| A home of rare quality... |
| Monday, 08 October 2007 | |
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By the village green, at the heart of this peaceful Borders village, Skirling House was designed in 1908 by the Arts and Crafts architect Ramsay Traquair for Lord Carmichael.
It became his country retreat and contained the family's art collection which included a magnificent 16th century Florentine carved ceiling in the Drawing Room. Today, this grand carving is an often remarked upon feature as guests relax in the drawing room.
The Arts and Craft movement is evident throughout Skirling House. Beautiful ornate wrought ironwork and decorative carvings add individuality and distinction to this friendly house.
The character and style of the original house endure whilst ensuring guests enjoy the high levels of comfort they may expect of a luxury retreat.
The spacious drawing room and the more intimate library, with their comfortable sofas, armchairs, books, antiques and log fires provide an informal, relaxing environment.
On summer evenings the garden dining room is lit by a net of tiny lights shining through vine leaves, oil lamps from Palnackie, candles and multicoloured chili lights. A fresh flower is tucked inside linen napkins, silver cutlery settings and fine china glow on polished wood tables with attractively printed menus.
In wintertime, dinner is beside a log fire, lit by handcrafted oil lamps. Our cooking and presentation allow the fine local ingredients to speak for themselves. We offer a set menu carefully planned to harmonise, contributing to an overall experience of great Scottish food. The menu changes daily to take account of availability of ingredients and guests' preferences including vegetarian. Breakfast is important to us at Skirling House - we want to make it special - mini-muffins, French toast with caramelised apples and black pudding, Texas sausage biscuit, freshly squeezed orange juice, fruit compôte and stewed fruits are all freshly-prepared. We prepare to order any combination of cooked breakfast for guests, including kippers and there is always a blackboard special. Fruit, cereals, muesli and yoghurt are on the sideboard, a jug of iced water is to hand, toast is made from home baked bread served with our own marmalade and jam or local honey. |
