your rural retreat.
A cluster of stone buildings in the Scottish Borders, dating back to 1858 - brought back to life, slowly and considered, as the kind of place we'd want to visit ourselves.
a place we're
building slowly,
on purpose.
come and stay. light a fire. walk somewhere quiet. relax in nature. be surrounded by art and nature. read the book you brought.
We bought Whitehill Steading in 2021 but its history goes back all the way to 1858.
It comprises a collection of stone outbuildings and was once part of the Mellerstain Estate - home to the Earls of Haddington for hundreds of years.
We're slowly bringing each building back to life, with the kind of care you'd give something 170 years old.
what’s here
the cottage
The first building we brought back to life.
A two bedroom stone cottage, sleeping up to four, with thick walls, two wood burning stoves and the best dusk skies in the Borders.
Facing out over the fields - sleeps four and comes complete with hand-picked antique furniture, thoughtful art, and plenty of character.
the sauna
Our very own wood-fired Scandinavian Sauna - in the heart of the Scottish Borders.
Complete with cold shower, cold plunge, and views over the fields towards Hume Castle - it's perfect for relaxation and resetting.
Join us for an ‘open access session’ or book your own private session for the ultimate retreat.
The Sauna opens on 1 August. Please come back then to book your spot…
the dog house
The estate’s original kennel block is now your very own pub. Perfect for small events (up to about 24 people) and offered on a BYOB basis.
Think thick stone walls, rustic flagstone floors, and the kind of fireplace that asks to be lit.
The building has always housed something four-legged and well-loved so we named it The Dog House.
Available to book online from 1 August.
what’s coming
the workshop
In late 2026 we’ll start work to renovate The Workshop.
Our plan is to use this great space for art, design, and craft - showcasing makers from across Scotland and Northumberland.
It’ll be a relaxed space with ‘open studios’ at weekends where you can combine art, nature, a very good coffee, and something delicious to eat.
the wash house
The perfect accompaniment to The Sauna, we’ll start to convert The Wash House into a unique wellness space in late 2026.
It will be a multi-functional space - hot showers and changing areas for guests of The Sauna, a companion space for events at The Dog House, and a little ‘on-grid’ luxury for our otherwise off-grid woodland experience at The Bothy.
the bothy
A space we’ve dreamt of for years - we’re delighted to be partnering with Iain MacLeod (of Studio IMA) and renowned artist Bobby Niven to bring an Artist Bothy to Whitehill Steading.
We’re crafting an immersive off-grid (but with hot showers at The Wash House) retreat for two surrounded by woodland and ferns.
future plans
the stables
In 2027 we’ll start work to bring The Stables back to life as a luxurious retreat for two.
We’re still planning this space but will sympathetically restore this beautiful building that’s been home to horses for most of its near-200 years.
You can expect a Japandi-inspired hideaway, lots of nature-inspired art, and an incredible bath.
rural, but connected.
We’re situated in the heart of the Scottish Borders - with Kelso our nearest town. We have great road, rail, and airport connections. Edinburgh is just under an hour away (great for Edinburgh Waverley train station or flights to / from Edinburgh Airport), we have fast trains up and down the East Coast at Berwick upon Tweed (just 40 minutes away), and there’s a local train at Tweedbank.
When you get here you’ll be surrounded by nature. We’ve rolling hills to the front and our own woodland to the rear. All around us are fields full of crops and livestock (come in the spring for the lambs), and plenty of countryside charm.
We’ve walks of all types / lengths on our doorstep, you can be in the hills within half an hour, or at the beach in around the same time.
We like to think there’s something for everyone.
retreat, relax, refresh, renew.
