At Smailholm Cottage you could be forgiven for gaining the impression that the interior and exterior are trying to outdo each other in terms of how delightful they are. This whitewashed, traditional semi-detached cottage is situated on a quiet country road in the tiny hamlet of Smailholm, between St Boswells and Kelso in the beautiful Scottish Borders, snuggling behind its hedge to give a feeling of cosy seclusion. There is off-road parking for two cars in the well laid-out front garden.
To the rear, steps lead up to a sunny patio area and further up to a lovely enclosed grass garden with extensive views across the cottage to the Cheviots at the front and away to the Eildon Hills at the side. At the end of the garden, a gate allows access to enjoyable walks through the surrounding countryside.
Inside, there is a very large, split level and well-equipped dining kitchen and the cosiest of sitting rooms with a large multi-fuel stove which supplements the oil central heating. On this level too, (though there are some single steps between the rooms) is a twin bedroom and a shower room. Upstairs is a very large double bedroom with en suite bathroom with corner bath. There is also a little dressing room off, which would be ideal for siting a cot. The cottage throughout is extremely well furnished and maintained.
The nearest attraction is Smailholm Tower, a historic peel tower open to the public, which stands about a mile from the village, with Mellerstain House and Floors Castle only 5 minutes drive. The area is steeped in turbulent history, with many stately homes, ruined abbeys, keeps and castles to keep those with an interest in such things happy for an entire stay.
Kelso, the nearest town for shopping, has an excellent range of eating places, interesting shops, an ice rink and leisure centre. A wide range of sporting activities can be easily accessed from the cottage - golf courses galore (three, including the Roxburghe Championship Course, are within a 15 minute drive). You can enjoy fly fishing in the Tweed or some of the lesser rivers round about, you can go mountain biking on the dedicated trails at Innerleithen or Glentress. There is riding at Nenthorn, just outside the Kelso.
and of course there is excellent walking on many waymarked routes in the Cheviots, the Lammermuirs, along St Cuthbert's or the Southern Upland Ways, or through the Border hills to the west.
The cottage is also very well placed for visiting the beaches of the Berwickshire coast, and you can be in Edinburgh in under an hour.
Oil central heating, electricity, and bed linen are all INCLUDED in the rental and towels may be hired. One well behaved pet is welcome by arrangement. Smoking is not permitted in the cottage.
