This truly superb house has the Wow! Factor in spades. Spectacularly converted from part of an old farm steading, it stands on a hill just outside the village of Earlston (shops, pubs), near Melrose, some thirty miles south of Edinburgh in the heart of the Scottish borders, with wonderful views across the surrounding countryside to the legendary Eildon Hills.
Once inside, what immediately strikes you is the feeling light and space. The well equipped kitchen has an adjoining utility room and a wet room and is open plan to the dining area, where the sun streams in through the large windows. There is a twin sided stove in one wall, and a couple of steps take you down to the enormous sitting room beyond where the other side of the stove appears. There are also two bedrooms downstairs, with another shower room. This, with the outside ramp, means that less agile party members can be accommodated with ease. The house has underfloor heating from a ground source heat pump, so is very eco-friendly.
Upstairs, the master bedroom not only has an ensuite bathroom with separate shower, but French doors to a decking area. Two further bedrooms and another bathroom complete the accommodation. The house is most beautifully furnished and appointed throughout.
Outside, there is ample parking to the rear, and to the front and side is an enclosed grass garden. While Earlston Mains is a working farm there is little in the way of farm traffic and being so far away from any roads, the house is ideal for children to play in safety.
There is so much to see and do in this beautiful area. Walk the Border hills, or take The Southern Upland or St Cuthbert's Ways, both of which are easily accessible from the Mill House. The Earlston circular walk can be joined from the door. There is riding at Cowdenknowes, just a couple of miles from Earlston; fishing, of course, not only in the Tweed but in many of the smaller rivers round about; golf at Melrose (6m) and Lauder (7m) where you can also visit Thirlestane Castle. Other nearby stately homes of note include Mellerstain House and, of course, Sir Walter Scott's beloved Abbotsford, between Melrose and Galashiels.
The Berwickshire coast can be reached in well under an hour. Visit the sandy beach at Coldingham, or walk the spectacular cliffs at St Abbs ( also one of the foremost diving sites in the country) and see the seabird colonies there. Further up the coast is North Berwick, with the Scottish Seabird Centre, and golfers looking for a real treat can visit Lothian's famous links courses - Gullane, Luffness, even Muirfield itself.
And of course nothing could be simpler than a day trip to Edinburgh, for which you have several options. You can go by car, or take the car to the outskirts and park and ride, or simply catch one of the regular buses which pass through the village.
Heating, electricity, bed linen and towels are all INCLUDED in the rental. Up to two well-behaved pets are welcome by arrangement. Sorry, no smoking within the house. There is wireless broadband internet access available, subject to provider. A refundable householder's deposit will be required.
