Aikwood Tower, Selkirk, Scottish Borders

Perched high above the Ettrick Water in the Scottish Borders is the extraordinary Aikwood Tower. Built in the 16th century, this five-bedroom, Category A-listed home spans five storeys and over 3,400 sq ft of space. With connections to Scottish novelists Sir Walter Scott and James Hogg, the building is steeped in history; original details include an astonishing stone fireplace and an unusual left-turning staircase. A peaceful walled garden is tucked at the rear, while a separate outbuilding is currently used to host events. The town of Selkirk is four miles away, and Edinburgh can be reached from nearby Galashiels in just under an hour.



The tower is currently run as a short-term lets and events business; more information can be provided on request.



Setting the Scene



The first mention of Aikwood comes in the 15th century, when it was one of the royal forest steadings of Ettrick Forest, leased from King James III to Lord Home. In 1517, the grounds were granted to the Scott family during the reign of King James V. The tower is thought to have been built c.1535 – one of the Scottish Borders’ 'peel towers’, it was built to protect its inhabitants against the devastating raids that frequently occurred in the area.



Rich with history and legend, Aikwood has served as inspiration for some of Scotland’s most renowned writers. Sir Walter Scott, a descendant of the Scott family who owned the tower, immortalised it in his first great epic poem, The Lay of the Last Minstrel. Aikwood also featured in the writings of his contemporary, James Hogg, including a legend about Michael Scott, a 12th-century scientist and alchemist known as the ‘Border Wizard of Aikwood.’



From the mid-18th to the 20th century, the tower fell into a state of disrepair and was used as agricultural storage. In the 1990s, it was acquired by Lord Steel, a descendant of the Scott clan, who sensitively restored it as a home. The restoration of Aikwood has won no less than five architectural awards, including the prestigious Europa Nostra.



The Grand Tour



Set back from the road, a snowdrop-lined private driveway sweeps up to the entrance to the tower. Inside, a grand entrance hall with vaulted ceilings leads to a rare left-turning stone staircase, rising to the main living space on the first floor. Known as the Great Hall, the room is brimming with original details, including a studded timber door with etchings from previous inhabitants and a magnificent stone fireplace with intricate ironwork. Illuminated by recessed windows criss-crossed by original iron bars, it has original flagstones underfoot and painted timber panelling overhead.



An adjacent sitting room, known as the Laird Study, has a log burner and ornate timber panelling on the ceiling. Part of a later extension, a contemporary gallery is accessed from the Great Hall. Currently used as a library, its vaulted ceiling is defined by a striking arrangement of timber beams. Beyond lies a small bar and a peaceful double bedroom with an en suite bathroom.



On the ground floor, the kitchen has a barrel-vault ceiling with beautifully textured original stonework. A large recessed window frames views of the trees beyond, and appliances include a green Aga. The cabinetry conceals an integrated fridge, freezer and dishwasher. A vaulted modern hall sits adjacent and is well-suited to hosting larger dinners or events. A separate room is currently used as an events kitchen, and there are two guest WCs.



Several bedrooms are arranged on the upper floors. The principal suite occupies the entirety of the second floor, comprising a vast double bedroom with an original stone fireplace alcove and an en suite bathroom with a roll-top bathtub.



Two further bedrooms are found on the third floor, both with en suite bathrooms. A separate shower room completes this floor. An additional bedroom is tucked away on the fourth floor. It has a vaulted ceiling with exposed timber roof trusses and an ensuite with a walk-in shower.



The Great Outdoors



A stone wall encloses the formally structured garden. Timber double doors set into the wall unfold onto the garden, accessed through a pergola of laburnum trees. The main garden is largely laid to lawn, with an adjacent orchard abundant with apple and pear trees. A variety of plants native to Scotland add colour and depth to the garden.



A courtyard area has a detached stone-built former cart shed, transformed by the current owners into a large function room opening onto the courtyard. A log store and shed link the two.



There is a linear paddock that runs alongside the driveway with expansive views across the valley.



Out and About



Aikwood Tower sits in the heart of the Scottish Borders, four miles away from the town of Selkirk. The area is known for its beautiful countryside, lochs and rolling hills, and the house overlooks the Ettrick Water from its elevated position.



The award-winning Cross Keys pub is a five-minute drive away in Ettrickbridge and is known for its cosy atmosphere. The Waterwheel Café, part of the Philiphaugh estate, is another local favourite. Further dining and shopping opportunities are found in nearby Selkirk, which is also home to a doctor’s surgery, a post office and a supermarket. A hospital is located in the neighbouring town of Melrose.



There are several highly regarded museums and attractions in the local area, including the Trimontium Museum and the Great Tapestry of Scotland, one of the world’s largest community arts projects. A cinema is located in nearby Galashiels.



Opportunities for exploring nature are almost endless. The Eildon, Cheviot and Pentland Hills are all within easy driving distance, as is the Borders Abbeys Way and the John Buchan Way in Peebles. The Haining is an 18th-century manor house in a woodland estate with a loch, while Bowhill House and its landscaped gardens are another excellent option for a weekend excursion.



Schooling options in the area include Kirkhope Primary, Yarrow Primary and St Mary’s independent preparatory school. Galashiels station is a 15-minute drive away, with direct services to Edinburgh in just under an hour. From Edinburgh, further connections can be made, with services to Glasgow, Aberdeen and London. Edinburgh Airport has flights to London in around an hour and 15 minutes.



Please note, as a business premises, the property is fully compliant with Scotland's short-term let legislation and is set up for anyone wishing to use it for similar purposes.



Council Tax Band: H