This traditional, detached, roses-round-the-door cottage has a lovely secluded situation on the private Linthill Estate, between the villages of Lilliesleaf and Bowden, near Melrose in the central Scottish Borders.
Tucked in behind its hedge, it faces south with expansive views across open countryside towards the Cheviot hills, and internally it offers all the comforts you could wish for. The bright and cosy sitting room has an open fire, there is a well-equipped dining kitchen and a further extension at the back, handy for coats and boots, which also houses a deep freeze and airer. Of the three bedrooms, the downstairs double has an ensuite shower, so is ideal for less mobile guests, while upstairs there are two further bedrooms and a bathroom.
Guests can wander at will across the Estate and explore its parks, ponds and woods. The riverside walks in particular are delightful. For more strenuous exercise, the Southern Upland Way and St Cuthbert's Ways are both close by, while cyclists will doubtless make for the mountain biking centres at Innterleithen and Glentress. There are good golf courses at Melrose (6m) and St Boswells (5m), riding at Earlston (8m) fishing in the Tweed and many other nearby rivers and lochans.
The area also has a wide range of castles, stately homes and ruined abbeys to visit, while the beaches of the Berwickshire coast can be reached in just over an hour. Edinburgh, too, may be visited for the day, either by car, or perhaps more conveniently, by bus from Melrose or St Boswells.
Lilliesleaf has two pubs and a café and is within walking distance of the cottage, while Melrose has an excellent range of restaurants and shops, with larger supermarkets in Galashiels (10m).
Heating is by open fire and electricity. Bedlinen, towels and the first £15 of electricity are INCLUDED in the rental. Up to two well-behaved pets are welcome by arrangement. Smoking is not permitted within the cottage.
