Crailing Cottage

Crailing Cottage charms from the start: part of a private, central Borders estate, its elegant Regency stonework frames a front door painted in attractive mint green.

Inside, the home is light, bright and furnished in contemporary-country style – a mixture of comfort and cool.

Head upstairs to unpack and families will find two good-sized bedrooms. One is a king-sized double complete with a vintage mahogany chest of drawers; the other an airier twin room whose picture of a skateboarding dog is sure to amuse children. There’s also a smaller single room if needed, plus the pretty family bathroom whose shower overhangs a soaking tub that’s dreamy after long days out.

Just as relaxing is the charming sitting room below. This has a log burner in its original fireplace, a straw-coloured rug and armchairs just begging that you sink into them. A bookcase lends a traditional touch while the ottoman is ready for tired feet or tea trays. A work desk sits on one side, and French doors open to the large garden.

On summer days, you’ll want to be out there. Enclosed and lawned around a shrubbery, it includes space for young tykes to tear around as well as a terrace whose picnic table and parasol make possible al-fresco dinners – or perhaps a spot of stargazing over hot chocolates.

Back inside is an additional shower room and the open-plan kitchen and dining space. Numerous appliances are found at one end, opposite a white-wood table sitting six. Above this is a huge map of the local area, allowing you to plan or retrace your daily explorations.

The wider Crailing Estate is a gorgeous example of rolling parkland within the Teviot Valley. The Oxnam Water flows through it, providing excellent riverside walks right from that pretty front door.

You’re just five miles from Jedburgh, an attractive and genuinely-bustling town whose independent shops and quality eats complement the magnificent remains of a 12th-century Augustinian abbey, Scotland’s lone castle jail and Mary Queen of Scots’ former home, now a museum. Seven miles in the other direction is elegant Kelso, home to another glorious abbey, a famous racecourse and Scotland’s largest market square.

The Borders Abbeys Way footpath mazily connects to two more ravishing religious ruins at Melrose and Dryburgh, while marked bicycle trails and the St Cuthbert’s Way long-distance also pass very close by. Golfers can choose from 22 courses within a 30-mile radius while anglers are close to prime Middle Tweed or more affordable Teviot beats, with fun trout fishing possible too on the Oxnam Water.

ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION

For guests looking to holiday together, this cottage can booked alongside Crailing Coach House, sleeping 4, which sits next door to Crailing Cottage or Crailing West Lodge, sleeping 2, which is the gate lodge situated at the entrance of the Crailing Estate.