Library Wing, Abbey St. Bathans House, Duns, Berwickshire, TD11

Outstanding property renovated in recent years with fine period features throughout and stunning setting on the Whiteadder Water.

Description

Set in the heart of the Scottish Borders, Abbey Saint Bathans House is a striking 19th-century residence with deep historical roots and commanding views over the surrounding landscape. Once a simple thatched cottage, it was transformed across three generations of the Turnbull family (prominent local landowners) into the richly detailed and architecturally eclectic house seen today.

Built in stages throughout the 1800s, the house features gabled wings, turrets, ornate timberwork, and fine sandstone detailing, reflecting the Victorian era’s flair for craftsmanship. Inside, original fireplaces, plasterwork, wood panelling, and a grand staircase showcase the home's historic character. Though now divided into separate properties, Abbey Saint Bathans House remains a rare and well-preserved example of rural estate development from a pivotal period in Scottish history.

At the front of the property is a welcoming entrance porch with bench seating and coat hooks. The L shaped kitchen is at the heart of the house and has an island unit and a range of traditionally styled units with sleek silestone worktops and a tiled splashback. There is a Belfast sink, two ovens, gas hob and dishwasher. In addition this space benefits from extra storage with a separate larder An adjacent dining space is ideal for entertaining and family meals but there is also space within the kitchen for more informal dining. A hallway leads to the drawing room / library which is dual aspect. This splendid room looks out over the garden towards the water, the views framed by two square bay windows. The walls boast intricate oak panelling and the floor is polished oak laid in a herringbone pattern. A fireplace with impressive mantelpiece sits centrally on the internal wall. A side entrance leads to a pen with lockable wine store.

From the hallway a wonderful, original staircase curves up to the first floor. There is elaborate decorative detail on the staircase which rises up to the first and second floors. On the first floor there are three double bedrooms with views over the surrounding countryside. A family bathroom sits off the hallway and the stairs continue up to the second floor..

Here there is a large multi purpose, dual aspect room with turret. This space would make a fabulous art studio, yoga studio or games room, as it is bathed in light from the roof light above. Also located on the second floor is a further bedroom with dressing area as well as another bathroom.

The house overlooks the garden which sits to the northeast and is bound by open fields and the Whiteadder Water. The garden is mainly laid to lawn but is interspersed with a variety of mature shrubs and trees and a wonderful copse of rhododendrons. There are patios around the house as well as further storage areas. Some of the grounds are shared with other residents however the croquet lawn belongs to the Library Wing.

Location

The Library Wing at Abbey St Bathans House is set in the idyllic hamlet of Abbey St Bathans amongst the rolling countryside of the Scottish Borders.

Duns is the county town of Berwickshire with primary and secondary schools, a sports centre and a good range of shops and local services. Berwick-upon-Tweed, Kelso and Melrose provide an excellent range of shops, restaurants, cafés and professional services. Independent schooling is available at St Mary’s Melrose (prep), Belhaven Hill in Dunbar (prep) and Longridge Towers in Berwick-upon-Tweed (3-18 years). Edinburgh is 44 miles by road and Newcastle is 88 miles to the south. Both Edinburgh and Newcastle airports run regular flights to London and other UK and international destinations. Berwick-upon-Tweed has a mainline railway station with a fast service south to London and north to Edinburgh. Local services into Edinburgh are also available from Reston and Dunbar.

The location is exceptional for outdoor activities with a wide variety of beautiful and peaceful walking (the Southern Upland Way passes through Abbey St Bathans), cycling and riding routes. There are first class sporting facilities in the area, with trout and salmon fishing on the rivers Tweed, Blackadder, Whiteadder and Teviot. In addition to the 18 hole golf courses at Duns, Eyemouth, Coldstream, Kelso and Berwick-upon-Tweed, the championship courses of East Lothian are easily reached.





Additional Info

Services: Private water supply. Shared septic tank. Central heating and hot water provided by shared biomass system.

Fixtures & Fittings: Light fittings, integrated white goods and fitted floor coverings are included within the sale. Curtains are not included.

Listing and Conservation Area: The property is Category B Listed.

Solicitors: Lindsays, Caledonian Exchange, 19A Canning St, Edinburgh EH3 8HE

Photos taken: April 2025.

Date produced: April 2025.