Forty miles south of Edinburgh, set in the idyllic landscapes of the Ettrick Forest lies Aikwood Tower – a newly renovated 16th Century border peel tower set on the ancient hunting grounds of Mary Queen of the Scots. The surrounding area is fast becoming a hot spot for pheasant shooters and fishers in the know, whilst the rolling hills and forest trails are a refreshing, and beautiful change to the bleak mountains and highlands that Scotland is renowned for. The River Tweed and its surrounding tributaries mean that salmon fishing is particularly good at this time of year, whereas local pheasant shoots at Bowhill Estate are second to none. If fishing and shooting arent quite for you then an afternoon mountain biking or horse riding might be more suited, or better still, simply spend your stay indulging in the Larder of Britain – a well appointed title for an area of the UK known to provide only the freshest and tastiest produce. With only the highest quality local organic produce filling it, a welcome hamper, worth 400, is provided for your stay and is sure to satiate all appetites.
Owning a Five Star Visit Scotland award, and playing host to five en suite bedrooms and four reception rooms, Aikwood Tower is one of Scotlands finest examples of understated luxury and the ideal place to enjoy all that the Scottish borders have to offer this festive season. Built in the 1540s and having been owned previously by the Scot Clan since the Duke of Buccleuch, the tower has a rich past dating back to medieval times and is the perfect spot to relax and unwind with its spacious and beautiful interiors full of authentic history. A recent refurbishment to the Grade A listed building by leading designers means that Aikwood has all the trappings of the 21st century whilst still maintaining a unique medieval allure. With the castles halls all decked out with period Christmas decorations and a roaring log fire, Aikwood Tower is sure to make for a decidedly luxurious Yuletide this year.
