The owner's mother, who loved owls, converted this former farm worker's cottage into a spacious home. Now carefully renovated, it provides cosy holiday accommodation in the lovely Kale Water Valley, just two miles from the pretty village of Morebattle (shops, pub) in the Scottish Borders .
Whilst retaining many of its quirky, cottagy features, such as the turning staircase, the open range in the sitting room, the coombed ceilings in the upstairs bedrooms and good quality period furniture, the house has also been extended into a lovely light conservatory at the back, which has wonderful views over the valley and to the rolling Cheviot Hills beyond . To the rear also there is an enclosed garden, securely fenced off from the river, with a patio (furniture, BBQ) and gravelled and lawned areas.
Inside, the master bedroom has an en-suite shower, and the fact that there is a double bedroom and additional shower room downstairs makes Owl Cottage a very suitable choice for visitors with limited mobility (2 steps down at front entrance). The cottage, at the end of a picturesque row, stands on a very quiet, unclassified, country road, and there is off-road parking for two cars in a bay right at the door as well as gravelled off-road parking at the rear of the cottage if required.
The area is a walkers' paradise. St Cuthbert's Way, which runs between Melrose and Lindisfarne, can be joined just half a mile from Owl Cottage, while the Pennine Way ends at Yetholm, (5m). It is an area area rich in legend, myth and history. Visitors can enjoy walking along stretches of nearby Dere Street, the old Roman road, which is still readily visible, and there are many Border keeps and castles, evocative ruined abbeys and elegant stately homes to visit in the area.
Golfers will find many excellent courses to play, the nearest being at the attractive Border towns of Jedburgh (12m, all facilities) and Kelso (10m, racecourse, leisure centre, ice rink etc.). Riding is also available at Kelso, and cyclists can explore the Four Abbeys cycle route. Edinburgh, at 55 miles, is easily accessible for a day's visit, and, if you don't want to walk St Cuthbert's Way to Lindisfarne and its lovely beaches, you can go by car - it is only 30 miles distant.
The cottage has oil-fired central heating (INCLUDED) and a basket of logs is provided for the open fire. Further supplies are available for purchase. Electricity is INCLUDED. Bed linen and towels are INCLUDED. A travel cot and high chair are available for hire. Pets are welcome by arrangement. There is also a payphone
