9 Bedroom Cottage in Earlston

Offering spacious accommodation for up to 18 guests, this magnificent retreat provides a fabulous backdrop for a family get-together. The property lies in a tranquil spot on an arable and livestock farm – you can book a tour of the farm directly with the owner, with opportunities to meet horses, seasonal lambs and calves, as well as seeing the combine in action during harvest time. The surrounding area offers miles of breathtaking countryside with a wealth of walking, hiking and biking routes from the doorstep. The farm lies midway between the picturesque towns of Earlston (4.5 miles) and Lauder (6.5 miles), each with some lovely places to eat and drink. Lauder is also home to the stunning Thirlestane Castle which hosts a variety of events including the Borders Vintage Automobile Club Classic. Melrose is within easy reach (10 miles), a bustling town famous for the Melrose Rugby Sevens tournament, a medieval abbey, the Borders Book Festival, and Abbotsford, the home of Walter Scott.

Entering this splendid hideaway, the welcoming hallway/boot room has plenty of space for leaving coats and shoes. Exploring the ground floor, you will find a shower room, utility cupboard and a drying room, alongside a stylish games room featuring a bar area, drinks fridge and full-size snooker table. From the hallway, a staircase leads up and directly into a spacious, light-filled open-plan lounge/kitchen/diner with a high vaulted ceiling, wooden beams and exposed stonework. Featuring a Smart TV and plush seating, the lounge is at one end of this cheerful space, perfect for relaxation and taking in the far-reaching views from the picture windows, which overlook the surrounding countryside. The centre of the room is occupied by a sociable dining table, leading to a beautifully organised and fully equipped kitchen area. This area features a useful island/breakfast bar and ample workspace – a private chef can be booked by arrangement with the owner for a special occasion. From this bright and airy space, a corridor leads to five of the property's nine fresh and cosy en-suite bedrooms: one king-size room and four super-king-size rooms which can be made up as twins on request. Heading back through the main living area, a few steps lead down from the kitchen into an airy and inviting lounge/diner with a Smart TV, sumptuous seating, a cheery wood burner and another stylish dining table. A staircase leads up from this room to the four remaining bedrooms, all elegantly decorated in tasteful, soothing tones: all are super-king-size, three of which can be made into twins.

Heading outside, the fully enclosed front courtyard features heated kennels and secure storage space for a range of outdoor gear. The beautiful back garden has a characterful and extensive raised deck with sociable seating, with a charcoal BBQ, fire pit and spellbinding views. Steps lead down onto a charming lawned orchard garden with further seating areas and an array of herbs and fruits suitable for picking when in season. Covered parking is available for eight cars, with enclosed courtyard parking for an additional 10–12 cars. There's also stabling and grazing for holidaying horses to be booked directly with the owner – additional charges apply.