A Scottish country house in the Borders with stables, a coach house — and rooms where Robbie Burns once stayed
A country mansion in the Borders where Robbie Burns once came to stay has come to the market. Penny Churchill reports.


A fine example of symmetrical Georgian architecture is Category B-listed Cairnbank House, which stands in 8.2 acres of gardens and grounds amid idyllic rolling countryside on the outskirts of the bustling Borders market town of Duns, 15.5 miles inland from Berwick-on-Tweed.
Owned by the Pate family since 1913, the house was built by a local estate manager, Robert Ainslie, for his son. The two symmetrical wings were added later, in 1855, using stone from a different quarry that gives the building its pleasant, two-toned exterior. Legend has it that Robbie Burns visited the site as a guest of the Ainslies before the house was finished.
For sale through the Edinburgh office of Savills for ‘offers over £800,000’ for the whole, Cairnbank comprises the main house with 5,645sq ft of accommodation, plus several more spaces.
The house has a slightly unusual four-storey layout, with the basement divided into two self-contained apartments, one in each wing.
On the ground floor there's a fine entrance hall, drawing room, sitting room, kitchen and dining room, with the latter having an en-suite bathroom off to one side, making it a potential guest room for those who may struggle with stairs.
The first floor has three bedrooms and a study, with the master suite having an en-suite with a very large dressing room off to one side.
Above on the second floor are two further bedrooms. For those needing more accommodation — or hoping for holiday lets to produce some income — there are a further two flats in the converted coach house, plus the one-bedroom Blue House located down the road.
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
Within the eight acres of grounds there is a paddock and stables, while there is also a large lawn area as well as other pretty garden sections lined by trees.
Duns itself is roughly half-way between Edinburgh and Newcastle, and about 20 minutes from the coast, making it potentially commutable — certainly a couple of times a week, at least — from either.
Cairnbank House is for sale via Savills at £800,000 — see more details and pictures.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for
-
A one-of-a-kind waterfront estate with two private beaches is for sale on the same storied American island that Jackie Kennedy, the Obamas and Princess Diana have all visited
Beach Farm on Martha’s Vineyard — a favourite summertime holiday destination with prominent American families — is a perfect melding of New England and Scandinavian design styles.
By Rosie Paterson Published
-
Snakes alive! Country Life Quiz of the Day, July 15, 2025
Napoleon's downfall and two of James Bond's most memorable villains in Tuesday's quiz.
By Country Life Published
-
A one-of-a-kind waterfront estate with two private beaches is for sale on the same storied American island that Jackie Kennedy, the Obamas and Princess Diana have all visited
Beach Farm on Martha’s Vineyard — a favourite summertime holiday destination with prominent American families — is a perfect melding of New England and Scandinavian design styles.
By Rosie Paterson Published
-
The architect who created the MI6 building only designed a tiny handful of houses — and one of them is now up for sale in one of London's most bucolic spots
Sir Terry Farrell designed the beautiful, light-filled, T-shaped Drum House in Petersham, with gardens laid out by John Sallis Chandler, who has won multiple RHS Chelsea Flower Show gold medals.
By Toby Keel Last updated
-
'True waterfront homes are finite... miss one and it could be years before you see another like it again': Why the best waterfront property always hits the spot
There’s no denying the appeal of waterfront property, which now sells for some 51% more than its inland equivalent, finds Knight Frank. Annabel Dixon explores the shore.
By Annabel Dixon Published
-
19 charming homes for sale, from picture-perfect cottages to beachside retreats, as seen in Country Life
This week's selection of some of the best homes to come to the market via Country Life this week.
By Toby Keel Published
-
Tim Burton is selling the house he shared with Helena Bonham-Carter, a sublime home on the Thames that comes with three private islands
Mill House in Sutton Courtenay, Oxfordshire, might just be the perfect English country home.
By Rosie Paterson Last updated
-
A spectacular tower for sale that's a blend of Victorian folly, architectural marvel and 21st century family home
Hadlow Tower has space, and a back story of love, jealousy and intrigue.
By Toby Keel Published
-
A spectacular, light-filled home on the Isle of Wight where you can see the water from practically every window
Penny Churchill takes a look at the grand and impressive Fishbourne Quay House.
By Penny Churchill Last updated
-
The former stables — and recording studio for the Pet Shop Boys — transformed with a magical blend of city and country aesthetic, now seeking a new owner
In the heart of Clerkenwell, what was once a Victorian industrial unit is now a beautiful home.
By Toby Keel Last updated