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Quirky Historic Cottage in the Scottish Borders

Photo gallery for Quirky Historic Cottage in the Scottish Borders

Room
Dining
Living area
Private kitchen
Room

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View map
Kelso, SCT
  • Place, Pennine Way
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Floors Castle
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Place, Alnwick Castle
    ‪47 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Single Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Garden

About this property

Quirky Historic Cottage in the Scottish Borders

Set in the foothills of the Cheviot hills and on the edge of the Northumberland National Park, Gypsy Palace is an unusual self catering cottage with a fascinating history. Situated in the Scottish Borders at the most northerly point of the Pennine Way, the small village of Kirk Yetholm has been regarded as the home of the gypsies of Scotland and Northern England for over 300 years; Gypsy Palace is famous the world over as the royal residence of both Queen Esther and her son and heir, King Charles Faa Blythe. It is said that Queen Esther became very popular receiving the gentry from far and wide who visited especially to hear her words of wisdom, We have no idea how old the cottage is but records mention its existence back in the early 1800's.
The Palace can sleep up to four people, though its small size means its more suited to couples or small families. It is perfect for exploring both the Scottish Borders with its stunning moors and quaint market towns, and Northumberland with its spectacular beaches and many castles. Kelso, Jedburgh, Melrose, Holy Island, Alnwick and historic Berwick upon Tweed are all just a short drive away short drive.

Gypsy Palace has frequently appeared in the national press including:
The Times: 30 Serene Scottish Hideaways
The Scottish Field magazine
The Scotsman
The Sunday Times - article: Fit for a Queen
Tiny Living magazine
The Independent newspaper: UK's Best Holiday Houses
The Scottish Herald
We have also featured in many books and on websites all over the world including Lonely Planet, Buzzfeed, BBC Legacies, etc.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 25 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Kelso

Kelso is home to this cottage. Cheviot Hills and Hirsel Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Clifton Park and Home Park. Heatherslaw Light Railway and Woodside Garden Centre are also worth visiting.
View more Cottages in KelsoOpens in a new window
Map
Kirk Yetholm, Scotland

What's nearby

  • Pennine Way - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Kelso Racecourse - 16 min drive - 16.8 km
  • Floors Castle - 18 min drive - 17.8 km
  • Bamburgh Castle - 42 min drive - 56.1 km
  • Alnwick Castle - 47 min drive - 62.1 km

Getting around

  • Edinburgh Airport (EDI) - 105 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Border Hotel - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪St Cuthberts Coffee Shop - ‬7 min drive
  • The Plough Inn

Frequently asked questions

Is Quirky Historic Cottage in the Scottish Borders pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 25 kg per pet.

How much does it cost to stay at Quirky Historic Cottage in the Scottish Borders?

As of 30 March 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Quirky Historic Cottage in the Scottish Borders on 4 April 2026 start from NZ$346, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Quirky Historic Cottage in the Scottish Borders?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Quirky Historic Cottage in the Scottish Borders?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Quirky Historic Cottage in the Scottish Borders?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Quirky Historic Cottage in the Scottish Borders located?

Situated in Kelso, this cottage is steps from Pennine Way and within 6 mi (10 km) of Hailes Castle and Hoselaw Loch and Din Moss. Clifton Park and Borders Abbeys Way are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 3 out of 3 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 3 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 3 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 3 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 3 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.4/10

Communication

9.4/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alan B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Stay

Loved this quirky cottage - has everything you need. Bed was very comfortable - definitely be back 😃
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gypsy Palace

I’d go back. The cottage is very comfortable and warm and its history is very interesting. The kitchen is well equipped and there’s a good shower in the bathroom. It’s perfect for a dog because it has a back door and stone floor. The garden is fully fenced in, but won’t keep in a smaller dog. There’s a lovely sun house. It’s situated on the Pennine Way, and there’s a hotel close by serving food, so there’s no need to be driving a lot.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Siobhan S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The Palace

Getting booking! The Palace is just the most delightful, quirky and charming cottage. We loved our stay. Brought bikes which we could store in the outbuilding and did some glorious rides direct from Kirk Yetholm. Highly recommend this place.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

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