History of Castle Venlaw

The original house was built in 1782 by Alexander Stevenson, then Sheriff Deputy of Peebleshire, on the site of the old Smithfield House. It stands as an excellent example of Scottish Baronial style, set in four acres of quiet wooded garden.

Over the years and the centuries, the building has grown and evolved in the care of various owners. In 1948 the house was bought by Alexander Cumming and his wife, Jean, with the intention of operating it as a hotel. At that time there was a development tax levied on those turning private houses into businesses. Mr Cumming successfully fought to have this abolished and Venlaw Castle Hotel opened in 1949.

On Alexander’s death in 1972, his son, Alistair, took over his father’s share of the business and operated the hotel with his mother and his wife, Janet. The hotel was sold to the current owners, John and Shirley Sloggie, in 1997 and was renamed Castle Venlaw Hotel.

The hotel closed at the beginning of 1999 for a major refurbishment and now operates all year round.