You can head out cycling straight from the house and there are mountain bike trails in the Craik Forest (8 miles), or for more serious mountain biking the superb 7stanes Centre at Newcastleton is just over an hour’s drive away. There are also outdoor activities including archery, kayaking, raft building and a 300 metre long zipwire on offer at the Rock UK Activity Centre a mile out of Newcastleton.

Hawick (7 miles) has plenty of shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants, as well as large supermarkets and a leisure centre with a swimming pool and soft play area for children. The town has a long history in the textile industry and it is still a great place to pick up quality cashmere and knitwear.

There is an 18-hole golf course on the outskirts of Hawick that is in an elevated position with wonderful views of the surrounding countryside or you can try the courses at Woll (8 miles) or Minto (13 miles). Horse riding is available from the Ian Stark Equestrian Centre (12 miles).

Selkirk (13 miles) has a range of shops to explore and if you are still on the textile trail you will find more knitwear at the Lochcarron Visitor Centre where you can take an informative tour of the mill itself. Just outside Selkirk at the Philiphaugh Salmon Viewing Centre is a picturesque riverside walk where, at the right time of year, you can see the salmon leaping in the river.

The area is steeped in history with lots of interesting sites to visit including Stobs Castle (11.5 miles), Fatlips Castle (13.5 miles) and Hermitage Castle (22.5 miles). The town of Jedburgh (17.5 miles) is home to a 12th century ruined abbey, as well as Mary Queen of Scots House and Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum.

Born in the Borders (16 miles) has a gift shop and beer brewery, as well as a café with a live TV feed of a nearby osprey nest (in season). They have also teamed up with a local company to offer off road driving over challenging terrain with taster sessions and longer, more technical drives available to try.