In a peaceful rural spot amidst pretty woodland sits Old Howpasley Cottage, a delightful cottage that is ideally placed for exploring the beautiful Borthwick Valley near Hawick (15 miles).
Quick Info
Sleeps: 4 | Bedrooms: 2 |
Changeover Day: Sat | Pets Allowed: Yes (2) |
No smoking | Bathrooms: 2 |
Inside, it is warm and inviting with a wood-burning stove in the sitting room to warm up in front of after days spent out and about. The dining area is just alongside and further seating has been set up in front of the French doors for admiring the garden. From there steps lead outside to a terraced patio area and the garden beyond and there is also a handy bathroom downstairs.
Upstairs are a spacious and light double bedroom with plenty of storage space, a bright twin room and a modern shower room. To the front of the cottage is an enclosed grassed garden that is ideal for dogs to run around in and beyond it there is a large pond and a small burn so care should be taken.
The grounds extend to over 8 acres with fishing right on the doorstep and grass walkways that lead off into the surrounding woodland for interesting country walks with cheeky red squirrels to keep an eye out for. Although there is a house next door it is rarely occupied so you are left to enjoy the quiet and the birds singing in the trees.
Access to the cottage is via half a mile of rough track that is steep in places so should be driven carefully (not suitable for low slung vehicles). Parking is available at the top of the track if you prefer.
The Crib Law Trail and Wolfcleuch Loop mountain biking trails in nearby Craik Forest (3 miles) are well worth trying out and there is secure storage at the cottage for bikes. There are lots of walking trails within the forest, as well as a wildlife hide that can be used to get a closer view of the local wildlife.
Mountain bikers will also want to head to the 7stanes mountain biking centre at Newcastleton (36.5 miles) where there is a 6 mile long blue-graded trail that suits all ages and abilities and a trickier 14.5 mile red-graded trail for more advanced riders.
There are some lovely little shops to wander around in Hawick (15 miles) and the town is very well catered for in terms of supermarkets. There are a variety of pubs, restaurants and eateries with something to suit all tastes and if you are interested in Hawick’s history then the Heritage Hub is the place to learn all about it.
Hawick’s 18 hole golf course is the oldest golf club in the Borders and welcomes visitors to enjoy a round on its very picturesque course. If golf is your passion then it is well worth investing in a ‘Freedom of the Fairways’ pass (valid from April through October) that gives access to a total of 21 different courses spread out across the region.
Whilst in the area a trip up to the gorgeous capital Edinburgh should definitely be on the agenda. It is just over an hour’s drive to the station at Tweedbank (28 miles) from which it is just a 50 minute journey up to arrive right in the city centre.
Local Events and Attractions
Please note: while we make every effort to be as accurate as possible, the actual position of the cottage indicated on the map above and the proximity of the amenities in the Local Info section cannot be guaranteed to be precise and should be used as a guide only.
Accommodation
Downstairs
Open plan living area with wood-burning stove, TV (Freeview)/DVD and french doors to garden
Kitchen with induction hob and electric oven, dishwasher, washer/dryer, fridge/freezer, microwave, etc
Bathroom with bath, WC and wash basin.
Upstairs
Double bedroom (king-size)
Twin bedroom
Shower room with WC and wash basin.
What's included
- Linen (Double Bed)
- Free
- Linen (Single Bed)
- Free
- Sets of towels (per person)
- Free
Available Extras
- Pet
- £20.00
Services
Bed linen and towels are INCLUDED. The first £20 of electricity is INCLUDED with any additional usage payable by meter reading at the end of your stay. Heating is by electric central heating (first £25 INCLUDED with any additional payable at the end of your stay) and wood-burning stove (starter pack INCLUDED). Water is from a private source which is UV filtered and regularly tested; however (as is typical in many parts of Scotland) it can become discoloured, particularly after heavy rainfall. Guests may therefore prefer to bring bottled water to drink. A maximum of two dogs is welcome at an additional charge (1 large, 2 medium, 2 small). If you wish to bring any other pets please contact us and we will see what we can do. No smoking.
Please note: Access to the cottage is via half a mile of rough track that is steep in places so should be driven carefully (not suitable for low slung vehicles). Parking is available at the top of the track if you prefer.
Weekly Prices
The weekly guide prices for this property are shown below. Use the availability & book sidebar on the right to select your holiday or calculate short break rates (where available).
From 22/10/2021 to 25/10/2021
From 15/10/2021 to 18/10/2021
From 08/10/2021 to 11/10/2021
Changeover Day: Sat
Rental - Date Range | Sleeps 2 | Sleeps 4 |
03 Apr 2021 - 23 Apr 2021 | £495.00 | £550.00 |
24 Apr 2021 - 07 May 2021 | £450.00 | £495.00 |
08 May 2021 - 21 May 2021 | £495.00 | £550.00 |
22 May 2021 - 04 Jun 2021 | £650.00 | £650.00 |
05 Jun 2021 - 25 Jun 2021 | £495.00 | £550.00 |
26 Jun 2021 - 23 Jul 2021 | £650.00 | £650.00 |
24 Jul 2021 - 27 Aug 2021 | £715.00 | £715.00 |
28 Aug 2021 - 17 Sep 2021 | £495.00 | £550.00 |
18 Sep 2021 - 08 Oct 2021 | £450.00 | £495.00 |
09 Oct 2021 - 29 Oct 2021 | £495.00 | £550.00 |
30 Oct 2021 - 17 Dec 2021 | £395.00 | £450.00 |
18 Dec 2021 - 27 Dec 2021 | £595.00 | £650.00 |
28 Dec 2021 - 05 Jan 2022 | £595.00 | £650.00 |
06 Jan 2022 - 04 Feb 2022 | £395.00 | £450.00 |
05 Feb 2022 - 01 Apr 2022 | £450.00 | £495.00 |
02 Apr 2022 - 22 Apr 2022 | £495.00 | £550.00 |
23 Apr 2022 - 06 May 2022 | £450.00 | £495.00 |
06 Jan 2023 - 05 Jan 2024 | POA | POA |
06 Jan 2024 - 05 Jan 2025 | POA | POA |
Please note: Prices are calculated based on your party size at the time of booking. If your party size changes for any reason after booking please let us know so we can ensure the accommodation provided meets your exact requirements.
Reviews
(Supplied Independently through Feefo)


Absolutely lovely cottage. The location is remote, and the grounds of the cottage are thoughtfully laid out. This is s...
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It's great value for money and the pictures do not do the cottage or the surroundings justice. We saw deer, badgers, bu...
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Fantastic cottage, great location.

Everything we need in the cottage, stunning views and plenty of quiet walks for the dogs.
Can’t wait to go again
Guest Comments
'A unique and amazing location and experience. Peaceful and relaxing, just what the doctor ordered!'
'Beautiful location and cottage. Nice little touches to make you feel welcome and the owner was a real gem. We saw lots of deer, red squirrels and birds - a very relaxing week.'
'All that was needed for a relaxing stay. Saw a variety of birds and the treats on arrival were much appreciated by us and the dogs!'
'Absolutely outstanding cottage – warm, beautiful, perfectly appointed with lots of thoughtful details. Overall, a really superb place – we will definitely be back!'
'Beautiful location and cottage. Very thoughtfully decorated and stocked. Nice little touches to make you feel welcome and owner was a real gem.'
'Had a fantastic week here, living the dream. We have been visited every day by red squirrels, woodpeckers, buzzards and a heron. Thank you very much for the dog biscuits and dog towels, it is so lovely to know the dogs are truly welcomed here.'
'Beautiful cottage in a lovely location. Saw a variety of birds including the woodpecker on his daily visits, red squirrel, deer, fox, a wonderful peaceful haven. Treats on arrival much appreciated by us and the dogs!'
'Wonderful cottage set in beautiful countryside. The cottage had everything you needed and beds were so comfortable. We will be back.'
'What a wonderful cottage and fantastic location. Loved watching the red squirrel feeding from the bird feeders. Both dogs loved it, can’t let them off at home so they have had a ball.'
Guest Comments
'A unique and amazing location and experience. Peaceful and relaxing, just what the doctor ordered!'
'Beautiful location and cottage. Nice little touches to make you feel welcome and the owner was a real gem. We saw lots of deer, red squirrels and birds - a very relaxing week.'
'All that was needed for a relaxing stay. Saw a variety of birds and the treats on arrival were much appreciated by us and the dogs!'
'Absolutely outstanding cottage – warm, beautiful, perfectly appointed with lots of thoughtful details. Overall, a really superb place – we will definitely be back!'
'Beautiful location and cottage. Very thoughtfully decorated and stocked. Nice little touches to make you feel welcome and owner was a real gem.'
'Had a fantastic week here, living the dream. We have been visited every day by red squirrels, woodpeckers, buzzards and a heron. Thank you very much for the dog biscuits and dog towels, it is so lovely to know the dogs are truly welcomed here.'
'Beautiful cottage in a lovely location. Saw a variety of birds including the woodpecker on his daily visits, red squirrel, deer, fox, a wonderful peaceful haven. Treats on arrival much appreciated by us and the dogs!'
'Wonderful cottage set in beautiful countryside. The cottage had everything you needed and beds were so comfortable. We will be back.'
'What a wonderful cottage and fantastic location. Loved watching the red squirrel feeding from the bird feeders. Both dogs loved it, can’t let them off at home so they have had a ball.'