A Very Warm Welcome
Welcome to Ladhope – your hideaway in the Yarrow Valley.
We’re so glad you’ve found your way here. To make your stay even smoother, we’ve curated a little guide with local tips, insider info, and everything you might need while you’re tucked away in this peaceful corner of the world.
Take your time. Breathe deep. Wander slow. The Scottish Borders—and especially the Yarrow Valley—have a way of helping you reconnect with stillness, nature, and yourself.
We hope you leave feeling lighter, inspired, and a little more grounded.
Enjoy the magic.
Warmest,
Neil Chalk
Your Host:
Neil Chalk
07780 682931 – (phone, text or WhatsApp)
Emergency: Police, Ambulance, Fire -
Dial 999
Hospital - Accident and Emergency
Dial 999 in an emergency
Borders General Hospital,
Huntlyburn,
Melrose,
TD6 9BS
01896 826000
Doctors Surgery:
St Ronans Health Centre
Buchan Place,
Innerleithen,
EH44 6QE
01896 830203
Vets:
Greenside Vets
Greenside Farm,
St Boswells,
Melrose,
TD6 0AJ
01835 823257
Emergency Contacts
1
Just In Case
You’ll find a first aid kit tucked away in the cupboard under the stairs — here’s hoping you won’t need it, but it’s there if you do.
Fire Safety,
A fire blanket lives on the wall in the same under-stairs nook.
Smoke + heat detectors are fitted throughout, keeping you safe behind the scenes.
If the alarms ever sound, head out calmly and make your way to the muster point , outside the main entrance gates to the Farmhouse. . Easy.
Safety Information
2
Address:
The Scullery,
Ladhope Farmhouse,
Yarrow,
Scottish Borders,
TD7 5NE
What3words: https://w3w.co/adopts.chariots.enjoyable
The Key
You’ll be handed your key when you arrive — it works the top lock on the stable door. Please make sure to lock up whenever you head out to explore. When it’s time to say goodbye, just pass the key back to Neil before you go.
Heating & Hot Water:
We’ve dialled in the heating and hot water remotely to keep things cosy, conscious, and eco-friendly. Temperatures are set to that sweet spot of comfort + sustainability.
Need a tweak? Just drop us a message on WhatsApp and we’ll sort it from afar.
There’s plenty of hot water for long showers, , and slow starts — all taken care of, behind the scenes.
Arrival Essentials
3
Evacuation Plan
In case of fire or emergency:
1. Immediately exit through the stable door.
2. Muster outside the main entrance gates to the Farmhouse.
3. Call 999 and alert the fire brigade immediately.
The address is:
Ladhope Farmhouse, Yarrow, Scottish Borders, TD7 5NE.
What3Words: ///Ranch,passing,comforted
Property Manager’s Emergency contact number: 07780 682931
4
Explore + Eat Local
We’ve pulled together a little guide to some of our favourite nearby spots — from scenic adventures to coffee gems and great places to stock up on supplies.
[→ Click here to check it out]
Foodie Essentials
Whether you’re planning a slow-cooked supper or just need snacks for a lochside picnic, here’s where to go:
Local & Low-Key
• Innerleithen Co-op
Peebles Road, EH44 6QZ
Open daily: 7am–10pm
Bigger Shops (Galashiels)
• M&S Food
• Tesco
• Asda
• Aldi
Selkirk Staples (10 mins away)
• Co-op
• Butcher & baker
• Traditional fish & chips
• Peony Rose & Three Hills Coffee – both do an excellent flat white + cake situation
Peebles Picks
• Forsyths of Peebles – top-tier butcher + baker
• Sainsbury’s
• Indie shops & relaxed cafés for a wander
Melrose Moments
• Cosy cafés
• Small deli
• Abbey Wines – for something special to sip by the fire
Places to Eat and Drink during your time here
5
Exploring The Area
Wander Well
Tucked away in one of Scotland’s best-kept secrets, The Scullery is your gateway to the wild beauty of the Yarrow and Ettrick Valleys — and the wider magic of the Scottish Borders and Edinburgh beyond.
Think: rolling hills, mirror-still lochs, winding forest trails, and skies that go on forever. This peaceful patch of countryside is made for slow rambles, bike rides, fishing days, and quiet moments with the local wildlife.
Just down the road, you’ll find St. Mary’s Loch — the largest natural loch in the Borders — and the Southern Upland Way, a dream for wanderers and wild souls alike.
Looking for a slice of local life? The historic town of Selkirk is full of character, indie shops, great coffee, and a monthly farmers’ market worth timing your visit for.
From ancient abbeys to scenic drives and grand old estates, there’s no shortage of places to explore. Whether you’re chasing adventure or just craving stillness, life moves slower here — and we like it that way.
6
Rubbish and Recycling
Waste Not, Want Not
Just outside The Scullery, tucked inside the old Pigsty (yes, really), you’ll find two bins ready for your use.
-
Green bin → for recycling: clean paper, cardboard, tins, and plastics
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Black bin (inside the steel bin) → for general waste
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Glass → pop it in the plastic box nearby
We’d love it if you could separate things out as best you can — it helps us keep the valley clean, green, and beautiful.
🌱 Compost Life
There’s a little kitchen caddy waiting for your raw food waste:
Think fruit + veg peelings, eggshells, coffee grounds, and tea bags. We compost it all here on-site at Ladhope.
Please note: we can’t compost cooked food, meat, fish, or bones — those go in the general waste bin.
Sadly, food waste collections haven’t made it to this part of the Valley yet, so your help makes a real difference. Big thanks from us (and the worms).
7
The Essentials, Sorted
At The Scullery, we’ve kitted out the space with a mix of modern, easy-to-use appliances — everything you need whether you’re rustling up a lazy breakfast or settling in for a longer escape.
You’ll find:
• Oven
• Microwave
• Induction hob
• Fridge Freezer
• Dishwasher
• Washer/dryer
We’ve also included the trusty basics: a kettle, toaster, and hairdryer — because little things make a big difference.
Need a hand with anything? All the how-to’s and manuals are gathered in one handy spot — [click here] to check them out online.
And of course, if you get stuck or have a question, just give us a shout using the contact info in your welcome pack. We’re always happy to help.
8
Checkout
Before You Head Off…
Just a few quick things to wrap up your stay at The Scullery:
-
Make sure any dishes are either washed or popped in the dishwasher.
-
Drop the keys back to your host — just send me a quick text and I’ll come and collect them from you.
-
Double-check the oven + hob are off (the oven will still display the time — all good).
-
Flick off any small appliances at the wall.
-
Bin duty: please make sure all rubbish is bagged + tucked into the outside bins.
Thanks a bunch — we really appreciate you helping us keep things smooth + sustainable.
9
Weather in the Valley
The Yarrow Valley does all four seasons beautifully — sometimes all in one day. In the summer months, when the sun shines, The Scullery courtyard becomes a real sun trap. Thanks to our slightly higher elevation, those rays hit stronger than you’d expect, so don’t forget your suncream if you’re planning to lounge with a book and a brew outdoors.
On the flip side, when the weather turns classic Borders — think mist, rain, and those gloriously muddy walks — we kindly ask that muddy boots, soggy wellies, and soaked shoes stay outside. There’s a boot tray waiting for you in the old Pigsty (yes, that’s really what it was), and a spare tray for emergencies under the stairs. Let the mud stay where it belongs — on the hills, not the rugs, thank you.
11
Before You Head Off
One of the quiet joys of life out here in the Yarrow Valley is feeling deeply connected to nature — the shifting skies, the whisper of wind through the trees, the total stillness after dusk. But with that closeness comes the occasional reminder that we’re living in a wilder rhythm — and yes, sometimes that means the power takes a wee nap.
Power cuts aren’t frequent, but they can happen from time to time, especially during a full-throated Borders storm — think high winds, heavy snow, or biblical rain. It’s nothing to stress about — just a little rural intermission. We keep a careful eye on updates from Scottish Power, and we’ll pass along any news or timelines as we hear them.
In the meantime, embrace the off-grid romance. You’ll find torches stashed for these very moments (check the under-stairs cupboard). Wrap yourself in a blanket, switch on your torch, open that nice bottle of wine you were saving, and lean into the gentle hush of it all. A round of cards or a good book by torchlight never goes out of style.
If you need anything during a power cut — don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re just across the way, and we’ve weathered plenty of these with a warm fire, tea, and good humour.
It’s all part of the Borderland magic — unplug, slow down, and ride it out in style.
Just a few little things to wrap up your stay at The Scullery — smooth, simple, and sustainable:
-
Give the dishes a rinse or pop them in the dishwasher.
-
Drop the keys back to your host — just ping me a quick text and I’ll swing by to collect them.
-
Check the oven + hob are off (the oven will still show the time — no worries there).
-
Flick off small appliances at the wall.
-
Bag up your rubbish and tuck it into the outdoor bins — recycling and compost too if you can.
And that’s it. Thanks so much for staying — it’s been a pleasure having you. We hope The Scullery gave you the dose of peace, fresh air, and slower-living vibes you were after. Come back anytime — we’d love to welcome you again.
Here's one for the road, a Little Journey Home Inspiration
Heading north? Swing by the charming town of Peebles for a final coffee from Coltman’s, a riverside stroll, or a wander through independent shops. If you’re stretching the trip, take the scenic route through Innerleithen and the Tweed Valley — windows down, playlist up.
Heading south? Consider a detour to Melrose Abbey or the beautiful gardens at Harmony House. Or stop in Selkirk for a last-minute treat from Three Hills Coffee and a stroll along the river.
Wherever you’re off to next — safe travels, full hearts, and until next time.
12
Power Cuts
One of the quiet joys of life out here in the Yarrow Valley is feeling deeply connected to nature — the shifting skies, the whisper of wind through the trees, the total stillness after dusk. But with that closeness comes the occasional reminder that we’re living in a wilder rhythm — and yes, sometimes that means the power takes a wee nap.
Power cuts aren’t frequent, but they can happen from time to time, especially during a full-throated Borders storm — think high winds, heavy snow, or biblical rain. It’s nothing to stress about — just a little rural intermission. We keep a careful eye on updates from Scottish Power, and we’ll pass along any news or timelines as we hear them.
In the meantime, embrace the off-grid romance. You’ll find torches stashed for these very moments (check the under-stairs cupboard). Wrap yourself in a blanket, switch on your torch, open that nice bottle of wine you were saving, and lean into the gentle hush of it all. A round of cards or a good book by torchlight never goes out of style.
If you need anything during a power cut — don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re just across the way, and we’ve weathered plenty of these with a warm fire, tea, and good humour.
It’s all part of the Borderland magic — unplug, slow down, and ride it out in style.
10
Your Dog at The Scullery
We love a well-travelled four-legged companion — and your small dog is very welcome here at The Scullery. That said, the interiors have been thoughtfully curated with vintage pieces and beautiful, high-quality furnishings, so we kindly ask that your dog stays off the beds and furniture. If they’re prone to hopping up anyway (we get it), just let Neil know — we’re happy to provide covers to help keep things looking fresh for future guests.
After those glorious, muddy walks, please use the dog towels provided to dry them off before heading indoors — soggy shakes and splattered paintwork aren’t the vibe. If you need a clean, dry towel, just give us a shout and we’ll swap one in.
And a gentle reminder: please don’t place wet towels over the panel heaters — they’re not designed for drying and can be a fire hazard.
A few important bits:
-
Please don’t leave your dog unattended in the property — it’s for their wellbeing and the calm of the space.
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While exploring outside, always keep your dog on a lead. We’re tucked into working Buccleuch farmland, surrounded by sheep (especially during lambing season), cattle, chickens, and a whole cast of local wildlife including deer and hares.
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What looks like an empty field one day might be full of livestock the next — the shepherds are up early moving animals, so please check before letting your dog off-lead. Neil is more than happy to recommend safe spots nearby for walkies.
Need a dog-free day?
We also run a cosy, home-based micro dog boarding service at the main farmhouse — perfect if you’re off exploring somewhere dog-free (like a museum or a city day trip to Edinburgh). Visit www.bordersboarding.com or get in touch with Neil for details and availability.
12
Check Out
Before You Head Off…
Just a few little things to wrap up your stay at The Scullery — smooth, simple, and sustainable:
-
Give the dishes a rinse or pop them in the dishwasher.
-
Drop the keys back to your host — just ping me a quick text and I’ll swing by to collect them.
-
Check the oven + hob are off (the oven will still show the time — no worries there).
-
Flick off small appliances at the wall.
-
Bag up your rubbish and tuck it into the outdoor bins — recycling and compost too if you can.