Linthill House in the Scottish Borders re-opened as self-catering holiday accommodation following extensive refurbishment

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND, 2016-Oct-04 — /Travel PR News/ — AN 18^th century house once famed for its ceilidhs and parties has been brought back to life following a two -year renovation project.

Linthill House near Melrose in the Scottish Borders opened its doors as self-catering holiday accommodation at the end of May.

VisitScotland has welcomed the investment in renovating the historic house to its former glory, one example of the opportunities that exist in the region which has been revitalised since the opening of the Borders Railway.

The nine-bedroom home set in 107-acres of grounds between Melrose and Lilliesleaf, just a short taxi-ride from Tweedbank Station, has proven popular with groups of families from the UK and overseas thanks to its spacious accommodation, family-friendly facilities and extensive grounds.

Linthill House which originally dates from 1792 was purchased by Mark and Harriet Williams in 2014 and underwent extensive refurbishment to bring it back to its former glory.

The house was built by the descendants of the Reverend William Hunter, who owned the neighbouring estate Midlem Mill. In 1924, it was purchased by the whisky distilling family William Sanderson & Sons of Edinburgh, famed for their ‘VAT 69’ blend, who undertook further extensive renovation, using it as their country retreat and for entertaining house guests.

The house retains many of its original features, including beautiful Georgian fireplaces, vast Edwardian baths and the sprung oak floor in the entrance hall which is perfect for dancing.

Harriet Williams said: “We are delighted with the feedback we have received so far. Our visitors have been thrilled with the house, its facilities, the space it affords them and, of course, the location. It lends itself – like it always has – to being an ‘occasion house.’ We are finding that groups of families and friends are coming together under one roof for a variety of reasons, be it celebrating landmark occasions or events or just as an excuse for a get-together.”

Mark Williams added: “We wanted to maintain the flavour of the house and deliver the sort of experience which those renting a large country house anticipate; we wanted elegance without compromising comfort and we believe we have achieved that. Houses like Linthill House struggle for a role nowadays and although the house had been used as self catering accommodation under the previous ownership, it had fallen into a state of disrepair.

“We have been so pleased with the support we have received from local trades during the refurbishment. We have invested a substantial sum of money in the house and every penny has been spent with local companies or individuals; the quality of the workmanship and the level of commitment which they have shown has been outstanding. What we have done has not only saved this historic house from deterioration but opened it up so that people and families can enjoy it – the house is being lived in again”

The house’s proximity to Edinburgh has proved popular with many guests making use of the Borders Railway, linking the Scottish Borders to the capital city, especially during the recent Edinburgh Festival.

Guests are also attracted by the opportunity to fish, shoot, horse ride and the wide range of good quality cafes and restaurants in the local area.

Doug Wilson, Regional Director of VisitScotland, said: “It is fantastic to see the tourism offering in the Scottish Borders enhanced with the opening of Linthill House. The investment demonstrates that tourism is more than a holiday experience – it creates jobs and sustains communities in every corner of the Scottish Borders all year round and is at the heart of the Scottish economy.

“We are delighted to work with businesses like Linthill House to help support them as they open up their doors. We have a dedicated team of experts based in the local area, who can offer valuable business advice and support, as well as allow access to a range of schemes to help secure their success.

“VisitScotland is committed to working in partnership with local businesses to maximize their full potential and build on the successful development of tourism in the Scottish Borders.”

For more information on the support available to Scottish tourism businesses, visit www.visitscotland.org

For more information on Linthill House, visit: www.facebook.com/linthillhouse/?fref=ts

Mark and Harriet Williams have recently re-opened Linthill House in the Scottish Borders as self-catering accommodation

Notes to Editors

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PRESS CONTACT
Amelia Whittaker

Corporate Press Officer
South Region, Taste Our Best
Amelia.Whittaker@visitscotland.com
01750 723806
Out of hours – 0131 472 2324

SOURCE: VisitScotland

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