Beatrix Potter, in earlier days, loved to stay at Ashieburn (the home of her brother) because there she could watch Peter Rabbit and his friends frolicking in the pretty garden, and Jemima Puddleduck and birds enjoying the nearby stream. The countryside has changed little since her day - the 'burn' still flows into the Ale Water and eventually the River Teviot (where fishing is available), and the safe, fenced garden is still a place of delight and enchantment, where you can sit out on the raised terrace looking out over the sloping lawns to the spacious green landscape beyond. The sun-porch on the front of this south-facing cottage provides the opportunity to enjoy the lovely surrouundings even in colder weathers, while the interior of the cottage itself is most comfortably furnished in a suitably traditional fashion.
Just over a mile from the village of Ancrum (shop, pub) which clusters round its green; 6 miles from Jedburgh, and about 12 miles from both Kelso and Hawick, there is a good choice of shops, golf-courses and restaurants within easy reach, and the cottage has an excellent location for visiting all of The Borders as well as Edinburgh and beyond.
Families may enjoy a visit to the Harestanes Visitor Centre just beyond Ancrum, where, in addition to woodland walks, there is a wood school, adventure playground and a long room full of puzzles which children and adults alike will enjoy. Another excellent day out is the Jedforest Deer and Farm Park at Mervinslaw, 7 miles south of Jedburgh, where you can see rare breeds and enjoy falconry demonstrations. Jedburgh also has a swimming pool.
There is excellent walking both in the Cheviots to the South or along the Southern Upland Way to the north. You can be at the coast in just over an hour - why not visit historic Lindisfarne (after checking the tides, or you may be there for longer than you bargained for!)? At Ashieburn, you are well placed for exploring both sides of the border.
Heating is by open-fire or electric fire and night store heaters (logs and electricity INCLUDED). Bedlinen and towels are INCLUDED. Two pets are welcome by arrangement.
