In the midst of the lovely Border country, just a couple of miles north of Kelso towards Edinburgh, is the little village of Nenthorn. Lime Tree Cottage is to be found on the edge of the village, standing detached in a quiet situation on a long drive lined with, yes, lime trees, and also with daffodils in spring. It has a fine open outlook to the front across fields where horses graze peacefully. It stands in its own enclosed garden (furniture), with lawns and a patio area and storage in a garage for bikes. With no passing traffic it is ideal for children and pets. (Parents should be aware however that there is a lochan in the valley beyond the fields.)
Inside, the cottage, double-glazed and centrally heated, is most beautifully furnished and appointed to provide all creature comforts. Furthermore, it has been discreetly adapted to make it particularly suited to less able visitors. It is wheelchair friendly throughout, with pull-out work surfaces and appliances in the kitchen; it even has an intercom from the sitting room which opens the front door.
Whether you want to see the sights, indulge in your favourite sports or simply relax, you would be hard put to it to find a better centre for a holiday. You can be in Edinburgh in less than an hour; the seaside at historic Berwick on Tweed is only 24 miles away. If the coast beckons, be sure to visit the quiet beach at Coldingham, the RSPB sanctuary on the spectacular cliffs at St Abbs, (where there is a diving school and some of the best diving conditions in Europe) or cross the Border to visit Lindisfarne and Holy Island.
Closer to the cottage, the Duke of Roxburghe's home of Floors Castle (2m) is well worth a visit, as are the other nearby stately homes of Mellerstain, Manderston and Paxton House to the east. Golfers will be spoiled for choice, with many excellent courses in the area, and for a special treat, why not try the Duke's course at Sunlaws, with a meal in the adjoining hotel afterwards? Walkers can join St Cuthbert's Way near Morebattle (13m) or the Pennine Way at Yetholm (11m) or head west towards the Border hills. While you are over there you can visit the historic abbeys of Melrose, Dryburgh and Jedburgh, visit Sir Walter Scott's home of Abbotsford or the other castles and fine houses for which the area is justly famous.
Nenthorn has a riding centre, there is fishing nearby, not least in the famous Tweed itself, and Kelso has a skating rink, leisure centre and racecourse, as well as lots of interesting shops and eating places. The area is also excellent for cycling.
Bed linen, towels, electricity and a starter pack of fuel are INCLUDED in the rental. Up to two well behaved pets are welcome under strict control (stock in the adjoining fields). Smoking is not permitted within the cottage.
