This lovely family run four star bed and breakfast is set in the heart of Berwickshire, with spectacular views all the way to the Cheviot Hills in England.

For many years the house was a manse when ministers lived in much greater style than they do today. Though the present house was built in about 1789, there has been a house on this site since 1694, of which only very little remains to be seen. It has been furnished by the Kenworthys in keeping with the period, much of the furniture and silver coming from Gwen's own home.

A listed building, it is set in the charming village of Duns. This is the ideal base in which either to relax in the tranquillity of this little known area of Scotland or to explore the many historic sites and beauty spots in Berwickshire.

St Albans is located on Cloud's Lane, but this romantic name for a lane has nothing to do with the sky. Instead, it was once called Spinning Yard Head and it was here that a material known as "Clud" was made. Robert Burns in one of his letters mentions that he has bought a length of "Dunse Clud" and he hopes that "twill wear well". The old stone weights for the looms are dug up in the gardens to this day. Hence "Clouds.

St Albans provides top quality accommodation in this Grade II historically listed building. For the comfort of the guests St Albans is a totally non-smoking house.

Breakfast:

As well as the traditional Scottish breakfast, there is a varied menu including a variety of fish or cheeses and continental cold meats.

Why not sample the selection of homemade jams and marmalade or simply have some fruit juice and a bowl of cereal, the choice is yours.

Special and vegetarian diets can be catered for by arrangement.

Rooms:

Room 1:

A king size double/twin room, it is of particular interest not only for the splendid views from Duns all the way into Cheviot Hills in England, but also because it has a chair which starred in TV's "The Antiques Roadshow" in 1992. It was made for the marriage of two of Gwen's ancestors three centuries ago, and carries the date 1676.

Room 2:

Bedroom 2 is also a double room that can be fitted with either a king size bed or 2 single beds. It also has a typical Scottish fireplace with a basket grate dating from circa 1830.

Another very small twin room or two single rooms are sometimes available.

As the house is a historically listed building we are not allowed to add en-suite bathrooms. However there are two bathrooms (1 with a bath and 1 with a shower and as we never have more than 4 people unless they know one another this does not present a problem.

All rooms come with the following:

• Hair dryers
• Colour television
• Hot water bottles
• Towelling bathrobes
• Tea and coffee facilities

About Duns:

Duns, until the 19th century spelled Dunse, is situated in the heart of Berwickshire and although small is the county town taking over the position from Greenlaw in the 17th century.

400 years ago it was located on a hill behind the current town and was burnt down many times by the raiders. The hill is now known as the "Bruntons" or burnings also on this hill is a stone that commemorates the fact that the Civil War started here, when the Covenanters rebelled against the King in 1639. There is also a Witches hill where the last witch was burnt in 1725.

As the violence ceased at the time of the Union of the Crowns in the early 17h century the town was gradually rebuilt in the more convenient position lower down the hill. The famous Franciscan Philosopher John Duns Scotus was born in the original town in the 13th century but is buried in Cologne. His tomb carries the legend "Scotland bore me, England adopted me, Cologne holds me." To which could now be added, "Rome blessed me" as he was beatified a few years ago. He affirmed the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception, his antagonists called his followers Dunsemen from which developed the word "dunce".

Duns Castle, glimpsed from the house is not open to he public as such but is available for weddings, parties and conferences. There is however a nature reserve on the estate which is open to the public with a beautiful lake which is known as the "Hen Poo" with swans and other water fowl.

There are many activities in the area from fishing on the many rivers and streams to off road adventure driving and golf.

If golf is your game, we have an excellent 18 course in Duns and there are many more within easy reach, including six championship courses. Remember that Scotland is the home of "Gowf", of which the earliest record is a decree of James the II of Scotland in 1457 banning the sport because it was interfering with archery practice.

There are also tennis and squash courts, swimming and horse riding (safety hats provided) in Duns or very close by. Clay pigeon shooting and archery can also be arranged.

What ever you decide to do, we can guarantee that your stay will be a memorable one.

Location:

Duns lies just on the Scottish side of the border between Scotland and England. It is an excellent centre for touring, walking, fishing and cycling with most attractive countryside ranging from the flat farmland to the Lammermuir Hills, stretching north almost to Edinburgh. The coast with its small fishing villages is only 15 miles away. The main railway line from London to Edinburgh has a station at Berwick-upon-Tweed, which is only 16 miles away, and trains can usually be met, by arrangement.

The Scottish Borders are central for touring the south of Scotland and the north of England. This part of the country is steeped in history with many Abbeys, castles and stately homes (we have one about 2 miles away with a silver staircase). Many of them are still owned and occupied by the original families.

The countryside is beautiful and varied from flat farmland to high moorland. Near by is the river Tweed famous for its salmon fishing and many excellent trout rivers. The River Tweed reaches the North Sea at Berwick-upon-Tweed with its almost intact mediaeval walls, a constant reminder of the bloody history of the Borders.

Edinburgh is only about an hour away by car. Its famous castle and Holyrood Palace where the Queen stays when she comes to Edinburgh are both open to the public and there are many theatres, museums, art galleries, a zoo and botanical gardens.

The "Royal Mile" which stretches from the Castle to Holyrood has many old houses, some from the 16th century that can be visited. On the outskirts of Edinburgh you can find Rosslyn Chapel, where the Knights Templar are reputed to have buried the Holy Grail and see the famous and tragic "Prentice Pillar".

On the way to Edinburgh you will pass "Soutra Aisle" where a mediaeval hospital is being excavated.

Newcastle on Tyne to the South is only 20 minutes further than Edinburgh. There you can see Hadrian's Wall, built by the Romans to keep out the Scots and visit their camps at various points on the wall. On the way there you pass Holy Island, which was one of the cradles of Christianity and the home of St Cuthbert. The famous Lindisfarne Gospels came from there (they are now in the British Museum in London) and you can see the puffins nesting in Spring in the Farne Islands which can be visited by a short boat trip.

Duns is so central that you can even visit the West Coast or the famous old cathedral city of Durham in a day trip.