The art of slow living is something that many of us struggle to perfect. It can feel like an aspirational idea that is quashed by the realities of everyday life. But, we all need some respite from our responsibilities now and again, and this is where slow travel comes in. It’s an opportunity to allow yourself to do nothing and fully commit to switching off.
The Scullery – a one-bedroom retreat in the Yarrow Valley in the Scottish Borders – is a destination that actively encourages you to disconnect and simply enjoy the rhythm of the day. They invite visitors to embrace ‘coorie’ – Scotland’s tradition of finding contentment in simple pleasures.
Owned by Neil and his husband James, the Scullery, occupies a wing of their 1850s farmhouse. The pair moved here from the south of England, where Neil worked in the hotel industry. But after a stint travelling in Australia and Asia, which involved some life-changing experiences discovering buddhism and meditation, he realised he was craving a slower pace of life. “I knew I wanted something more grounded, something that felt authentic to who I had become,” says Neil.
The Yarrow Valley offers them the perfect balance. It provides remoteness and stunning landscapes but within a reasonable distance of civilisation for when they required it. Innerleithen is about twenty minutes away, and Edinburgh is roughly forty miles, around an hour and twenty minutes by car. The Borders Railway from Tweedbank runs directly into Edinburgh Waverley, which makes travel straightforward. This is handy for the couple as well as for guests although Neil says: “In reality, I rarely feel the need to go anywhere else. The Borders have a gentleness and depth that feels more than enough.”
Neil’s time spent working in hotels was where a fascination with interiors blossomed. He discovered how materials, light and layout can influence how someone feels in a space. This knowledge has fed into the approach he took to The Scullery’s design and decor. Neil wanted to combine rustic charm with contemporary luxury and has personally hand-picked furniture, antique finds and local art. In such an old property, leaning into it’s heritage felt almost compulsory, and Neil has carefully merged it with modern touches and conveniences. There is a rain shower in the boutique bathroom with small-batch Scottish organic toiletries by Laura Thomas (@laurathomasco), and there is a discreetly placed Smart TV if cosying up with a good movie is how you’d like to round off your day.
Despite being part of the main farmhouse, Neil provides reassurance that The Scullery is completely self-contained and private. It makes it ideal for solo stays, couples seeking time together, writers, or anyone simply needing space to think. “Guests often tell us that within minutes of arriving they feel their shoulders drop,” says Neil, “That, more than anything, tells me we have created what we hoped to create.” The space is not flashy or showy, but instead encourages rest via it’s quiet luxury and uncluttered comfort.
As Neil concludes: “It is not about extravagance. It is about atmosphere. The Scullery is designed to help you breathe a little more slowly.”
What’s nearby…
If you can’t resist a bit of exploring, then there is plenty to keep you occupied in the surrounding area:
Nature is right on your doorstep, with St Mary’s Loch a short drive away and the Southern Upland Way offering spectacular walks. One of the UK’s highest waterfalls – Grey Mare’s Tail – is also nearby.
For history and architecture there are a few houses you can visit – Bowhill House, Abbotsford House and Traquair House are all within reach.
There are a number of characterful towns and villages nearby, including Selkirk, Melrose, St Boswells, Jedburgh and Peebles. Each are fun to explore, browsing the independent shops and stopping for a bite to eat.
Discover what else you can enjoy nearby and book a stay at The Scullery.
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