Windlestraw

I have just realised - to my embarrassment - that I have not reviewed this amazing place after our visit last summer. We stayed for the last night of our Scottish road trip - 8 nights and 6 hotels - and truly saved the best till last. The personal friendly service was evident from my first enquiry but we were not expecting Windlestraw Lodge to be quite as glorious as it turned out to be. Our room - Wilson - was beautiful and had been furnished and fitted out by someone with excellent taste. The bathroom was probably the best we have ever had the pleasure of relaxing in. All the public spaces are elegant and welcoming and the food delicious. I have reviewed dinner separately but breakfast was brilliant with everything freshly cooked and an extensive menu. I have recommended this place to a number of friends and I know one has visited and also loved it. We hope to return. It is not a cheap option but worth every penny.

Staying at Windlestraw was an absolute pleasure. The food was incredible and great amounts of thought went into it. Sylvia was so hospitable and kind, she went above and beyond to make sure we had a wonderful stay and she made it feel like home. Rooms were lovely and very well stocked with tea, coffee and biscuits.

Recently stayed at Windlestraw for my wife’s birthday. Sylvia couldn’t have been any more helpful in making this an exceptional experience. It’s a boutique hotel in a beautiful setting in The Scottish Borders. Sylvia greeted us warmly and accommodated us in the sun room with large pots of tea and coffee along with homemade shortbread. We were encouraged to relax and unwind with our drinks before being shown to our luxurious room. The furniture, linens, decor, artwork, everything about our room were beautiful, every small detail was considered and thoughtful from the restored original bath to the sleep spray for our fluffy pillows. We met Sylvia again at 7pm in the sunroom for aperitifs and canapés, these were delicious, we knew that dinner was going to be excellent and indeed it was. Every course was fabulous, the wine list varied and interesting and the service warm and professional. Breakfast was perfect with quality ingredients and a varied choice of homemade breads and cereals, freshly squeezed orange and hand pressed apple juices. Unfortunately our stay was over all too quickly, time to check out which again was a lovely experience. We met John who single-handedly cooked our wonderful dinner and breakfast and chatted with both he and Sylvia a little. They are lovely people, we would have loved to hear more of their interesting stories. Our whole experience was perfect and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend a stay at Windlstraw for a special experience.

An exquisite base for the Borders . A beautifull small hotel owned and run by John and Sylvia , with lovely rooms and exceptional cooking by John. This couple have a very interesting back story so do read his book White Chalk it’s remarkable!

My wife and I stayed at Windlestraw for a weekend getaway to celebrate our wedding anniversary. We just wanted somewhere that we could relax out in the countryside and enjoy some nice food. Windlestraw did not disappoint. This place is fantastic. So unique is the place and welcoming. The rooms are amazing and have been finished to a very high standard. The food was amazing, I cannot rate it highly enough as was the hospitality. We will definitely be returning and trying to encourage friends and family to join us next time.

Stayed for one night to celebrate my partner's birthday while we spent a couple of days exploring the Borders. Our stay included Dinner as well as B&B. Our hosts Sylvia & John provided superb, friendly hospitality and helped in making the day a memorable one for my partner. We both enjoyed the welcoming, relaxed and calming ambience created and as for the food...truly exquisite and fine dining indeed. Overall, a wonderful experience.