Monymusk, hidden among woodlands on the hillside on the outskirts of the Borders town of Galashiels, just across the Tweed from Sir Walter Scott's lovely home of Abbotsford, is a fascinating and most unusual house.
Quick Info
Sleeps: 4/7 | Bedrooms: 4 |
Changeover Day: Sat | Pets Allowed: Yes (3) |
No smoking | Bathrooms: 2 |
Licence No: SB-00687-F |
Built in 1958 and restyled 20 years later, it was designed by the award winning architect Peter Womersley, one of those cutting-edge modern houses which were the last word in chic in the 1970s, with loads of angles and lots of glass! Womersley also designed the ‘See-through House’ High Sunderland, in nearby Selkirk for the designer Bernat Klein. A monograph on Womersley, written by Professor Neil Jackson was published in 2023, which shows the original design of the house later extended by Duncan Cameron, who briefly worked with Womersley.
Owned by the same family since 1970, it has now been carefully brought up-to-date, while yet keeping in mind the distinctive style of its period. Inside it is very spacious, with a large L-shaped living room with comfortable seating round the open fire and a glass wall with access to the outdoor terrace in one ‘leg’ and the dining table in the other. At the end of the sitting room is a sliding wall beyond which is the play area, so this can be completely shut off if desired.
The kitchen is slick and modern with all the appliances you need and it even has a dishwasher so you don’t have to argue over whose turn it is to do the washing up!
All on one level, there are four bedrooms, two doubles, a single and a twin room which can be converted to a third double (zip and link mattress) on request. One of the double rooms has an en suite wetroom and a feature glass wall looking out to the garden. There is a family bathroom with bath and shower over and a cloakroom beside the front door that is another useful feature. Centrally heated and most comfortably appointed, Monymusk makes a memorable holiday home.
Its setting, too, is second to none. It stands at the end of a drive shared by only one other house. Its extensive enclosed woodland garden has been a beloved play and adventure area for generations of children, while its west-facing terrace (with furniture and BBQ) is a delightful place to while away a sunny afternoon or to relax with an evening drink.
From the garden, one can walk right out on to Gala Hill, from the brow of which, in the words of the local poet Roger Quin, you can 'gaze on Scotland's Eden', looking along the valley towards the pretty town of Melrose (4 miles) and the Eildon Hills.
At the bottom of the hill, you can stroll along the banks of the Tweed at Boleside, or, for something more strenuous, join the Southern Upland Way on the edge of the town.
Galashiels has all facilities, including a cinema and swimming pool. It also benefits from its position in the very heart of the Borders, ideal for touring in all directions. You can be on the Berwickshire coast in an hour, perhaps on the beach at Coldingham, or exploring historic Berwick-upon-Tweed.
A 45 minute drive will find you in the centre of Edinburgh, or you can leave the car behind and take the train or hourly bus service from Galashiels. To the west, there are the Border hills to walk, the mountain biking trails at Glentress, sailing at St Mary's Loch, fishing and golf courses galore and riding just beyond Selkirk (5 miles).
As well as Abbotsford, there is also no lack of historic keeps, castles and stately homes to visit, while garden enthusiasts will enjoy the Kailzie and Dawyck Gardens near Peebles.
Local Events and Attractions
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.
Accommodation
Single Storey
(6 steps up to entrance)
Open plan sitting room with open fire, TV/DVD and record player
Kitchen with dishwasher, microwave and fridge/freezer, etc
Cupboard with washing machine and tumble dryer
Study/playroom
Double bedroom with en suite wetroom with WC and wash basin
Double bedroom
Twin bedroom
Single bedroom
Bathroom with bath/shower, WC and wash basin
WC.
What's included
- Cot (excluding linen)
- Free
- Linen (Double Bed)
- Free
- Linen (Single Bed)
- Free
- Sets of towels (per person)
- Free
- WiFi
- Free
Available Extras
- Pet
- £20.00
Services
Bed linen and towels are INCLUDED. Electricity is INCLUDED. Heating is by gas central heating (INCLUDED) and open fire (starter pack INCLUDED). WiFi is INCLUDED. A maximum of 3 dogs are welcome at an additional charge (3 large, 3 medium or 3 small). If you wish to bring any other pets please contact us and we will see what we can do. No smoking.
Please note: For Monymusk, the tariff for 4 persons is based on two bedrooms only being made available.
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).
From 11/10/2024 to 14/10/2024
From 18/10/2024 to 21/10/2024
From 27/09/2024 to 30/09/2024
From 13/09/2024 to 16/09/2024
From 04/04/2025 to 07/04/2025
From 04/10/2024 to 07/10/2024
From 25/10/2024 to 28/10/2024
From 18/10/2024 to 21/10/2024
From 11/10/2024 to 14/10/2024
From 20/12/2024 to 23/12/2024
From 27/12/2024 to 30/12/2024
From 06/09/2024 to 09/09/2024
From 20/09/2024 to 23/09/2024
Changeover Day: Sat
Rental - Date Range | Sleeps 4 | Sleeps 7 |
24 Aug 2024 - 13 Sep 2024 | £750.00 | £895.00 |
14 Sep 2024 - 04 Oct 2024 | £650.00 | £795.00 |
05 Oct 2024 - 25 Oct 2024 | £750.00 | £895.00 |
26 Oct 2024 - 19 Dec 2024 | £495.00 | £595.00 |
20 Dec 2024 - 27 Dec 2024 | £1,095.00 | £1,095.00 |
28 Dec 2024 - 05 Jan 2025 | £1,095.00 | £1,095.00 |
06 Jan 2025 - 31 Jan 2025 | £495.00 | £595.00 |
01 Feb 2025 - 04 Apr 2025 | £650.00 | £795.00 |
05 Apr 2025 - 25 Apr 2025 | £750.00 | £895.00 |
26 Apr 2025 - 02 May 2025 | POA | POA |
03 May 2025 - 23 May 2025 | POA | POA |
24 May 2025 - 30 May 2025 | POA | POA |
31 May 2025 - 27 Jun 2025 | POA | POA |
28 Jun 2025 - 18 Jul 2025 | POA | POA |
19 Jul 2025 - 29 Aug 2025 | POA | POA |
30 Aug 2025 - 12 Sep 2025 | POA | POA |
13 Sep 2025 - 03 Oct 2025 | POA | POA |
04 Oct 2025 - 24 Oct 2025 | POA | POA |
25 Oct 2025 - 19 Dec 2025 | POA | POA |
20 Dec 2025 - 27 Dec 2025 | POA | POA |
28 Dec 2025 - 05 Jan 2026 | POA | POA |
06 Jan 2026 - 05 Jan 2027 | POA | POA |
06 Jan 2027 - 05 Jan 2028 | POA | POA |
06 Jan 2028 - 05 Jan 2029 | POA | POA |
Please note: Prices are calculated based on your party size at the time of booking and where more than one tariff is shown, the number of bedrooms made available may vary. This allows us to offer larger properties at lower rates for smaller parties. 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.
For Monymusk, the tariff for 4 persons is based on two bedrooms only being made available.
Reviews
(Supplied Independently through Feefo)
![](https://uniquecottages1live.azureedge.net/templates/images/responsive/feefologo_bottom.jpg?v=638592390672470859)
![#](https://uniquecottages1live.azureedge.net/templates/images/reviews/5.png)
Monymusk was a beautiful, characterful, relaxing place to stay. It suited our family of 5 very well. We loved staying so...
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I loved this house! Unusual, quirky, and a well-preserved architectural gem. Well-equipped without losing the character ...
Read More![#](https://uniquecottages1live.azureedge.net/templates/images/reviews/5.png)
Home from home, great for exploring borders and northumberland
Our response:
Glad that Monymusk has that home away from home feeling.
![#](https://uniquecottages1live.azureedge.net/templates/images/reviews/5.png)
We love Monymusk. It is so far from the kind of soulless holiday home that seems to be becoming the norm. It feels like ...
Our response:
We are so pleased to hear you had such an enjoyable time and do hope that you choose to return again soon.
Read More![#](https://uniquecottages1live.azureedge.net/templates/images/reviews/5.png)
Fascinating, architecturally interesting house. It is full of surprises. The dogs were delighted by the huge garden.
Our response:
Many thanks for taking the time to leave a review. Monymusk does offer something different. We look forward to welcome y...
Read MoreGuest Comments
'Beautiful bungalow in perfect setting, very quiet and peaceful.Furnished to a high standard with everything you could need. Can't recommend highly enough!'
Evans party
'We had a fabulous Christmas here at Monymusk. This is our sixth time staying here and the house was just as warm and inviting as our first
stay some years ago.'
Inwood party
'Really enjoyed my stay here. Lovely cosy home set in beautiful scenery.'
Cook party
'Awesome week! Fishing and riding within a 15 minute drive. Would recommend place to anyone with small children - the garden provided more than enough entertainment.'
Da Silvas party
'Wonderful holiday, thought Melrose was charming and we gorged ourselves at the Kingsknowe Hotel which is walkable and has delicious food.'
Wilson party
'Lovely, spacious and comfortable house, enjoyed by all. The kitchen is fab and easy to use.'
Bower party
Guest Comments
'Beautiful bungalow in perfect setting, very quiet and peaceful.Furnished to a high standard with everything you could need. Can't recommend highly enough!'
Evans party
'We had a fabulous Christmas here at Monymusk. This is our sixth time staying here and the house was just as warm and inviting as our first stay some years ago.'
Inwood party
'Really enjoyed my stay here. Lovely cosy home set in beautiful scenery.'
Cook party
'Awesome week! Fishing and riding within a 15 minute drive. Would recommend place to anyone with small children - the garden provided more than enough entertainment.'
Da Silvas party
'Wonderful holiday, thought Melrose was charming and we gorged ourselves at the Kingsknowe Hotel which is walkable and has delicious food.'
Wilson party
'Lovely, spacious and comfortable house, enjoyed by all. The kitchen is fab and easy to use.'
Bower party