St Mary's Loch
Cosy rural retreat in the beautiful Yarrow Valley offers its guests laundry facilities. The front desk is open around the clock.

This Selkirk cottage is smoke free.

Property amenities

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • TV with cable/satellite channels

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • 2 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM

Minimum check-in age - 21

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 2 pets
    • Service animals are exempt from fees.
  • Note from host: Dogs must be kept on a lead

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, which will enable you to manage your booking.

Property is also known as

Cosy Rural Retreat in the Beautiful Yarrow Valley Cottage

Cosy Rural Retreat in the Beautiful Yarrow Valley Selkirk

Cosy rural retreat in the beautiful Yarrow Valley Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 86 out of 88 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 88 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 88 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 88 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 88 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jason N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great as always! Thanks so much!
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2026

8/10 Good

Mihaela S.

Liked: Cleanliness
We had a great stay here,the location is amazing,very quiet,with beautiful view of the hills and the little river behind the house.The host was very kind,she made the Christmas tree for us,left lots of chocolates for the kids and cakes.The house was very clean and cosy.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nikki P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful stay in a beautiful cottage and location. The property was well equiped and stocked with some lovely touches left by the owner. The cleanliness was immaculate and we have a fantastic stay. Will certainly return.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jessica W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect getaway

We all absolutely no complaints on our stay, the properly was cleaned for our arrival and we even had a cake with some wine left for our arrival. I only gave 4 stars for accuracy of online listing due to the maps location on the posting did not match where the location actually was and we got a lil lost but a quick call with the host and we found it.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lara C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Relaxing break

Love the secluded location, great social space and super comfy!!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jacqueline I.

Liked: Cleanliness

Stunning Stay

Our stay was in stunning setting. Recommend getting there before dark as it is set back but then you are sitting in a postcard. We had a delicious lemon loaf and well equipped kitchen and home over the holidays. Thank you Hilary!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

susan edna s.

Liked: Cleanliness

new year in yarrow

beautiful place loved it.the children also loved it.so did the dog.will deffo book again.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Thomas S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Old Kirkstead

Old Kirkstead is a really nice spot which was enjoyed by kids and parents alike. We'd never been to this part of Scotland before but we'll be back for longer in the summer having only had three nights this time round. Hilary (the host) couldn't have been more helpful after we managed to completely mess up the booking too!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nigel D.

Liked: Cleanliness

Peaceful retreat.

It's easy to forget what peace and tranquillity is living near a large city but after a full day here you really begin to feel unwound. The property was very clean, escpecially the kitchen and bedding. The hosts just left us to it which we also appreciated. I would echo what a few other guests have mentioned about the 0.5 mile track to the property however. I would recommend a vehicle with at least "normal" ground clearance. A family hatchback / saloon can make it without grounding if driven slowly but a sports car would struggle. The sheep really entertained us also! Thank you.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Allan M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Short break to celebrate a 50th birthday with friends

The Old Kirkstead was the perfect getaway with friends. The house had everything we needed & was in the perfect location.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

rivka d.

Liked: Cleanliness

Aug 2024

We had a lovely very peaceful stay at Kirkstead farm. We didn't meet a soul near by our entire stay. The nearest supermarket/co op was half hour drive away! Was warmed by the lovely gesture of a fresh cake on arrival and wine and milk in the fridge too. the property was very clean and the grounds are superb. the stream just by the house was a a real perk and the sheep and stunning surrounding scenery was just beautiful. though we had a mostly rainy stay, we were grateful for the dry days at the end of the week and had a great time. Hilary, our host answered any quires we had and was lovely knowing she was just down the road from our house.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Katy R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Hidden gem

Old kirkstead was perfect for a friends and family break away from busy lives ! If you want to get away from everything and have gorgeous views and sheep in the garden this is the place for you. We loved the peace and quiet and no wifi we played games and wandered outside.One thing to bear in mind though is the track to the cottage is very rough and has pot holes so don’t go in a fancy car that is low as you’ll end up with no underneath!!Overall the cottage was well equipped apart from a lack of space to hang clothes in downstairs bedrooms but we loved having a washer and dryer and the cake and wine was a lovely treat for our arrival. Thank you so much hangclothes
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ala R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Fantastic view

The property was nice and clean enough to sleep 8 peoples and more. Very comfortable and nothing lacking, the host has provided everything needed. Lovely communal areas and outside space. We've enjoyed the seen and the walk to St Mary's Loch. Would recommend and go again :)
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lara C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great get away

Wonderful spot and very comfortable home.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karolina P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Christmas break

The best Christmas break ever! House in the middle of nowhere! Amazinng lake and river just next to you! We walked into warm and cosy cottage! We had milk, water and wine waiting for us! You will find everytjing you need for your stay! Clean and spacecious house! Kitchen fully equipped! We also had a Christmas tree!!! Thank.you very.much! We will be back over summer ☀️
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Marie J.

Liked: Cleanliness

Cosy getaway

Cosy getaway with all mod cons and plenty of space for 8 adults. We enjoyed exploring the beautiful countryside surrounding the cottage, playing games and sharing home cooked meals.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Russell H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful location

Beautiful location, so peaceful. Lovely well equipped house
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mark T.

Liked: Cleanliness

Summer break

Great location with just sheep for neighbours. The property is accessed by a dirt track around half a mile long we had no problems just slow and steady in the car. We had a few meals out in Peebles which is around 35 mins away by car. If you are tired of hill walking you can rent a kayak or paddle board at St Mary’s lock just ten mins drive away. I had read a number of reviews regarding phone signal my wife and daughter both got 3 /4 G on the EE network at the property I’m on Vodafone and didn’t get a signal until I stood outside but again managed to get 3G Vodafone was problematic though. Great location, fantastic house a great time had by all.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Helen P.

Liked: Cleanliness

A gem!

A beautiful property both inside and out. Perfect place to stay, can’t wait to return.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful stone cottage in amazing setting

Beautiful old cottage that has been perfectly retrofitted for comfort without ruining the ambiance. Nice large public areas, very well equipped kitchen, pleasant bedrooms… The setting is absolutely gorgeous, albeit with a bumpy road in for a short distance. Wonderful hiking all around. I would love to come back!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

David B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Exceeded our expectations

Completely remote and surrounded by wildlife, this cottage exceeded our expectations. We recommend: a walk around St Mary's loch from the cottage stopping at the Glen Cafe for cake, eat out at home from the Gordon Arms, and a visit to one of the many historic houses and gardens nearby. We were surprised to find so much to do, that we couldn't fit it all in one week. Our two dogs loved the holiday as well.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mary Y.

Liked: Cleanliness

Lovely stay

A lovely place to get away from it all.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Graham N.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful Easter getaway

Everything lived up to the description and our hopes. The house is very well proportioned and equipped, and utterly peaceful. We were seven people including two children,and there was something for everyone in and around the house, and in the area. The hosts cannot take the credit for the fantastic weather, but the natural entertainment in the form of sheep and lambs and lambing a few yards from our window was much appreciated, as was the friendly shepherd doing his rounds. Do not be daunted by the very bumpy track in to the cottage - just go slow! Make sure to bring what you need of food - it's a long way to the shops (which is part of what makes it so relaxing). Highly recommended!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jason N.

Liked: Cleanliness

A repeat rental

Clean, quiet, comfortable. Always a pleasure to stay here!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Simona B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing NY hideaway with family and frends

We booked the cottage for a relaxing New Year getaway with friends, 4 adults and 3 sassy teenage girls. The location is fantastic, on a valley where your only neighbours are the river and the sheep and the views are relaxing. The cottage is perfect, all that you need and more: spacious, clean, and very well equipped, including towels. The lack of internet connection is well balanced with a variety of games and a nice selection of books on the selves. The welcome pack of fresh cake, prosecco and milk in the fridge, provided by Hilary was lovely and greatly appreciated. Communication was very smooth and we received all information needed. We will love to return in the summertime to explore the surroundings more, and I hope Hilary will accept us back, after smashing the glass of a picture during the girls' fun play. She was very kind to refuse any extra payment for the damage.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022