Watermill House, St Boswells - Sleeps 6/7

These two cottages enjoy a splendid setting within the lovely 80-acre grounds of The Holmes, a fine late-Victorian country house. The surrounding parkland is home to a donkey sanctuary, rare breeds of sheep and goats, as well as Shetland ponies, llamas, peacocks and several varieties of fowl – and part of the estate is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest because of its wild flowers. So far, 59 species of native birds have been spotted, including osprey and kingfisher; while walking watch out for otters, badgers and foxes too. A private 1-mile stretch of the River Tweed offers free trout fishing for four rods (in season), and salmon fishing is readily available in the area by the day. Separately set in the grounds (Watermill House peacefully near the river, Stable Cottage within the former stable block), these properties are convenient for a wealth of attractions and activities in Scotland’s fascinating and historic Border country. Just a mile away is the Southern Upland Way. The nearby towns of St Boswells, Melrose, Selkirk and Kelso offer a choice of shops, inns and excellent restaurants, and all have golf courses; discount ‘passports’ offer 6 rounds over 3 days on a choice of courses for approximately £95. Dryburgh Abbey is within walking distance, by way of a suspension bridge, and a 10-minute walk along riverside paths lead to St Boswells and Newtown St Boswells. Riding, shooting, sailing and tennis locally, with an activity centre for quad bikes, fishing tuition, archery and bike hire nearby. Northumberland coast 40 minutes’ drive. Edinburgh 37 miles. Shop at garage (24 hr) ¼ mile.

• Elec and NSH by £1 coin meter (first £10 inc)
• Further background ‘Econ 7’ CH, bed linen and towels inc
• H/chair
• Two TVs
• Video
• M/wave
• W/machine
• T/dryer
• D/washer
• Freezer
• BBQ
• Salmon fishing by arr
• Trout fishing (April – Oct) foc
• Fishing on 1 mile stretch of River Tweed foc
• Discount golf ‘passports’ avail by arr
• Teddy bear playhouse
• Parking
• NB: River in grounds

This superb property has been built within the 14th-century shell of an old watermill, which was originally part of Dryburgh Abbey. It boasts a gloriously private and peaceful setting near a path to the river, and the surrounding grounds still show evidence of the noted Japanese Garden which was created here in years gone by. With its own fenced patio, Watermill House has been beautifully furnished and equipped and offers charming spacious accommodation for larger parties. Drawing room with wood-burning stove and French windows to fenced patio. Spacious farmhouse kitchen/dining room. Shower room with toilet. Utility room. Sun room. First floor: Double bedroom. Two twin bedrooms. Child’s single bedroom (for +1). Bathroom with toilet.

• Wood-burning stove – initial fuel inc, thereafter at cost
• T/cot
• Larder fridge
• Patio with
  furniture