Fishing, golf, riding, tennis and canoeing are all available locally for sporty types.

St Boswells is within walking distance of the cottage and is a pretty village with, in addition to shops and a pub, a village green, riverside golf course and an excellent café/bookshop.

Buses run regularly from the village up to Edinburgh, which is much easier than taking the car, or you can jump on the train at Tweedbank (7 miles) and be right in the city centre in under an hour.

St Cuthbert’s Way from Melrose to Lindisfarne passes through the village and follows the old Roman road, Dere Street, south to Jedburgh. Some of the ancient Roman paving is still visible on the track, which adds a whole historical dimension to a pleasant walk. Just to the north, the Southern Upland Way gives more walking opportunities.

Salmon fishing in the Tweed is always going to be expensive, but there are plenty of other rivers and lochans in the area and fishing permits are available locally. There are riding stables just to the north of St Boswells at Cowdenknowes and this is a great way to explore the lovely Borders countryside.

For those interested in history nearby Melrose, with the Eildon Hills (Trimontium), was once the site of a Roman camp, while medieval Melrose Abbey is a place of great beauty. In terms of stately homes, Sir Walter Scott’s Abbotsford is just along the road, while Manderston, Mellerstain, Thirlestane Castle and Traquair are all within easy driving distance. Jedburgh has a range of little shops and also boasts a ruined abbey, jail and Mary Queen of Scots’ House.

For shoppers there are all the woollen mill and craft shops to visit in the small and attractive Border towns nearby. There are literally scores of attractions, both historic and scenic, to visit within a 50 mile radius.