The Borderlands are one of the most scenically beautiful areas of Scotland, and the pretty town of Melrose, nestling under the Eildon Hills, must be one of the most attractive spots in all that wide area.  Just over 'the Eildon' from Melrose itself is another gem, the peaceful little conservation village of Bowden, where traditional cottages cluster round its green.

Hedgehog Cottage is in the centre of the village, a roses-round-the door, semi-detached cottage, full of old world charm and character.  Within, it offers comfortable and cosy accommodation, with a newly fitted kitchen, sitting room with multi-fuel stove,  and two upstairs bedrooms.

To the rear there is a pleasant sun room, from where, even in less clement weather, you can enjoy the cottage's crowning glory, its sunny and secluded garden (furniture).  This is a real delight, designed by a previous owner (who was herself a well-known gardener), and full of interest, from its plantings to the many avian visitors who come to feed at its bird table.   The garden is also home to at least one family of hedgehogs, which is how the cottage got its name.

Here, you are right in the centre of the Borders.  You can head east to Kelso and the coast, with a fine beach at Coldingham, the spectacular RSPB reserve on the cliffs at St Abbs, or historic Berwick on Tweed, Lindisfarne and Holy Island.  Or you can head west, into the Border hills.  Walk the Southern Upland or St Cuthbert's Ways, visit the little Border towns, with their ruined abbeys, fish the local lochs and rivers, play golf on the many excellent local courses, or view the surrounding countryside on horseback.

Sir Walter Scott's home of Abbotsford (4m) is just one of the many stately homes and castles which await your visit.  Or, in just over an hour, you can be in Edinburgh, taking in the sights of Scotland's capital.  (An hourly bus runs from Melrose, so you can even leave the car at home.)

Melrose (all facilities) has an excellent selection of shops, pubs and restaurants.  There is a cinema and swimming pool at Galashiels, 4 miles further on.  Wherever you roam, however, you will always look forward to returning to Hedgehog Cottage, as delightful and relaxing a base as you could wish for.

Heating by electric/storage heaters (first £10 INCLUDED), bed linen and towels are all INCLUDED.  A starter pack of fuel for the stove is INCLUDED.  Sorry, no pets and smoking is not permitted in the cottage.