The Loading Bay is part of the former Hassendean Railway Station on the famous Waverley railway line, which has been carefully restored to create a cosy cottage with plenty of charm, near Hawick (5 miles) in the Scottish Borders.

Inside the mix of antiques, railway artefacts and memorabilia are sure to delight guests. The main living area is upstairs at ‘Platform Level’ and is open plan with comfy seating and an electric stove that keeps it toasty. A step down takes you round to the neat, well-equipped kitchen area that even has a dishwasher so you can avoid the chore of doing the dishes.

There is a modern dining area alongside and the whole room is very light and bright with lots of windows that showcase the beautiful views out over the surrounding countryside. There is also a handy wc/utility room on this level that houses the laundry facilities.

Downstairs, at ‘Goods Yard’ level, are a spacious double bedroom with king-size bed, a twin bedroom and a large, modern shower room with a walk-in corner shower and luxurious underfloor heating.

Outside, the cottage is set down its own driveway and has a charming deck (with furniture) that looks out over a lovely lawned area which is where the railway tracks once ran. It is the ideal place to sit and enjoy alfresco meals and the dark skies in the area make it easy to stargaze in the evenings. An innovative shed made out of railway sleepers with a grass roof provides secure storage and the footbridge that crosses what would have been the tracks is the only surviving Victorian timber footbridge of its kind.

Further pet friendly accommodation is available at The Loading Bay’s sister property ‘Old Signalman’s Cottage’ within the station grounds.