Introduction

Castle Rock is an attractive Victorian House in a wonderful situation on the cliffs above the harbour providing magnificent views from every room. It has four rooms, and a friendly, family atmosphere prevails.

St. Abbs is an unspoiled village in Scotland's beautiful Border country. There is a safe sandy beach within a short walking distance, and St. Abbs Head Nature Reserve is well worth a visit, for not only the keen bird watcher.

The sea air is invigorating, and it can be sometimes very windy. Boat trips around St. Abbs can be arranged.

Good Sporting facilities lie nearby St. Abbs with a choice ranging from tennis, squash and swimming. There is also a new 18 hole golf course at Eyemouth which has a clubhouse giving stunning views. The Scottish Borders abound in viewable castles, country houses and gardens, not to mention the peaceful undulating scenery.

History

Castle Rock was built around the turn of the century. Andrew, Usher, the benefactor of the village, intended it as a manse but as it was not required by the Church it was sold in 1908 for the princely sum of �900.

For More than half of it's life Castle Rock has been in the hands of one family, the Laidlaws. William Laidlaw, a woollen manufacturer, of Duns, purchased it in 1919 and it passed to his son in 1932. On his death in 1974, his will provided for seats to be placed along the 'Braes' to Coldingham Sands and one on the Round Hill at the back of his house. The Scottish Painter, Gemmel Hutchison, was married to the Laidlaw's niece and was often to be seen sketching around the village while staying at Castle Rock.

Recently Castle Rock made history by featuring in a TV series. There episodes of 'Taggart' shown in September 1996 contained wonderful views of this property and the surrounding area as well as many internal scenes.

Accommodation

The house consists of four bedrooms each with spectacular views of the bays and the old harbour. The rooms are very comfortable and all have en-suite facilities.

We offer evening meals, either four courses, each with coffee included, and we like to discuss each guest preferences, whether it be local fish, or meat or vegetarian. We only use local produce and the result is good home cooking. There is a trust bar in the sitting room and Castle Rock has a carefully selected wine list.

Breakfast is served between 8 and 9am and preferences for times are taken into consideration. The evening meal is at 7pm (advanced bookings would be appreciated).

Dogs are allowed by prior arrangement - we regret that out of consideration for other guest, they are only permitted in the bedroom.

Each room contains a double bed and a single bed which can be made up according to requirements, thus providing accommodation for singles, doubles or families. There is a four poster bed in one room, particularly popular with honeymooners.

All rooms have private en-suite facilities, and there is a whirlpool (spa) bath available in the main bathroom. In each bedroom there is direct dial telephones, hospitality trays, electric blankets (for when the wind whistles), hairdryer, clock-radio, colour TV and satellite and video channels.

Please note Castle Rock is closed from mid November until mid February.