Bowden Mill Cottage is tucked away in an enviable setting on the edge of the village of Bowden in the heart of Sir Walter Scott's romantic Border Country. Cleverly converted from an old stable block, it is a traditional, stone built cottage, standing close to, but completely detached from, the 'Big House'. It is reached by a private drive, has its own parking and an un-overlooked grassy garden area.
Mills were traditionally built beside water and Bowden Mill is no exception: a delightful stream tumbles by it in a series of small waterfalls through a wooded dell (ideal for older children to play in). By maintaining a quieter presence, however, you may catch a glimpse of the varied wildlife which also frequents it. The owner's ducks and hens will be another source of delight for animal-mad children.
Inside, the cottage is bright and airy. The spacious, comfortably furnished living room has large windows to two sides, a multi-fuel stove (even cosier and just as romantic as an open fire) and exposed beams. The galley-style kitchen is light and well-equipped. The oil-fired central heating makes it a cosy retreat at all seasons of the year.
Within a short walk of the village of Bowden, Bowden Mill is within 3 miles of the village of St Boswells, (shops/pubs/golf course) and just 4m from the pretty town of Melrose (shops, pubs, restaurants, historic abbey, golf course, tennis courts). Indeed, all the Borders towns are within an easy drive. Edinburgh can be reached within the hour; there are sandy beaches at Coldingham (36m), from where the visitor can strike south to Lindisfarne (47m) and the Northumbrian coast.
There is also lots to do in the immediate area. For walkers, the Southern Upland Way and St Cuthbert's Way pass close by; all the Borders towns have their golf courses (a completely different experience from the South in terms both of cost and lack of crowds), for which visitors can buy a 'Freedom of the Fairways' ticket and try them all. There is a swimming pool at Galashiels (8m), and a variety of riding stables to choose from. There is trout fishing (permit required) close by, while the great salmon river of the Tweed is also just a few miles away; stretches of it are also suitable for canoeing. In addition, the area has a large number of historic houses and castles which are open to the public.
Heating is by Oil-CH (INCLUDED), and multi-fuel stove (initial supply of coal/logs INCLUDED). Bed-linen and £10 of electricity are INCLUDED and towels are available for hire. Pets are welcome.
