Borthwick HallHeriot, Scottish Borders, EH38 5YE

Dating from 1852, with subsequent additions and enhancements, Borthwick Hall is an impressive Scottish Baronial country house of considerable character and architectural distinction. The predominantly two-storey residence is centred around a striking four-storey tower adorned with decorative corner turrets, creating a commanding presence within its landscaped setting.

Constructed principally in smooth-rendered pale cream elevations with exposed ashlar detailing, the house displays an array of traditional Baronial features, including rope-moulded string courses, corbelled detailing, crow-stepped gables and elegant angled turrets topped with finialled roofs.

Internally, the property retains a wealth of original period features. Exposed timber finishes, six-panel doors and fine craftsmanship are found throughout, while the magnificent double-height reception hall provides a dramatic focal point with its trussed timber ceiling, sweeping staircase and impressive architectural detailing.

The study retains its original Jacobean-style ceiling, while the drawing and dining rooms were remodelled in a refined neo-classical style during the 1920s. The drawing room features decorative plasterwork, a carved timber fireplace and attractive views across the grounds, while the dining room offers timber panelling, an elegant fireplace and a distinctive Art Deco fire surround. A former billiard room (now cinema room) on the first floor retains an armorial tiled chimney piece displaying the Macfie family crest.

The house is entered through a handsome entrance porch with a pitched timber ceiling. Stone steps lead through the vestibule into the reception hall, from which the principal accommodation radiates.

The dual-aspect drawing room enjoys delightful views over the gardens and paddocks beyond, with direct access to the terrace. Adjoining this space is the study, complete with its original Jacobean ceiling and a wood-burning stove.

Across the hall, the dining room connects directly to the kitchen. The well-appointed and newly fitted kitchen has a range of units and integrated appliances including a large range cooker. Beyond lies a walk-in pantry and there is a secondary hall with access to the cellar, which includes a wine cellar and two storage rooms and a utility room.

The ground floor is further complemented by a play room, garden room and sauna.

The impressive staircase rises to a galleried landing illuminated by a beautiful stained-glass window etched with the Lawson family initials. To the north lies the principal suite with its own dressing room and en suite with fine views over the grounds.

There are three further bedrooms (1 en suite) on this level along with 2 bathrooms. In addition there is a laundry room and a hallway which links to the cinema / billiard room.

A spiral staircase within the tower leads to the upper floors, where a sitting room with kitchenette, two double bedrooms and a shower room are arranged. From these elevated rooms, far-reaching views extend southwards across surrounding countryside

To the rear of the property, Borthwick Hall also benefits from a range of flexible accommodation. Within the property itself is an annexe with bedroom, sitting room and kitchen and there are two separate residential properties. One of the units are presently let and generate a valuable rental income, with the other having now been stripped and ready to re-fit.

GARDENS AND GROUNDS
Extending to just around 12 acres, the gardens and grounds of Borthwick Hall provide a remarkable setting for the house and have been carefully developed over many years.

The formal gardens are situated principally to the south and include a gravel terrace overlooking sweeping lawns and a beautifully landscaped rockery. A water feature, stone steps, mature shrubs, specimen trees and colourful planting create an attractive and varied landscape that rises towards a charming circular dovecot on the hillside above.

9 paddocks are positioned to the north, north-east and south-east of the house. The south-eastern paddock borders the original arboretum.

The northern paddocks provide productive grazing land, well suited to equestrian or small-scale agricultural use, and benefit from the shelter and privacy afforded by the surrounding mature woodland.

Throughout the wider policies, mature woodland provides exceptional privacy and creates a magnificent backdrop to the striking architecture of the hall.

A purpose-built four-car garage is located near the entrance drive and incorporates a substantial first-floor storeroom measuring approximately 12.4m by 6.5m.

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