Top 10% of guest reviews in this areaTop 10% of guest reviews in this area
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 7
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Outdoor space
Rooms & beds
3 bedrooms (sleeps 7)
Double and single bed
1 Single Bed and 1 Double Bed
Double Bedroom
1 Double Bed
Master Bedroom with En-suite
1 King Bed
2 bathrooms
Bathroom 1
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
En-suite
Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area
About this property
The Old Smithy Converted Blacksmiths - Sleeps 7 and pet friendly (upto 2 dogs)
Short Term Let Licence Number: SB00057F 4* Rating 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sleeps up to 7 guests EPC = E
A great place to make those Special memories with those you love
Minimum 2 nights stay
Single storey property, ideal accommodation for guests with poor mobility (not wheelchair friendly)
Whether it's a relaxing bolthole for 2, a get together with friends, or a multi generational gathering, we cater for all!.
We hope our little personal touches, will help to make your stay with us a memorable one.
Dog Friendly - (doggy welcome pack on arrival) £20.00 per dog per stay (maximum 2 dogs)
A delightful traditional stone built converted blacksmiths, lovingly converted and restored to a high standard in 2012.
Fully centrally heated throughout the property, so cosy all year round.
The Old Smithy provides excellent self-catering accommodation, with stunning views over open countryside with Eden Water at the bottom of the garden.
The outdoor decking area with furniture is a great a place to relax during the daytime or evenings allowing you to take in the amazing views. (BBQ supplied)
We live in River Cottage opposite The Old Smithy so are on hand if you require any assistance during your stay.
The property is modern and stylish throughout displaying a wonderful blend of furnishings enhancing the original features of this old blacksmiths.
The hall has plenty of space to hang your coats, a shoe rack to store your outdoor footwear and pop on your slippers.
A door to your left leads into a wonderful social open plan kitchen and dining room . The SMEG Stainless Steel Range Cooker is perfect to prepare that special meal together. You don't need to worry about washing up as there is a dishwasher, so you can sit and relax.
The open plan living room is spacious and light with 2 sets of French doors leading into the garden area, where you can sit on the decking area and enjoy the open views across to the Thomson Memorial, and listen to the sound of Eden Water running at the bottom of the garden.
In the evening the lounge area becomes a warm and inviting space to sit and relax, with the flickering flame from the electric wood burner, music playing or playing a game or two, and of course finish off the evening with a wee dram. Pure bliss!
King-size bedroom with plenty of space to store your items along with an en-suite with a Walk- in shower cubicle.
The double bedroom consists of a double wardrobe, drawers and beside table.
The third bedroom is a very large spacious room, consisting of a double and a single bed, ideal as a family room.
There is a triple wardrobe, drawers and a bedside table.
We can provide up to 2 travel cots and high chair for you to use during your stay FREE OF CHARGE
The main bathroom consists of a bath (for those guests who like a soak at the end of the day) with a over bath shower, designed to create an ideal combination for those guests who prefer a shower.
The property is well equipped with the following appliances:
SMEG range cooker
Microwave
American style fridge/freezer
Washing Machine
Dishwasher
Iron/ironing board
Coffee maker
Dolce Gusto machine
TV
DVD player
Hifi system
Wifi
All bedlinen and towels
Cleaning products
Cot and Highchair on request
Hairdryers
Enclosed garden with garden furniture and barbecue
Ample off road parking
Add dates for prices
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Rural comfort - Luxurious cottage with lovely walks on doorstep
Kelso
Rural comfort - Luxurious cottage with lovely walks on doorstep
Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
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Pets
Pets allowed: dogs and cats (limit 2 total)
Dogs are not permitted in the bedrooms
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Property Registration Number SB00057F
Property # 8427925
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 7
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
About the area
Kelso
Located in Kelso, this holiday home is in a rural area. Kelso Abbey and Floors Castle are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Home Park and Clifton Park. Travelling with kids? Consider Scott's View and Woodside Garden Centre. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and fishing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with horse riding and hiking.
New Palace Theatre Organ Heritage Centre - 10 min drive
Hoot N Cat Coffee Shop - 5 min drive
The Cobbles - Freehouse & Dining - 5 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is The Old Smithy Converted Blacksmiths - Sleeps 7 and pet friendly (upto 2 dogs) pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total).
How much does it cost to stay at The Old Smithy Converted Blacksmiths - Sleeps 7 and pet friendly (upto 2 dogs)?
As of 13 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Old Smithy Converted Blacksmiths - Sleeps 7 and pet friendly (upto 2 dogs) on 7 September 2026 start from NZ$591, 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 The Old Smithy Converted Blacksmiths - Sleeps 7 and pet friendly (upto 2 dogs)?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at The Old Smithy Converted Blacksmiths - Sleeps 7 and pet friendly (upto 2 dogs)?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The Old Smithy Converted Blacksmiths - Sleeps 7 and pet friendly (upto 2 dogs)?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is The Old Smithy Converted Blacksmiths - Sleeps 7 and pet friendly (upto 2 dogs) located?
This family-friendly Kelso holiday home is located in a rural location, within 3 mi (5 km) of Kelso Racecourse, Kelso Old Parish Church and Kelso Abbey. Borders Abbeys Way and Floors Castle are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Excellent stay host so attentive and so welcoming! some lovely touches welcome baskets and 1 for Gizmo the cat! Lovely cottage everything you need is supplied nothing not thought off, so quiet and peaceful , lovely surroundings will stay again !
matthew w.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 8 January 2026
Happy New Year to you all!
Thank you so much for the wonderful review. We are so pleased to hear your family had a wonderful stay over Christmas and Gizmo enjoyed his treats.
We look forward to welcoming you again.
We had the best stay. Everything was wonderful. We were shown around on arrival. The best shower ever, I loved the bed. I know my points are not very useful for the next guest, but everything was perfect. Thank you for a lovely break. We will certainly stay again. Xxxxx
Kathy L.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 3 November 2025
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. We are so pleased to hear you had a great stay with us.
We look forward to seeing you again in the future 😊
Great experience from booking to the end of our stay. Owners very helpful and friendly, and cottage excellent.
Will P.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 5 November 2021
Thankyou so much for taking the time to review your stay. We are so pleased to hear you enjoyed your stay and your experience was a memorable one. We hope you will visit us again . Gail & Adrian
Beautiful house in lovely location perfect for exploring the area. Hosts were fantastic with lots of communication and suggestions for places to go. We had a great holiday with our family.
Gillian W.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 23 July 2022
Thankyou so much for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. We are so pleased to hear you and your family enjoyed your stay at The Old Smithy. It was pleasure to meet you all and hope that you will visit us again in the future. Gail & Adrian
Stay was amazing, comfortable and cosy. Everything we expected and more. We lucked out with some lovely sunny weather for the end of October, lovely area with lots to see and do for all ages. Thank you Gail for all your pre- planning it was very helpful.
Tricia C.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 4 November 2024
We are delighted you enjoyed your stay with us and managed to having some relaxing time after the wedding.
The weather was an hidden extra fur the end of October .
We hope you will visit us again in the future.
Beautiful cottage, lovely helpful hosts with a wealth of excellent guidance and advice on places to visit. Clean and organised home with everything you could possibly need. Amazing hosts!
pamela b.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 6 August 2022
Thankyou for your lovely review. We pride ourselves on ensuring that we clean The Old Smithy to a high standard to provide our guests with assurance that we follow the cleaning protocols. To enable our guests to explore the beautiful borders and Northumberland Coast we provide our guests with as much useful information as possible. We hope you will visit us again. Gail & Adrian
We stayed at the cottage for the weekend as a family when we were going to a wedding. The cottage is lovely, very nicely decorated and had everything we needed. Gail was a brilliant host, so friendly and helpful. Would highly recommend!
Emma B.
Response from VrboOwner on 26 March 2020
Thankyou for such a lovely review. We are so pleased to hear you enjoyed your stay with us. We hope you will visit us again in the future, especially your beautiful baby daughter. Gail & Adrian
Booked the Old smiddy for a wedding party stayover and it couldnt have been anymore perfect.
This was an amazing experience from start to finish. Property is beautiful and owners went out of their way to ensure out experience was a memorable one. First class and would 100% recommend.
Deborah Y.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 25 September 2022
Thankyou so much for taking the time to do such a lovely review.
It was a pleasure to be part of your daughter's wedding.
Thankyou for choosing to stay with us xx
Cottage was beautiful, clean, warm, cozy and decor was lovely.
The thoughtfulness of Gail is evident all over the house from the mints on the pillows to the happy birthday signs and personalised card and fizz.
Amazing property and would happily book again.
Linda M.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 2 November 2022
Thankyou so much for taking the time to post such a wonderful review.
It was a pleasure to be a part of your birthday celebration with your friends. We hope you will visit us again in the future.
The Old Smithy has to be one of the nicest properties we’ve stayed in. Really spacious, beautifully clean and appointed with absolutely everything you could possibly need. A real home from home, and in an ideal location for a holiday based in the Scottish Borders. Thank you!
Allie M.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 13 November 2022
Thankyou so much for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review.
We are delighted to hear you thoroughly enjoyed your stay. We pride ourselves on ensuring we clean the property to a standard we would expect ourselves when staying at a holiday property. We want our guests to relax and feel at home as soon as they walk through the door. Look forward to seeing you in 2023
Extremely well appointed and comfortable three bedroomed cottage. Good location for exploring the Borders and Northumberland. We went to celebrate a birthday and hosts went extra mile with decorations and cake. Our dogs were also made very welcome.
Keith D.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 26 March 2020
Thankyou so much for a wonderful review. We are so pleased to hear you all enjoyed your stay with us. Look forward to seeing you again.
Gail & Adrian
Booked to spend time with our 2 Daughters, their partners and our Grandson. Very pleasantly surprised by this well stocked property. A real home from home and a very comfortable stay for 6 adults and a baby. The small touches were much appreciated, and the large enclosed garden was great for our Daughters 2 dogs and enjoyed by ourselves for some garden games. The outside space was also large enough for 3 cars. Highly recommended, and would love to stay again to explore the area more. We visited Floors Castle gardens for a lovely walk but there are lots of interesting places within an hours drive.
Angela O.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 24 June 2025
We are thrilled to hear you enjoyed your stay at The Old Smithy. Our aim is always to ensure our guests have everything they need so they can relax and enjoy their times making Special Memories
It was a pleasure to meet you all and hope you will visit us again in the future.
We had a excellent experience at The Smithy Cottage
Gail was a superb host and the cottage had everything you needed and was spotless throughout
Definitely recommend this place and will return
Gill H.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2023
Thankyou for taking the time to post a review. We are so pleased you enjoyed your stay to spend some time together with your family
We hope you will visit us again in the future.
We had a lovely week at The Old Smithy Cottage, the place was very well equipped and comfortable, a warm welcome was given on arrival even to our dog! The owners were so informative and lots of suggestions were given. It was a perfect base to explore the Scottish Borders and parts of Northumberland. The weather was wonderful and we had a great trip!
Theresa W.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 4 September 2022
Thankyou so much for taking the time to post a review. We are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed your stay and the accommodation provided you with everything you required. We love seeing the dogs enjoy themselves in the garden. We hope we will see you again in the future. Gail & Adrian
We had an excellent stay for a family 60th birthday. Gail couldn't have been more helpful, she put up decorations, personalised birthday card and arranged all my requests for arrival.
Lots of nice touches in the property, they have thought of everything. We would all definitely return.
Gillian A.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 22 May 2022
Thankyou so much for such a lovely review. It was a pleasure to organise things for you to celebrate a special birthday. We would love for you all to visit us again in the future ❤️
From initial enquiry to departure, Gail (the owner) couldn't have offered better customer service. We have had the best time away at the perfect property, with the group ranging in age from mid-30s to almost 100. The cottage has all the facilities and equipment you could possibly need, coupled with a beautiful location and fantastic hosts who will make your stay incredibly memorable.
Helen C.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 28 August 2021
Thankyou so much for your lovely comments. We are so pleased to hear you had a fantastic stay at The Old Smithy. We always strive to make each and every guests feel welcome and hopefully make their stay a memorable one. We hope you will visit us again in the future. It was a pleasure to meet you all. Gail & Adrian xx
Really well equipped property, Gail is a super host who has thought of everything. Her little touches show her pride in the property and make you feel instantly welcome. Loads of room for a party of 6, I didn't take my dogs but they'd have loved it! The setting is beautiful but you really need a car to fully explore the area and make the most of what is on offer.
Would highly recommend this property and this host
Anna B.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 30 May 2023
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review.
We are delighted to hear you enjoyed your stay with us and found the accommodation to your satisfaction.
We pride ourselves on making sure each and ever guests feels special and can relax as soon as they arrive.
Thankyou once again for choosing The Old Smithy to enjoy your time in the Scottish borders.
Perfect cottage and ideal Southern Scotland location
Gail was the perfect host and the cottage was exactly as described, maybe even better than described. The location is great for doing things in Southern Scotland. Super clean and we had everything we needed. Gail was great with a communication and always had great recommendations. I highly recommend the Old Smithy Cottage for a family getaway.
Bruce M.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 20 October 2022
Thankyou for such a wonderful review. We are delighted to hear you and your family loved The Old Smithy Cottage, it was a pleasure to meet you and your lovely family. . It is lovely to hear you enjoyed exploring the area.
Enjoy the rest of your Scottish adventure, and a safe trip back to Ohio
Immaculate property inside and out with very welcoming hosts. There is nothing to fault in this property. Everything you require is available and the host is very helpful. There is even a well stocked welcome pack even including a wonderful apple pie.
It was so good we tried to book it for next year but sadly the dates we required were already taken.
Michael B.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 8 June 2022
Thankyou for such a lovely review. We are so sorry the dates for 2023 are already booked for guests who come to the Ladies Day at Kelso Races. Hopefully we will be able to accommodate you in the future. Gail & Adrian
We had a lovely time at The Old Smithy. Gail was exceptional with making us feel we were at home. She made sure we had everything we needed. Gail went over and above to ensure we were happy. As far as making our granddaughter have good fun in the garden. I am sure we will be back at some stage. Thank you Gail for all you have done.
Sarah M.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 29 August 2024
Thank you so much for your lovely comments. It was a pleasure to have you stay at The Old Smithy. I am delighted that Freja enjoyed the fairy garden activity. I think I had as much fun making it 😂.
We hope we will see you again in the future
The property is exceptional! Every single thing you could want or wish for are included. Similar properties often require purchasing a few bits and pieces mostly for the kitchen, but we had no such issues here and the welcome packs for us and our dog were a very generous extra! The property is cozy and comforting a proper home from home, the garden is also exceptional with plenty of room for our dog to have a run and stretch his legs. Communication with the host was perfect and they could not have done more for us! Set in a lovely village the property is the perfect base for exploring the surrounding border towns or heading over to the east coast beaches etc. Highly recommended!
David N.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 6 October 2024
Thankyou so much for such lovely comments. We are delighted to hear you enjoyed your stay with us.
We hope we will see you again in the future for a longer visit.
Your happy hosts Gail & Adrian
About the host
Hosted by Gail Clarkson
Myself and My husband (Adrian) both worked for the NHS for over 25 years. We decided to have a change of life and move to the Scottish Borders to live "our dream". We moved here in August 2017 to take over an already established holiday let and have such fantastic feedback on the changes we have made and the service that we offer. We have been awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for 2018 and 2019 and the new Travellers Choice was for 2020 and 2021.
Why they chose this property
We are a self-catering accommodation, with the amenities you need to rest and recuperate. From our bed linens to our coffee makers, we have thought of your every need. Our guests should want for nothing; our responsibility as a fine self-catering accommodation within Kelso is to accommodate you appropriately!
Our cottage is equally sustainable for one guest and an entire family. Bookings of all sizes are welcome.
Fall in love with our excellent amenities; we go beyond the essentials of a microwave, cooker and dryer. Enjoy WiFi, HiFi and even a Dolce Gusto machine with us! We’ve really thought of it all. We are confident you’ll adore all that we have to offer.
And, the fact that our cottage is as beautiful inside as it is out is an added bonus! Our interior décor reflects the outstanding natural beauty of Kelso, and we have worked hard to combine the most stunning of traditional and contemporary design. Your comfort and enjoyment is our priority. We value you, and always go the extra mile to ensure you see our self-catering accommodation as the perfect ‘home away from home.’
This is also why we advertise ourselves as a dog friendly accommodation! Your dog is as much a member of the family as you are, and so they are more than welcome to stay with us. It can be difficult to find places to stay that accommodate your four-legged friend, but we are dog lovers ourselves; we understand how hard it can be to leave a dog behind, so we won’t make you!. At a charge of £20.00 per dog per stay (payable in cash on arrival) is a small price to pay, knowing that you four legged friend is having a good time.
Kelso is the perfect place for a dog to roam and explore, with fun-filled attractions and walking routes for you to enjoy. At our cottage, we even have a sizeable enclosed garden, one your dog is sure to enjoy!
The whole family can rest and relax in our cottage as there is plenty of open plan space for adults and children alike.
What makes this property unique
We live in River Cottage opposite The Old Smithy so you have peace of mind that we are available if you need us.
We clean and maintain the property, so you can rest assure that the property is cleaned and sanitized throughout for your safety. You will be provided with a copy of the cleaning check list upon your arrival.
Eco-Friendly. With environmental issues becoming increasingly prevalent, we all need to adapt to become more sustainable, including owners of holiday homes.
Here at The Old Smithy cottage we have made 9 changes to make us more eco-friendly. * when electrical appliances need replacing, we will replace with the most energy efficient option A+++ * All light bulbs have been replaced with LED * All cleaning products are Eco-Friendly * All our toiletries come in re-useable bottles that are refillable to avoid any waste. * Both general waste/recycling waste is clearly marked. A small composting bin with a biodegradable bag is situated in the kitchen, along with 2 large wooden green compost bins situated in the corner of the large garden. * Water butts have been fitted to the sheds for us to water the plants * boiler is on a timer switch to avoid waste * welcome pack is filled with products from local independent shops * re-usable shopping bags are available for guests to use during their stay to avoid purchasing plastic bags *E-bikes available from hire which will be drop off/collected from the property. Local maps provided for walking
All our sheets, pillowcases, duvets are crisp and pristine 300 thread count Egyption cotton and the jacquard duvet covers and pillowcases are 300 thread count and 100% cotton "Deluxe Range" as we as the white fluffy towels are all provided by Shortridge Laundry, the same linen and towels that are provided for 5* hotels.
We can organise bespoke breaks for you as follows:- * pamper breaks * art breaks * activity breaks * learn to fish * Electronic bike hire delivered to the door * learn to paddle board
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests