Roxburghe Country House Hotel & Golf Club
on the Scottish Borders
Roxburghe House Hotel and Golf Club, one of Scotland’s finest country house hotels is situated on the Scottish Borders in the beautiful Tweed Valley.
The hotel is owned by The Duke of Roxburghe and is recognised as one of the most relaxed and friendly Country House Hotels in Scotland. Immediately one arrives it’s easy to understand why. In the entrance hall, with its grand staircase, there is a log fire is burning, perhaps an angler’s fishing gear resting on the fender drying, and the warmest of welcomes from Roxburghe staff.
The exquisite drawing room is beautifully furnished in rich fabrics, antiques and paintings from the Duke’s own collection. Guests can choose to have lunch or a drink in the cosy Teviot bar or in the library.
The hotel’s elegant and spacious ensuite bedrooms, while redolent of the past are all fully up to date with present technology including, flatscreen TV and satellite channels, ipod stations and wifi. Many of the rooms in the house have been individually designed by the Duchess, who is a designer in her own right.
Head Chef Neville Merrin ensures that only the finest Scottish food is served at Roxburghe. Most of the fresh produce comes from the estate and depending on the season you can expect to see wild mushrooms, wild salmon, grouse or partridge on the menu. Seasonal vegetables and herbs come from the estate gardens and cheeses from the Scottish Borders. To complement the excellent food are some superb wines, including some from the Duke’s own private cellar for that special occasion!
Chef Neville’s attention to detail is evident in the excellent presentation of food and wonderful service.
After dinner many diners choose to repair to the cosy ambiance of the library, where a log fire burns brightly allowing for chats over a wee dram or two from one of the best selections of Scottish malts.
The hotel provides guests with an opportunity to experience the best of golf, fishing, shooting and horse riding in the idyllic setting of the Tweed Valley.
Renowned as a centre of excellence for fishing it has beats on the world famous River Tweed and Teviot [a major tributary of the Tweed]. The season begins on the Tweed 1st of February and runs right through to the 30th of November which is the longest season of any Salmon River in Scotland. Ghillies and equipment hire can be arranged through the hotel, where nothing is too much trouble for Roxburghe staff!
The Trout Pond, within the hotel grounds, is regularly stocked with rainbow trout and is ideal for who those who would like to try their hand at fly–fishing or for the expert to practice casting techniques.
The Roxburghe Championship Golf Course presents a golfing challenge for players of all handicaps including Professionals. The Duke of Roxburghe, an avid golfer, commissioned Dave Thomas to build a golf course on his estate and the course opened in 1997 with a game between Sir Nick Faldo and Colin Montgomery.
The result of Thomas’s design bears his distinct hallmark of well positioned bunkers and large rolling immaculate greens with spectacular views over the countryside. The wide fairways meander through mature woodland following the natural contours of the landscape. There are two beautifully laid out challenging and long par 3’s with water hazards. Think carefully how you play these holes, if you go for the green accuracy is needed. Score well here and hopefully you will card a good score!
The 14th par 5 is Roxburghe’s signature hole, “The Viaduct” with the River Teviot running along the left of the fairway. From the elevated tee there are wonderful views across miles of the Scottish Borders countryside.
Roxburghe is now ranked among the top five inland courses in Scotland. In 2012 they hosted The European Tour Qualifying School for the first time and have also hosted the Scottish Seniors Open. The course record is 66, held by Sergio Garcia.
Roxburghe’s many other sporting pursuits include falconry, horse riding and clay pigeon shooting. Alistair Ferguson (senior instructor, Clay Pigeon Shooting Assoc.] is, I am told, one of the best instructors in the business! Whether, he is teaching or guiding the experienced shot one can rely on being entertained by his wit and Scottish charm.
Visiting Roxburghe was a unique experience, there was something for everyone from golf, fishing, clay pigeon shooting, Health and Beauty Spa to guided walks though the beautiful estate.
You can travel with Stena Line from Belfast to Cairnryan by foot from as little as £28* single or by car from £79** single. This is based on an economy crossing for car and driver. Additional car passengers cost from £25 each way for adults and £12 each way for children.
For an extra £16pp each way customers can upgrade to the luxurious Stena Plus lounge and indulge in a wide selection of complimentary snacks and beverages while relaxing in luxury seating and enjoy complimentary use of Apple Macs.
Customers can now enjoy access to the Pure Nordic Spa onboard where you can arrive at your destination feeling rejuvenated and revived after a dip in the Jacuzzi or relax in the sauna. The Spa is available to use for £10pp or £5pp*** for Stena Plus customers where a range of invigorating massage treatments can be enjoyed.
Stena Line sails up to six times daily from Belfast to Cairnryan in 2 hours 15 minutes. To make a booking, click on www.stenaline.co.uk, call Stena Line on 08447 70 70 70, or visit your local travel agent.
*For the lowest fares, passengers should travel off peak, Monday –Thursday and book online at least 28 days before departure. **Available on selected sailings Tuesday and Wednesday only.
*** massages are not included in this cost.
