The Potting Shed is a pretty, cosy yet quirky hideaway resting at the foot of the landscaped gardens of Garden Cottage.

Once a humble garden outbuilding, it has been lovingly and tastefully restored, and transformed into a well equipped, eco friendly cottage with its own partially enclosed garden. It enjoys tree-framed riverside views over the Leader Water which meanders through the nearby market town of Earlston, in the wonderfully unspoilt Scottish Borders.

Earlston provides doorstep amenities for The Potting Shed guests with butchery, pharmacy, banking and post office facilities; there is also a co-operative supermarket for general groceries, and a bakery selling freshly baked bread, pastries, pies and butter croissants which can be enjoyed with a pot of steaming hot coffee outside on the cottage's patio.

A floor to ceiling window and glass front entrance gives The Potting Shed access to the maximum of daylight, and the clean, unfussy decor adds to the airy and bright feel of the partially open plan interior. A wonderful state of the art Everhot heat storage range cooker is a modern energy efficient feature which marries effortlessly with the more traditional log burning stove and cosy soft furnishings of the sofa, throws, and cushions.

The brightly accessorised bedroom is ultra comfortable with crisp Egyptian cotton linen and the cottage is excellently finished with special touches such as fresh flowers, organic Sedbergh toiletries, and a delicious ‘home produce' welcome pack on arrival, which can include such delights as free range eggs, freshly baked bread, granola and preserves.

The effortless and relaxed simplicity of the cottage's interior is echoed in its leafy surroundings; the elevated south facing decked area is ideal for barbecues, early evening al fresco dining whilst listening to bird song and the pacifying trickle of the river nearby, or is equally perfect for an end of day glass of wine whilst planning tomorrow's adventure.

Time at The Potting Shed can be as busy or as benign as one chooses with a plethora of recognised walks, cycle trails and horse treks available in the vicinity. The Potting Shed sits right on the Earlston footpath network, offering a wide range of walks without the need to use the car. A booklet of 9 local routes is available to guests. A particular favourite is the lovely walk into Melrose along the Leader Valley which takes about three hours and guests can then catch the bus back to Earlston which is a 20 minute walk back to The Potting Shed.

Stages of both the Southern Upland Way: Britain's first coast to coast long distance footpath, and the St Cuthbert's Way, which reaches from Melrose to Holy Island, run close by this area; both have sections suitable for less serious walkers as well as far more challenging stretches and climbs.

Holy Island can be reached by less energetic means: boat trips run daily from Seahouses on the coast; the beautiful coastline and sandy beaches are definitely worth a day trip. Bamburgh and Scremerston are particularly scenic.

An hour's drive will take you to Edinburgh complete with its castle, museums, galleries, shopping, restaurants and theatres.

Closer to home again, and Earlston is only a few miles from the beautiful abbey town of Melrose with its many individually owned boutiques, tea rooms – such as the delicious Russell's – and galleries, craft and gift shops. It is also home to the enchanting and well attended Wynd Theatre, as well as the delightful eating experiences of Marmions Brasserie, and Monte Casino.

Sir William Wallace's imposing statue and the breathtaking panoramic vista from Sir Walter Scott's namesake, Scott's View, are not to be missed, followed perhaps by afternoon tea at the Dryburgh Abbey or a tasty informal home-cooked lunch at the award winning Main Street Trading Company: a bookworm's paradise combined with hearty, wholesome food, thus satisfying both mind and body!

Fishing fanatics can embrace the River Tweed's popular salmon beats of Gledswood and Ravenswood, virtually on The Potting Shed's doorstep, before trying their luck further afield. A local fishing guide is available - please see below for details. Riding enthusiasts have the diverse facilities provided by the Cowdenknowes Equi Centre Riding School, literally at the end of the road!

Continuing on a sporting theme, the Borders boasts some 21 golf courses, all offering varying levels of competition and challenge, but all vying closely for most spectacular scenery and dramatic view.

Whatever the past time, the plan, or the passion, The Potting Shed can be the perfect base to set off from, and the ideal retreat to come home to.

Floorplans for The Potting Shed will be available soon. In the meantime, please contact us if you have any queries in relation to the layout of the accommodation.

Bedroom with 5' kingsize bed and chest of drawers.

Shower room with walk-in shower, whb and WC. Organic Sedbergh Soap Company toiletries are provided.

Open plan kitchen, dining area and seating area

Small kitchen area with microwave, fridge with freezer box and a state of the art Everhot; an electric range cooker with two ovens, a grill and two hot plates which also provides constant heat for the living area. Please note that a washing machine is not provided but the owners are happy to wash clothes for guests in emergencies! There is a chest freezer in an outhouse next to The Potting Shed.

Dining area with kitchen table and bench seats.

Cosy seating area with log burner (logs are provided). There is plenty of indoor entertainment provided including HD television with Freeview, DVD player, MP3 dock, Wi Fi, and a selection of book, magazines and DVDs.

Small second bedroom / storage room providing excellent storage space and hanging space for clothes or ideal as a second bedroom for a travel cot.

Heating

Heating is provided by the Everhot electric heat storage unit, electric radiators in the bedroom and box room and the wood burner. These heating facilities are more than ample for the compact size of the cottage.

Garden and grounds

There is a partially fenced patio garden at the front of The Potting Shed with outside seating as well as a small decked seating area overlooking woodland and the Leader Water. Guests are welcome to walk around the wider grounds. A charcoal barbecue is provided (NB charcoal is not provided). Please see below for details of barbecue packs. Guests should be aware that the owner's garden adjoins that of The Potting Shed.

Parking

There is private parking to the side of the house.

Access to the cottage

Access to the cottage is via a track which can get muddy in wet conditions and and may be unsuitable for some vehicles in poor weather conditions. Guests may park in a designated area at the top of the track and walk through the owner's garden to access The Potting Shed. Please contact us if you have any concerns.

Delicious delivered meals - new for February 2012!

From February 2012, meals will be available to guests. Perfect for the first night or if you fancy a night off cooking; all you need to do is turn the oven on! Please contact us for a menu and prices. Meals must be pre-ordered with at least 48 hour's notice.

Deli packs - new for February 2012!

Pre-order a fruit and veg box or deli hamper of local, seasonal produce from the fabulous Spotty Dog deli in Lauder. Please contact us for details and an order form.

Barbecue packs - new for February 2012!

BBQ packs can be ordered and there on your arrival so all you need to do is spark up the barbie. They cost £12 and typically contain butchers' sausages and burgers, relishes, breadrolls, simple salad for 2 people and charcoal. Please contact us to order.

Facilities for babies and children

A travel cot, high chair and temporary bed are available on request.

Dogs

Two small dogs or one large dog are welcome at The Potting Shed. Please note that the garden of The Potting Shed is only partially enclosed and the owners have free range hens. We would ask that owners adhere to the guidelines in the pre-arrival information with regard to dogs.

Fishing

Fishing can be arranged through Mike Allan who is an experienced Borders River Guide with excellent knowledge of the local area. He offers a range of services to suit individual needs and experience. Please call him on 01896 751620 to discuss your requirements or visit www.scottishriverfishing.co.uk. A chest freezer is available to fishing parties.