Laundry Cottage
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Overview
A delightful conversion of the former laundry on the Howford estate, Laundry Cottage is an attractive, stone cottage offering immaculately-presented accommodation and superb, far-reaching views within walking distance of a pretty village and pub.
The former laundry on the Howford Estate
Laundry Cottage is accessed via its own private drive. A rustic porch with covered area for storing outside kit leads into the open-plan living area. This super, double height room complete with exposed beams and feature stone wall is incredibly light and airy with fabulous views over open countryside and delightful quirky touches including the local cricket score board salvaged from a skip. There’s a log burner for cosy evenings and for warmer periods French doors lead to a stone terrace with outside dining area.
The three immaculately-presented bedrooms – two double and one twin – feature wooden floors, working shutters and muted colours creating a simple, rustic style in keeping with the stunning surroundings in which the cottage sits.
Laundry Cottage is set within its own garden (please note this is not fully enclosed) with fabulous, far-reaching views across rolling farmland to the hills beyond. A south-facing terrace with outside furniture and barbecue provides a sunny, sheltered spot for outside dining. Beyond the house are a network of rolling fields and lochan which attracts a super variety of wildlife and birdlife.
Property details
Ground floor
Entrance with outside covered area for storing outdoor kit.
Open-plan living area comprising:
Cosy seating area with wood burner, TV with Freeview and DVD.
Fully equipped kitchen with 4-ring induction hob, single oven, microwave, fridge / freezer and dishwasher. The washing machine and tumble dryer are in a cupboard in the family bathroom.
Dining area for 6 guests.
Bedroom one with 5’ double bed, chest of drawers and hooks and hangers to provide hanging space.
En-suite bathroom with bath with shower over, basin and WC.
Bedroom two with 5’ double bed, chest of drawers and hooks and hangers to provide hanging space.
Bedroom three with two 3’ single beds, chest of drawers and hooks and hangers to provide hanging space.
Family bathroom with bath with shower over, basin and WC.
Outside
Laundry Cottage is set within its own garden (please note that it is not fully enclosed) with a south facing terrace and outside dining area with charcoal barbecue. Guests are welcome to explore the wider estate and there are excellent walks directly from the doorstep.
Parking
There is private parking for at least two cars adjacent to the house.
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING
For safety reasons, we do not permit electric vehicle or hybrid car charging at this property. If you’re travelling by EV, discover your nearest electric vehicle charging point here.
Alternatively, if you’d prefer to stay at a cottage fitted with an on-site charging point browse our collection of electric car escapes using the EV Charging Point filter.
Babies & Children
A travel cot and highchair are available on request.
Dogs & Other Pets
One well-behaved dog is welcome at Laundry Cottage for an additional fee of £25. Owners are requested to keep their dogs downstairs and not beyond the kitchen. Dogs must be kept on leads when there is stock in the fields.
Grazing is available for guests wishing to bring their own horse or pony. There is fabulous riding in the area on marked bridle paths as well as on the quiet country roads which surround the estate.
Guest amenities
The beds are made up with high quality Egyptian cotton bed linen, feather and duck down duvets and pillows. A hairdryer is supplied in the master bedroom. Luxurious bath sheets and hand towels are provided for all guests. Guest soap is also provided.
Wi-Fi & Mobile Coverage
Wi-Fi is available. There is good mobile coverage on most networks.
Heating
Laundry Cottage has biomass (wood pellet) central heating in addition to the wood burner in the lounge. A generous supply of logs are provided for the wood burner.
Guest privacy
The privately owned Howford House sits nearby. Laundry Cottage has been arranged with guest privacy in mind with the accommodation facing away from Howford. Laundry Cottage has it's own drive and garden.
Location
The nearby village of Ettrickbridge (0.5 miles) has a good pub serving hearty home cooked food and a selection of real ales, or the historic market town of Selkirk is 7 miles away and provides a good range of local amenities, including a deli, bakery, butcher and two small supermarkets for holiday provisions.
You will also find a number of textile producers in the immediate area including the Lochcarron Visitor Centre for lovers of cashmere and tweed, or head to Lindean Mill Glass which offers a super chance to skilled glass artisans at work. Alternatively you will find a wonderful selection of independent shops in Melrose (14 miles), or larger supermarkets including a Marks & Spencers food outlet in Galashiels (14 miles).
For light-bites, The Minstrel Tearoom at Bowhill Country Estate (3 miles) is an attractive spot, or the Waterwheel cafe at nearby Philiphaugh is a super stop-off for refreshments and a chance to see salmon leaping at the viewing centre. Try the Selkirk Deli for lovely coffee and lunches, or The Woll Restaurant in Ashkirk has a good reputation for serving excellent food full of fresh local flavours.
Activities
There is excellent walking, cycling and riding from the doorstep from gentle ambles to more substantial marked routes on a network of footpaths and bridleways running close to the house. Guests are welcome to bring their own horses and grazing is available at additional cost.
For cycling and mountain biking, The Ettrickbridge and Yarrow Cycle Trail sits nearby - a scenic, but hilly, 19.5 mile loop using mostly quiet roads and forest paths but offering spectacular views in reward for one or two leg-burning climbs! Less demanding routes are within easy reach including the 7 mile Bowhill route, and 8.5 mile Ettrickfoot & Yair trail which offer relatively flat rides taking in forest paths and river courses.
For routes the whole family can enjoy, head to Bowhill Country Park just down the road which has miles of tracks in a stunning woodland setting in addition to a wonderful range of family friendly activities, including an amazing outdoor playground with exhilarating zip wires, and a new ranger-led holiday programme offering budding young adventurers hours of woodland fun! At only £4.50 for a two hour session, adults can take a little time-out to relax with lunch in the Minstrel Tearoom, or perhaps explore all that the wider estate has to offer including stunning gardens, the outstanding painting collection of Bowhill House, or simply some time outdoors enjoying the forest trails and wonderful wildlife of the area.
For walking, the beautiful valleys of Ettrick and Yarrow affords plenty of choice in all directions, including the easy/moderate ‘Ettrickbridge Circular’ (4 miles) to the more challenging ‘Yarrowford Circular’ (10 miles) taking in the Three Brethren cairns which offer superb panoramic views from the summit. Other nearby trails include ‘The Loch’s Walk’ on Bowhill Estate (2 miles), the moderate ‘Duchess’s Drive’ (7 miles) or the strenuous ‘Ettrickhead Horseshoe’ (10 miles) - a splendid high level walking experience.
For riding, it is an ideal location from which to explore the waymarked ‘Buccleuch Rides’ which includes circular routes north and south of the Ettrick Valley, and taking in the vast estate of the Duke of Buccleuch around Bowhill. A riding centre is located nearby offering lead-rein forest rides for inexperienced riders as well as woodland and moorland treks on well-schooled horses.
There is good value fishing on the Ettrick Water described by Shooting Times & Country Magazine as, "one of the best-kept secrets in the fishing world" and a chance to see wild salmon leaping at the salmon viewing centre at nearby Philiphaugh.
For golf enthusiasts, The Woll in Ashkirk is a popular 18 hole course in a super parkland situation just a ten minute drive away, while the wider area offers a huge variety of courses to suit all levels. St. Mary’s Loch is a relaxed spot to while-away an afternoon in scenic surroundings, or why not spend time exploring the rich history of the area - from the skirmishes of the Border Reivers, the remnants of fortified towers, or the story of James Hogg, the Ettrick Shepherd who became one of Scotland’s literary giants.
The magnificent city of Edinburgh is a perfect day trip - you can hop on a train from Tweedbank (14 miles) where you can take advantage of events such as the vibrant Edinburgh Fringe Festival, exceptional Jazz and Blues Festival, or simply a day-out exploring the exquisite architecture of this beautiful city.
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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Shooting
For sheer variety alone Northumberland and the Scottish Borders are irresistible to any gun.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Additional housekeeping
Award yourself a real break and let us provide a pair (or more) of helping hands.
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Nannies and babysitters
Relax, explore the local area, enjoy a long lunch or a romantic evening out by hiring a fully qualified registered and experienced nanny or babysitter to come to your house.
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Dog sitting
Our experienced dog sitters will look after your furry friends whilst you are out exploring.
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Holiday photography
Family holidays, reunions and honeymoons kindle priceless moments that deserve preserving.
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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 MoreReviews
"We have just returned from another relaxing week at Laundry Cottage.
It's our absolute favourite: outstanding for comfort, space, tasteful decor and view.
It's hard to beat just sitting on the terrace at the cottage but, if you can tear yourself away, there are walks from the door, a friendly pub round the corner and the wildlife, wild landscape and culture of the Borders all around. We'll be back."
Watson Party"We had a fabulously relaxing week at Laundry Cottage. It has instantly become our favourite. Well-equipped, so comfy and just a lovely space.
With the peaceful view, deer, woodland birds, oystercatchers and buzzards... you can see how we started and ended each day.
We are already planning our next visit.
Many thanks"
Watson family"We had a wonderful time at Laundry cottage. It was beautiful - modern and bright, but still cosy. And spotlessly clean. Great location, views, walks from the doorstep - everything you could ask for. A very enjoyable break. Another super Crabtree and Crabtree cottage. We’ll be booking another one soon!"
Miss Penrice"We had a wonderful stay at Laundry cottage. The Cottage was clean and well equipped and its location was perfect for touring the area."
Mr Gordon Leith"Laundry Cottage is an absolutely gorgeous holiday cottage. Light and airy, beautifully converted and decorated - we were delighted with it. We loved the clean modern kitchen area, the fresh but cosy bedding, and the wood burning stove. It was also very much 'away from it all', up it's own track with views of open countryside around - a perfect place to escape. All in all we had a lovely week & would definitely go back."
Pelham family"Laundry Cottage was utterly heavenly. There is absolutely nothing to say but how lovely it was. Fab cottage and beautiful views. We would certainly love to stay again."
Clark familyAvailability
- One dog is welcome with a charge of £25.
- Typical arrival day: Flexible during low season. Friday during high season.
- Arrival time: 4pm
- Departure time: 10am
"The local cricket score board was salvaged from a skip and it is a delightfully quirky touch ."Angie, Crabtree & Crabtree
