Branxholm Knowe offers the gracious living of a bygone age together with every modern convenience! Situated above the main A7 trunk road between Carlisle and Edinburgh and about 4 miles south of the town of Hawick (shops, hotels, restaurants, all facilities) in the heart of the Scottish Borders, it occupies a commanding position on the hillside, surrounded by woodland and in its own extensive grounds. Children will love the charming gardens (barbecue) where there is a series of small ponds thronging with wildlife (lots of frogs in season!). Adults can watch them play, (the children, that is!) from the stunning conservatory on the side of the house, cosy in all weathers with its wood-burning stove.
The sitting room and dining room are elegantly and comfortably furnished and the kitchen and utility rooms are well equipped with every modern convenience. All the bedrooms (one with en suite bathroom) are spacious and well-appointed.
The house is only a mile or so from the small village of Newmill, where there is a garage and restaurant. The river Teviot, well-known to fishermen, runs through the valley beneath the house. Slightly further away is Alemoor Loch, where there is good trout fishing, and there is plenty of scope for walking and riding on the hills around. Craik Forest, reputedly the largest man-made woodland in Europe, is only a few miles distant. Rally driving enthusiasts will know it from RAC Rally reports.
The Borders are very well-provided with a wide variety of excellent golf courses (Hawick is the nearest), hilly, level, riverside - take your pick. The low costs and easy availability will be a new and very welcome experience for those coming from abroad or the overcrowded South! Pick up a 'Freedom of the Fairways' ticket, which gives access to no less than 21 of them in the area.
The small roads round about are fun to explore and very quiet, so quiet in fact that the Alemoor-Roberton stretch was regularly used by the Scottish Roadbowls team for their practice. They were seldom interrupted by anything as inconvenient as a passing car. (Not exactly the M25, then!). Trundle over to quiet St Mary's Loch (sailing) and visit the waterfall at the Grey Mare's Tail, if you climb higher you will reach its 'feeder tank' - the little-known Loch Skeen - behind it. The dark and brooding Hermitage Castle (19m), scene of the Elliot clan gathering, is worth a visit, while for something completely different, you can call in at the Samye Ling Tibetan Centre at Eskdalemuir.
Branxholm is situated just over an hour by car from Edinburgh and lies only 30 miles from Gretna, on the English border. From there you can explore the Solway coast, where Caerlaverock Castle (the 'Castle of the Lark') and Sweetheart Abbey are notable attractions.
Heating is by gas-fired central heating (first £30 INCLUDED) and wood burning stoves in the kitchen, conservatory and dining room (some logs INCLUDED). £20 electricity is also INCLUDED. Bed-linen and towels are INCLUDED. No smoking is allowed inside the house. Pets, under control are welcome by arrangement. A refundable householders deposit is also required.
PLEASE NOTE - SPECIAL RATES APPLY FOR XMAS AND NEW YEAR!
