Looking for your something old, something new? Patricia-Ann Young found it all under one roof during her stay at this stunning hotel in the Borders
Finding a balance between the authenticity of a country manor and the sleekness of a boutique hotel is no easy task. Go too heavy on the traditional elements and the venue can start to feel old-fashioned and frumpy. Stray too far to the fancy hotel side, though, and the place can lose its personality, robbing it of what made it so special in the first place.
SCHLOSS Roxburghe manages to walk this tightrope quite effortlessly, making guests feel they have escaped to a grand country house (proper Downtown Abbey vibes) without skimping on the luxuries you’d find in an exclusive and fashionable city-centre hideaway.
Tucked away in the Borders near the picturesque towns of Kelso and Melrose, SCHLOSS Roxburghe stands proudly among acres of green hills and gorgeous scenery. The hotel was taken over by new management in 2018, who decided to give it a major refurbishment (‘schloss’, the German for ‘castle’ is a nod to the owners’ homeland). They have lavished it with love and attention, watching it blossom from a small country hotel into a sprawling estate complete with a fabulous spa, cosy self-catering cottages, impressive golf course and many more fun estate activities. Oh yeah, and it’s a fabulous wedding venue too.
Not long after I arrive, I am whisked away on a tour, and it’s easy to image how amazing it would be to host a wedding here. The decor can only be described as Scottish country luxe; there are roaring fires below ornate mantelpieces, alongside more recent additions such as hand-painted gold ceilings. The effect is a brilliant combination of cosiness and luxury, two styles you often have to choose between when you’re selecting a venue.
My favourite area to host a wedding has to be the sun-lit conservatory. It’s a versatile room which works both as a romantic indoor ceremony space and as a beautiful spot to host a more intimate do for up to 50 guests. It looks out onto the hotel’s immaculate grounds and, when filled with flowers and chiavari chairs, it’s a real showstopper.
The hotel has a new ceremony space, the Teviot Suite, and it’s pretty special too. Insulated from the hubbub of the main hotel, it’s a place where your friends and family could party the night away without interruption. It has its own wrap-around terrace, allowing guests to enjoy the outdoors, and looks fantastic at night lit-up behind the floor-to-ceiling windows.
There are also lovely corners for a drinks reception, with one standout being Bar 1745. This watering hole was once the manor house’s library, and today it still exudes that easy, comfortable atmosphere that makes such boltholes so welcoming.
Couples looking for their something old and their something new really couldn’t do better than this glamorous wedding venue. It’s a fantastic meeting between two opulent styles of decor, allowing you to have it both ways when it comes to the backdrop of your special day.
Here’s the lowdown on this fantastic wedding venue in the Borders, which has much more to offer than just a stellar canapé selection…
THE ACCOMMODATION
There are 20 rooms and suites in the manor house, and 58 in the estate house, and you’ll also find 12 self-catering cottages in the grounds. As you’d expect, all are comfortable and tastefully decorated. The suites are particularly luxurious, so you won’t be disappointed if you spend your first night as a married couple here. The cottages, meanwhile, are set apart from the main building and could be a great option for a crazy-busy wedding morning when you need all the space you can get.
THE FOOD AND DRINK
The food is truly scrumptious, and the talented chefs work hard to create an exciting menu that changes with the seasons (we sampled the haggis scotch eggs and were blown away by the flavours). The team are happy to work with you to put together a special wedding menu.
THE GOLF
SCHLOSS Roxburghe is home to a scenic but challenging 18-hole course – no wonder golfers flock here from far and wide to play (and get married). The team can organise time on the course for any players among the bridal party, even on the wedding morning – as long as they’re up early enough!
DID YOU KNOW?
Bonnie Prince Charlie is rumoured to have visited Roxburghe in 1745, loving it so much he planted a rose bush in the grounds to commemorate his time there. Charlie’s, the hotel’s restaurant, and Bar 1745 are named in his honour.
SCHLOSS Roxburghe Hotel & Golf Course, near Kelso, Scottish Borders