Jeremy Ellwood enjoys an overnight stay at this delightful small hotel in the Scottish Borders
The Roxburghe Stay And Play Review
Par 72, 6,546 yards
Greenfee: £65 (or £200 per four-ball)
Ever since first seeing photos of the signature viaduct hole – the 14th – I’d wanted to play this Dave Thomas creation that opened in 1997.
It didn’t disappoint either, proving to be a peaceful haven of solitude blessed with superb bunkering throughout.
It was in excellent late-September condition too, despite heavy overnight rain.
The front nine was exceptional, with holes like the curving 2nd and the tough par-3 4th over water standing out.
But the 10th and 11th were the stars for me, the former a gorgeous long par 4 sweeping down to the banks of the River Teviot, the latter then flanking the 10th before climbing to a raised green.
As for that signature 14th, the view from the tee is magnificent.
Also play... The Hirsel (hirselgc.co.uk) is a lovely parkland course 20 minutes away in Coldstream.
Accommodation
This picture-perfect stone building is home to 22 bedrooms, many with four-poster beds and some with open fires to mirror the one that greets you warmly in the hallway.
It is a delightful and homely place to stay, with furnishings, books and paintings borrowed from the Duke of Roxburghe’s own home.
The wonderful Chez Roux restaurant is overseen by Albert Roux, but I opted to eat in the cosy and lively Library bar, a real gem of a snug.
The courtyard houses an excellent health and beauty suite, with the Roxburghe Shooting School also on site (groups can even try their hand at tomahawk throwing).
Salmon fishing is available on the Tweed and Teviot rivers, while woodland walks abound.
Where else… Floors Castle (floorscastle.com) at the heart of the Roxburghe Estates offers everything from collections of fine art to splendid riverside walks.
Best Deal
The Winter Golf Offer runs from January 8 to March 28, 2018 and costs from £219 per person from Monday to Saturday.
It includes accommodation in a standard double room, breakfast, a three-course dinner from the Daily Menu and a round of golf.
Where
Just north of Jedbergh, on the A68 Newcastle to Edinburgh road, take the A698 towards Kelso.
Follow the signs for the hotel as you come into the village of Heiton three miles before you get to Kelso.
Checklist
Buggy hire: £30 per round Trolley hire: £4 per round Power trolley hire: £12.50 per round Club hire: £30 per round Driving range: Yes, £4 for 50 balls Putting green: Yes Short-game area: Yes Pro shop: Yes Changing rooms: Yes Sky TV: Yes, in the clubhouse Price of a pint: From £3.60
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