Friday February 27th 2026
Cross Keys Inn in Lilliesleaf
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Time could be called forever at a Borders village watering hole after plans emerged to convert it into a private home.
Cross Keys Inn at Lilliesleaf closed in 2024 and has been on the open market for sale since that time – without any buyers.
Initially there was a concerted interest from a local group keen to carry out a community buyout in 2025.
The property sellers supported this initiative and entered discussions with the group.
But after detailed discussions the group was refused funding due to there already being another public house within the village – The Plough Inn.
A statement in support of the conversion from a commercial property to a private dwelling, from Stuart Davidson Architecture, states: “It is clear that our clients have actively attempted all avenues for the property to be sold as a going concern, unfortunately there is no appetite for purchase.
“The proposed change of use is aimed at preserving and enhancing the external aesthetic of the property which remains very domestic, whilst enhancing this with some subtle changes.
“It’s proposed to remove the covered seating area to the frontage, returning this to a traditional garden, commercial signage and lighting are also proposed to be removed.
“The existing windows will be replaced with traditional style windows, with the pattern to the frontage retained thereafter.”
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