Gardener's Cottage at Elliston
- 4
- 2
- 1
- 2
- Map
Overview
A rural hideaway yet ideally placed for sightseeing
Once the residence of the Head Gardener for the surrounding Elliston Estate, Gardener’s cottage is a quintessential charming two bedroom cottage.
Set in a delightful position within attractive tree-lined private grounds, the cottage is equally ideal as a romantic bolthole for couples or a rural hideaway for families, with extensive grounds for mini explorers to enjoy.
The cottage is accessed by a private track and is nestled in a peaceful, secluded position bordered by woodland to one side and the former walled garden to the rear. To the front and side of the cottage is a large informal garden.
The former drying green provides a sheltered area of lawn which is ideal for a game of football. There are delightful views from all aspects, particularly the view across rolling fields to an impressive lake complete with resident swans, overlooked by the imposing ruins of Elliston House.
Inside the cottage, the ground floor accommodation comprises a sitting room with log burner, dining room, kitchen and bathroom with walk-in shower and original cast iron bath.
Upstairs, the two charming bedrooms have zip and link beds that can be configured as a twin or super king.
Property details
GROUND FLOOR
Access into hallway with hanging rail and space for outdoor gear.
Sitting room with large sofa, two armchairs, flat screen TV with Freeview, DVD player, wood burning stove, selection of books and DVDs.
Dining room with dining space and seating for six.
Kitchen with ceramic hob, electric oven, microwave, 3/4 dishwasher, large fridge/freezer, washing machine and dryer.
Bathroom with original cast iron bath tub, separate shower unit with rainforest head and separate hand held unit, heated towel rail, basin and WC.
FIRST FLOOR
Bedroom one with zip and link beds which can be configured to 6‘ super king or 3’ twin as required, side tables, dressing table, door hook with hangers.
Bedroom two with zip and link beds which can be configured to 6‘ super king or 3’ twin as required, side tables, dressing table, door hook with hangers.
OUTSIDE
Large tree lined private garden with garden furniture. A gate at the end of the drive can be closed to enclose the garden, however this cannot be considered to be dog-proofed and dogs will require close supervision since the area around the cottage is farmland.
PARKING
There is private parking for two to three cars to the front and side of the property.
BABIES & CHILDREN
A highchair is available on request. A travel cot is not provided.
DOGS
Two dogs are permitted but must be clean before access into the property and thereafter must be kept off the furniture and out of the bedrooms.
Elliston is a working farm with livestock in the adjoining fields and it is imperative that dogs are kept under control and on leads whilst outwith the immediate garden vicinity. Guests can walk around the estate roads but cannot walk in the surrounding fields with livestock.
GUEST AMENITIES
Bed linen and towels are provided for guests along with guest toiletries.
WI-FI & MOBILE COVERAGE
4G high speed wireless BT internet now available. Mobile reception is reasonable.
HEATING
Oil fired gas central heating throughout the property. Wood burning stove with logs supplied.
GUEST PRIVACY
The property sits at the end of a private estate with its own access driveway and no overlooking from other properties.
Additional Accommodation
For guests looking to holiday together this cottage can be booked alongside Byreman's Cottage, sleeping 6 and Coachman's Cottage, sleeping 4 which all sit on the Elliston estate.
Location
Sitting just three miles from St Boswells, this pretty village boasts the fabulous, award-winning Mainstreet Trading bookshop, café, deli and antiques shop and the excellent Blue Coo Bistro at the Buccleuch Arms Hotel for eating out. There is also a good butchers, small Co-op supermarket and the highly regarded Border Gunroom for those essential country supplies.
Nearby Melrose (8 miles) is one of the most picturesque in the Borders with an excellent range of independent shops selling fine quality food and drink including The Country Kitchen for deli produce, cheeses, whole foods and fresh coffees; Dalgetty’s Bakery, makers of the original Selkirk Bannock; or Baird’s Butchers for locally sourced produce as well as freshly prepared homemade meals which are perfect for holiday stays.
You will also find a quality fishmongers, a fresh fruit and veg shop as well as two small convenience stores. For coffee and cake, pop into Apples for Jam for a steaming cappuccino and a delicious butter cream sponge, or for evening dining, the Town House, Provender, Burts or Marmions all come highly recommended.
Activities
This is an excellent base for exploring the local area. A drive of 6 miles will take you to the evocative ruins of Dryburgh Abbey, the final resting place of Sir Walter Scott and arguably one of the most beautiful of the Border Abbeys with remarkably complete ruins set in stunning grounds. Nearby Scott’s View offers panoramic views over superb Border countryside.
For outdoor pursuits, there is excellent walking in this area with several major walking and cycling routes nearby including the picturesque Four Abbeys Cycle Route and famous St Cuthbert's Way which charts the historic trail of the revered seventh century Saint on a 62 mile walk between Melrose Abbey where he started his religious life and his eventual resting place on the sublime Holy Island of Lindisfarne.
It is also an ideal base for fishing parties with notable middle Tweed beats including Dryburgh, Tweedswood, Bemersyde and Lower Pavilion offering some excellent value fishing. Shooting, be it clays or game is available locally, including Bisley at Braidwood where you can pay and play, sharpen up your eye with a few shooting lessons, or perhaps try the first full-bore pipe rifle shooting range in Scotland.
For golf fans, the 9 hole Melrose golf club sits in the shadow of the Eildon Hills, or head to the stunning championship course at the Roxburghe Hotel near Kelso for a leisurely afternoon.
For sightseeing, the grand stately homes and castles of Floors, Mellerstain, Manderston, Abbotsford and Thirlestane are all within a short half hour drive where the beautiful artworks, rich architectural detailing and scenic grounds and gardens are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.
For short breaks, our local events and festivals provide the perfect excuse for friendly get-togethers where you can enjoy National Hunt Racing at Kelso Racecourse, local Antique Fairs and Auctions, the Floors Castle Horse Trials, Point-to-Point Meets, the Borders Book Festival, Walking Festival and Common Ridings.......to name just a few!
You can reach the wonderful heritage coastline in less than an hour with miles of deserted golden sands perfect for rest or play, or hop onto a train from Tweedbank (7 miles) for a day visit to the cultural city of Edinburgh where you can take advantage of events such as the vibrant Edinburgh Fringe Festival, exceptional Jazz and Blues Festival, or simply take some time to explore the exquisite historical architecture of this beautiful city.

Walking
From the lush green uplands to shimmering sea, the area boasts a hugely diverse and enticing landscape that is perfect for exploring on foot. From gentle rambles to long-distance hikes, there are a vast array of trails and waymarked routes for newbie walkers or experienced alike.
Find Out More
Historic houses and castles
With more stately homes, castles and historic sites here than you can shake a proverbial stick at, visitors are quite simply spoilt for choice.
Find Out More
Fishing
Welcome to the realm of the king of fish, the mighty River Tweed. Every year thousands of Atlantic Salmon make their way up river, an annual odyssey that is one of nature's miracles.
Find Out More
Cycling & mountain biking
Whether you ride fast or slow, on-road or off-road, there is something uniquely special about enjoying some outdoor time on two wheels. Here in the region we have something for everyone from high-energy mountain biking blasts to gentle forest paths the whole family can enjoy.
Find Out More
Golf
There are 40 golf courses in Northumberland, and another 21 in the Scottish Borders offering visitors an incredibly wide and varied range of golfing options.
Find Out More
Horse riding
Horse riding is intrinsically linked to the history and heritage of the area and goes right back to the 13th and 14th centuries where townspeople would ride the clan’s boundaries to protect their common lands. Thankfully our riding pursuits today are not quite so dramatic!
Find Out More
Children and families
Here at Crabtree & Crabtree, we like to think we’ve pulled together some rather nifty ideas to keep tots to teens happy and entertained during your stay.
Find Out More
Museums, galleries and culture
Our museums tell the story of Borders people and provide a unique insight into our region’s heritage and culture, such as the turbulent past of the Border Reivers or the tragic tale of exiled Mary Queen of Scots.
Find Out More
Shopping, arts and crafts
We are extremely fortunate to have a region where independent shops are king, and to have an area flowing with creativity through its talents in arts, crafts and textiles.
Find Out More
Wildlife
Our region is home to outstanding scenery which boasts emerald forests, pristine lochs and rivers, heathery hillsides, sweeping moorlands as well as a picture perfect coastline.
Find Out More
Shooting
For sheer variety alone Northumberland and the Scottish Borders are irresistible to any gun.
Find Out More
Classes at your holiday home
Enjoy art, cookery, photography, flower or chocolate classes or whisky tasting in the comfort of your own holiday home...
Find Out More
Spas and beauty treatments
Everyone needs a little time-out to relax and for many that may involve a little pampering, the chance to experience new therapies, or simply some dedicated ‘me time’ to enjoy or practise disciplines which bring a sense of well-being and good health.
Find Out More
Adventure Sports
If you love a challenge or just crave a little excitement away from the day-to-day bustle of working life, we have lots to offer - whether it be watery pursuits, muddy blasts or thrill seeking, adrenaline-charged adventures.
Find Out More
Ancestral history research
Crabtree & Crabtree know that tracing the history of your family can be a wonderful journey of discovery. Here are our top tips for starting your family tree.
Find Out MoreServices

Holiday photography
Family holidays, reunions and honeymoons kindle priceless moments that deserve preserving.
Find Out More
Wine delivery
Crabtree & Crabtree have teamed up with Corney & Barrow one of the longest established independent Wine Merchants in the UK to offer a bespoke service.
Find Out More

Dog sitting
Our experienced dog sitters will look after your furry friends whilst you are out exploring.
Find Out More
Babysitting and nannies
Relax, explore the local area, enjoy a long lunch or a romantic evening out by hiring one of our fully qualified registered and experienced nannies or babysitters to come to your house.
Find Out More
Additional housekeeping
Award yourself a real break and let us provide a pair (or more) of helping hands.
Find Out More

Reviews
"The overwhelming impression of Gardener’s Cottage was one of tranquillity. It is set in a lovely garden, which I imagine once formed part of a larger estate. There are lots of quiet little spots to sit and enjoy the sun. The house is very comfortable (with a blissfully uncomplicated heating system which works - beautifully!). A soft, understated decor throughout the house adds to the restful feeling. The kitchen is well - equipped which is great as, while some meals out are a good idea on holiday, I rather like to buy local produce from the area if I can and cook it myself.
The cottage is near St Boswells (Main Street Trading Co. is great for eating out and book shopping) but all the Border towns and attractions are within easy reach. We also visited Mertoun Gardens which were a delight even on a wet afternoon. Elliston is certainly somewhere to rest and relax and I suspect we will be returning soon."
Mrs Drysdale"A great base for exploring the Scottish Borders. Plenty of great walking and towns to visit. The cottage is in a very quiet location and the setting is lovely. Well equipped and plenty of space for four adults and two dogs."
Mr Crees"A much needed retreat! The Gardener's Cottage was an awesome little place, situated in a VERY quiet estate. It is an old gardener's cottage as the name implies, yet has recently been remodeled, and is very comfortably furnished. It has a modern kitchen with everything that you would need for the perfect getaway, as well as a very nice bath with both modern shower and a cast iron tub as well so will definitely allow for a good soak after a long day of sightseeing! The surrounding estate is wonderfully wooded, and populated by all kinds of wildlife, as well as resident sheep! Though I didn't partake of any of the services mentioned in the owners welcome book, there are many suggestions made in the book that allowed me to better plan my daily trips from the estate. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay and would highly recommend the Gardener's Cottage for anyone looking for a simple quiet retreat, or a home base while touring the beautiful Scottish Borders."
Mr Fleenor"We thoroughly enjoyed our stay of three nights in Gardener's Cottage. The cottage was just right as a stop over from the north of Scotland. It gave us the opportunity to explore a small part of the Borders around Melrose. The cottage was very quick to warm up - the information said 5 mins and it was! The cottage appeared to be newly furbished and decorated and was immaculately clean - thank you."
Mr & Mrs Richardson"We are just back from a lovely weekend spent at the Gardener's Cottage at St Boswells. It was perfect. They had kept the charm and character of as many aspects of the old building whilst all the comforts and the mod cons were there for your needs. The land and gardens with this rental are something to behold. You can see the love that has gone into this garden by the previous residents and must have been wonderful in its hay day. Its the type of place I would have loved to have visited in my childhood as you could play hide and seek for a week and never use the same hidey hole twice. Our dog loved a good mooch around. I am sure we will make another visit and will be back on your website to look for other hidden gems if this is the standard offered."
Ms Cowley"We had a lovely stay at the Gardeners Cottage. It was an idyllic hideaway from the world but close to everything. The cottage was very comfortable and we could not fault anything."
Mrs Henton"A great base for exploring the Scottish Borders. Plenty of great walking and towns to visit. The cottage is in a very quiet location and the setting is lovely. Well equipped and plenty of space for four adults and two dogs."
Green Family"We had a wonderful time at Gardener's cottage, The cottage itself was lovely. The beds really comfortable and everything you needed supplied. The garden and outside space for us was just the icing on the cake. It was so secluded and peaceful and wonderful for the dog. We didn't want to leave and will definitely return."
Mrs Stevens"We'd like to thank you and Gardener's Cottage for an excellent service. We had a brilliant holiday in Gardener's Cottage which was very clean and had all the equipment we needed. The grounds and surrounding area of Elliston are a delight with glorious far-reaching views and walks-a-plenty and all are within easy reach of many of the larger market towns should one wish to join the hubbub. We found the local Plough Inn at Lilliesleaf to be fantastic and much more than an 'Inn' with extremely tasty food and attentive staff. We will definitely be coming to the Borders again and hope to use C&C seamless services."
Mr & Mrs Player"We really enjoyed our time at Gardener’s Cottage, Elliston. It is a delightful, peaceful situation. Probably one of the best we know."
Mr & Mrs Marlow"We really like the cottage! We stayed for a week in October 2018 and again last week. The cottage is in wonderful secluded surroundings, so peaceful. Everything one might want is in the cottage which is comfortable and warm. We plan to return again, hopefully later this year."
Mr & Mrs Latusek- Two dogs welcome.
- Typical arrival day: Saturday only.
- Arrival time: 4pm
- Departure time: 10am

"The fantastic wildlife and the peace and quiet. Main Street Trading in nearby St. Boswells has to be a top pick for lovely lunches too!"Sue, Crabtree & Crabtree