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The Old Mill

Hownam, near Kelso, Scottish Borders

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The perfect rural retreat has been found in the form of The Old Mill, a lovingly constructed eco-house that is ideally placed for discovering the many delights of the Scottish Borders, in the peaceful hamlet of Hownam.

Quick Info

Sleeps: 4/8 Bedrooms: 5
Changeover Day: Sat Pets Allowed: No
No smoking Bathrooms: 2
Licence No: SLL000070
  • No Smoking
  • Open Fire/Solid Fuel Stove
  • Green Credentials
  • WiFi
Overview

It may not be evident from the outside but this beautiful house is actually of a straw bale, timber clad construction that provides excellent insulation throughout and is kept even cosier by its central heating, wood-burning stove and triple glazing. This charming getaway has all the character and warmth required to make it feel like a true home from home that is a real treat to spend time in. Its vast open plan living area has clearly defined spaces for cooking, eating and relaxing or strumming up a tune on one of the guitars or the banjo should the mood strike.

It is positively idyllic sitting on the rocking chairs on the covered verandah taking in the serene setting looking towards the little bothy and the scenery spread out behind it. Be sure to keep a keen eye out for the dippers and herons that like to visit the burn. Large areas of the grounds are left untended to encourage all manner of visiting birds, hares and even the occasional otter. Every spring several nesting pairs of house-martins take up residence. Guests have their pick of sprawling lawns, a raised herb garden, a small orchard with a reading bench, a live willow seat tucked away in seclusion surrounded by silver birch trees and a superb fully-insulated, double-glazed bothy/games-room with a sleeping platform. At The Old Mill, everyone can find their own wild space they would need for the perfect back-to-nature break. The Old Mill is a wonderful place to stay, and a hard place to leave.

The downstairs double bedroom, known as ‘Bowmont Water’, is colourful and bright and as there is a ramp up to the back door it is ideal for anyone with mobility limitations. Off a central landing on the first floor are the other four bedrooms that are also named after nearby rivers or streams. There are two double rooms ‘Kale’ and Hownam Burn’ and two single rooms called ‘Tweed’ and ‘Teviot’ (which has impressive artwork adorning its wall) that all make use of a family bathroom and separate shower room. There is a superb upstairs lounge to separate out into with a TV, plenty of books to keep even the most avid readers happy, a panoramic picture-window looking into the hills and a fun air-hockey table.

Half an acre of pretty grounds surround the house with a short stretch of rough farm track leading up to it (may not be suitable for low slung vehicles) and parking for up to 4 cars. The patio catches the sun most of the day as it is south-facing and it is quite an adventure crossing the wooden bridge that spans the burn (care to be taken) to get to the bothy. This is just the place for younger guests to make good use of the pool table and music system or to sit out in the evening sun on the bothy’s west-facing verandah before tucking themselves up for the night on the mezzanine sleeping platform for their very own glamping adventure. Please note this is alternative accommodation rather than in addition to the sleeping space in the house. The maximum number of guests for The Old Mill is 8.

Please note: This cottage is not suitable for children under 5 years old.

Map & Local

With so much countryside all around and the Cheviot foothills rising from the garden, it is easy to get out exploring. Nearby Hownam Law (2 miles) is sure to be one of the first on the list of hills to try with wonderful views from the summit.

For more of a challenge, the wild and remote Cheviots stretch down into Northumberland and the Pennine Way marks the boundary with England high along the border ridge.

For something a bit different visit Beirhope Alpacas (2 miles) where there is the chance to feed and even walk these amazing animals, a lasting childhood memory to be sure! The village of Morebattle (4 miles) has a village shop and a hotel bar restaurant that offers a handy takeaway option.

Kelso (10 miles) is a bustling and prosperous market town with a selection of interesting independent shops to peruse as well as supermarkets and an excellent choice of eating and drinking venues. The imposing 12th century abbey within the town is one of four in the local area, which are linked by the 68 mile long Borders Abbeys Way.

On the edge of Kelso is the glorious Floors Castle that is well worth a visit, particularly for history enthusiasts. The quiet country roads are great for cyclists while mountain bikers may prefer the impressive graded downhill trails at Innerleithen (40 miles) where one of the famous 7stanes centres is based.

The Border towns of Jedburgh (10 miles), Hawick (20 miles), Melrose (23 miles) and Galashiels (28 miles) are all easily accessible to head to for trips out. The Berwickshire and Northumberland coastline only an hour’s drive away offers miles and miles of lovely sandy beaches, which are frequently rated among Britain’s best. A day spent up in the capital Edinburgh, by jumping on the train at Tweedbank (25 miles), is an absolute ‘must do’.

Local Events and Attractions

Category:

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.

Facilities

Accommodation

Downstairs

(3 steps up to front door)
Sitting/dining room/kitchen with wood-burning stove and HiFi with Bluetooth, electric hob and oven, fridge, dishwasher, microwave, slow cooker, etc
Utility room with freezer and washing machine
Double bedroom (king-size zip link, can convert to twin beds)
WC.

Upstairs

Sitting room with TV (Freeview)
Double bedroom (king-size zip link, can convert to twin beds)
Double bedroom with en suite bathroom with bath, WC and wash basin (also accessed from corridor)
Single bedroom
Single bedroom
Shower room with WC and wash basin.

Outdoor bothy/games room with pool table and sound system.

What's included

Linen (Double Bed)
Free
Linen (Single Bed)
Free
Sets of towels (per person)
Free
WiFi
Free

Services

Bed linen INCLUDED and towels are INCLUDED. Electricity is INCLUDED. Heating is by oil central heating (INCLUDED) and wood-burning stove (logs INCLUDED). WiFi is INCLUDED. Sorry, pets are not accepted. No smoking. No infants, no children under 5.

Availability

Availability

The calendar below shows dates which are either available or booked for this property. Use the Book Now menu above to select your desired holiday dates.

Changeover Day: Sat

Booked Available
2024
Price

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).

Changeover Day: Sat

Rental - Date Range Sleeps 4 Sleeps 8
05 Oct 2024 - 25 Oct 2024 £1,095.00 £1,295.00
26 Oct 2024 - 19 Dec 2024 £850.00 £950.00
20 Dec 2024 - 27 Dec 2024 £1,495.00 £1,495.00
28 Dec 2024 - 05 Jan 2025 £1,495.00 £1,495.00
06 Jan 2025 - 31 Jan 2025 £850.00 £950.00
01 Feb 2025 - 04 Apr 2025 £995.00 £1,095.00
05 Apr 2025 - 25 Apr 2025 £1,095.00 £1,295.00
26 Apr 2025 - 02 May 2025 £995.00 £1,095.00
03 May 2025 - 23 May 2025 £1,095.00 £1,295.00
24 May 2025 - 30 May 2025 £1,495.00 £1,495.00
31 May 2025 - 27 Jun 2025 £1,095.00 £1,295.00
28 Jun 2025 - 18 Jul 2025 £1,495.00 £1,495.00
19 Jul 2025 - 29 Aug 2025 £1,695.00 £1,695.00
30 Aug 2025 - 12 Sep 2025 £1,095.00 £1,295.00
13 Sep 2025 - 03 Oct 2025 £995.00 £1,095.00
04 Oct 2025 - 24 Oct 2025 £1,095.00 £1,295.00
25 Oct 2025 - 19 Dec 2025 £850.00 £950.00
20 Dec 2025 - 27 Dec 2025 £1,495.00 £1,495.00
28 Dec 2025 - 05 Jan 2026 £1,495.00 £1,495.00
06 Jan 2026 - 05 Jan 2027 POA POA
06 Jan 2027 - 05 Jan 2028 POA POA
06 Jan 2028 - 05 Jan 2029 POA POA

Please note: Prices are calculated based on your party size at the time of booking and where more than one tariff is shown, the number of bedrooms made available may vary. This allows us to offer larger properties at lower rates for smaller parties. 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

Reviews
(Supplied Independently through Feefo)

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05-Sep-2024

Tops. Area, garden, space, views, cleanliness cant be faulted. Owner most accomodating.

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18-Aug-2024

Beautiful house in a stunning location, clean and well presented. We all had a lovely time during our stay with nightly...

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27-Feb-2024

The Old Mill was an excellent choice for a family Christmas providing suitable accommodation for our party of eight. A s...

Our response:

We are so pleased that you enjoyed your stay and hope you choose to return.

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29-Jul-2023

The Old Mill, was an absolutely stunning house in a beautiful location. Instantly felt at home in the property lots of s...

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24-Jul-2023

Very helpful communications and advice on the area. The property was spotless and everything that was needed was availa...

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Refundable House Holder's deposit required