The month of May rolls around, and, like clockwork, we have blooms on the brain and find ourselves inspired by the diversity of the gardens on offer at our handpicked holiday homes and cottages. At this time when we are all staying safely at home, Mother Nature seems determined to continue to put on her resplendent show for all to enjoy.

As our minds wander into the landscape of daydreams more often than usual, we have collected some of our Northumberland, Scottish Borders and East Lothian holiday cottages where the gardens boast far-reaching views that are all yours during your stay. From crashing waves and coastal castles to heather-clad hilltops and fields of barley, enjoy a moment of botanical wanderlust.

Granary

With uninterrupted views over the mystical triple-peaked Eildon Hill and surrounding countryside, Granny and next-door Smiddy offer a slice of Scottish countryside perfection. The gardens are a sublime space for the family to roam free and the bi-folding doors successfully bring the outside in.

Granary | Sleeps 8 | Melrose, Scottish Borders

Calder Cottage

Just half a mile from the golden bay of Embleton sands, the garden of this quaint cottage boasts commanding sea views over two true highlights of the Northumberland Coast - Dunstanburgh Castle and Embleton Bay. The love seat and firepit will set the scene for evening drinks as you gaze over the bay.

Calder Cottage | Sleeps 2 | Embleton, Northumberland

Barley Hill Cottage

A quintessential rural retreat with “a view to die for” over rolling farmland in the Bowmont Valley to the hills of the Northumberland National Park. Settle in front of the cottage for lunch al fresco and enjoy an evening glass of wine while the setting sun lights up the valley and hills with breath-taking beauty.

Barley Hill Cottage | Sleeps 4 | Cornhill-on-Tweed, Northumberland

Tweedside

This is everything a country cottage should be. Take in the amazing 180-degree views of the gentle curve of the River Tweed from the enclosed and dog friendly garden or follow your private path to the river – lucky guests will spot wild deer, otters, kingfisher and leaping salmon along the way.

Tweedside | Sleeps 4 | Coldstream, Scottish Borders

Croft House

Sit back and soak up glorious skies and spectacular sunsets from the garden. The breath-taking views over the rich Northumbrian countryside offer a true sense of escapism as you take in the views across the rich rolling landscape of the Coquet Valley. Gather in the games room on cooler evenings.

Croft House | Sleeps 7 | Great Tosson, Rothbury, Northumberland

Holy Island Bay

Our two cottages at Holy Island Bay offer serene outdoor space like no other, tucked at the end of a coastal lane overlooking the bay towards the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. With spirit-lifting views over the water this is a dream spot to watch the sunrise cast its colours over the island outline.

Holy Island Bay - Byre / Holy Island Bay - Stables | Beal, Northumberland

Mossfennan House

Sitting in glorious isolation high in the hills of Tweeddale and offering exceptional hill walking from the doorstep, this country house garden offers spectacular views while a babbling burn running down the edge of the garden provides a charming soundtrack to leisurely breakfasts or lunches.

Mossfennan House | Sleeps 8 | Peebles, Scottish Borders

Dipper and Chaffinch Cottage, Leyland Barn, The Old Barn

The four hilltop cottages here sit 1400 feet above sea level in the heart of Northumberland National Park, offering sensational views and never-ending walking and cycling routes, sure to keep all active adventurers happy! Wake to the views across the hillside along with the odd passing deer.

Dipper Cottage, Chaffinch Cottage, Leyland Barn, The Old Barn | Harbottle, Northumberland 

View of Bamburgh Castle and the sea from The Shieling holiday cottage, from Bamburgh on the Northumberland coast

The Shieling

Surrender to the call of the sea at this Hamptons style beach house. With views across sand dunes to the sea beyond and Bamburgh’s iconic castle – equally as eye-catching at night as in the daytime – throw open the curtains each morn to soak up the sea and plan sunny garden days and beach picnics.

The Shieling | Sleeps 10 | Bamburgh, Northumberland

Overthwarts Farmhouse

As a sunshine-filled day turns into a balmy evening, the garden patio here is a top spot for al fresco dining – a peaceful haven with ethereal views overlooking the glorious landscape of Edlingham Vale that 'Lord of the Rings' fans may recognise from the posters for 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey'.

Overthwarts Farmhouse | Sleeps 7+3 | Alnwick, Northumberland 

Whitesand Shiel

A fantastic location with captivating views and plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities. Enjoy a prime view across the River Tweed to Berwick’s famous Royal Bridge, a Grade 1 listed railway viaduct opened in 1850 by Queen Victoria. Grand by day and lit up by night with captivating coloured lights.

Whitesand Shiel | Sleeps 2 | Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland 

East Bay Beach House

With views over North Berwick Law to the rear and dream sea views to the front, you could be forgiven for spending your days doing nothing more than watching the comings and goings of life in this bustling seaside town. The beach, just a hop, skip and jump away, acts as an extension of the garden space.

East Bay Beach House | Sleeps 8 | North Berwick, East Lothian

Pennine Way Cottage

Set high on the hillside with fantastic views across the Cheviots in a Designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the garden has been designed to take advantage of the views with a series of tiered decks leading onto woodland and a small field. Cook up a storm with local produce on the BBQ.

Pennine Way Cottage | Sleeps 2 | Yetholm, Scottish Borders