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10% discount on 3 and 4 night stays and 15% discount on 7+ night stays between now and the 31st May 2024.
Overview
A spacious and charming four-bedroom cottage in the heart of the rural Borders, sitting within its own quiet, enclosed garden. Well set up for families with table football, stabling, and access to the owner’s tennis court.
Exceptionally picturesque, this dog-friendly base is as ideal for sightseeing fans as history buffs or activity lovers.
Behind its white walls and duck egg blue door, Pirnie Cottage is a picture of comfort. Your eyes are likely to first be drawn to what wraps it: a large, private, secluded and fully-enclosed – by hedges and fencing – lawned garden in which kids can run and four-legged friends can play.
Inside, the detached home occupies two floors, with most rooms found downstairs. The biggest is a combined, open-plan kitchen/dining space. On one side is a dining table seating eight; opposite is the large, well-appointed kitchen and its island, where stools enable coffee stops or chats with the chef.
Off here is the sitting room, where three sofas frame an open fire and large footstool. You will find a comfortable, generous space here, framed in gentle tones and giving a peaceful atmosphere. Restful, that is, until your kids (or you!) catch a glimpse of the window-side football table…
Three of the bedrooms are on the ground floor: a king-sized double, a second twin or super-king double room and a children’s bunk room sleeping two. This trio share the adjacent bathroom and its large walk-in shower. Upstairs, past the chill-out beanbags, the top floor is mostly given over to a loft-style master bedroom with coomb ceiling whose super-king bed faces a chaise longue sofa. The en-suite bathroom provides charming garden views.
Beyond the kitchen, there is a large and practical utility room where dogs can sleep in two built in dog boxes and coats and boots can dry. There is also a downstairs WC. Behind, the garden includes a barbecue, double-length picnic table and is an ideal place to enjoy your grilled fare.
There’s a good butcher’s five miles away in the attractive village of St Boswells, alongside the excellent Hunters’ Stables bistro for eating out, a small supermarket and the award-winning Mainstreet Trading bookshop, café, deli and homewares shop combined.
Eco-friendly heating comes courtesy of a woodchip boiler provided by the owners, fuelled by locally sourced, sustainable wood from nearby estates. Guests are additionally welcome to use of the owners’ tennis court upon request; this benefits from lovely, far-reaching views across the Borders over to the Cheviot Hills in Northumberland.
It’s not just because of the glorious Cheviots that walkers are especially well-placed: the long-distance St Cuthbert’s Way and Borders Abbeys Way pass nearby, too, as the circular Presidents Route memorably includes an avenue of giant wellingtonias on the neighbouring Monteviot estate. Quiet local roads from the door offer miles of stunning countryside to be explored for experienced as well as more novice cyclists.
Anglers, meanwhile, might cast into the Tweed or Teviot Rivers for salmon. Kelso’s ruined abbey – and splendid market square – is seven miles away, with the Waterloo Monument, commemorating the Battle of Waterloo, closer still. Easily in day-trip range are Holy Island, Bamburgh Castle and Edinburgh.
Lorna and Christopher, owners of Pirnie Cottage, live 100 yards away and will do everything they can to make your stay enjoyable and memorable. They can help arrange secure storage for bicycles or grazing and stabling for horses, and are happy to provide some local knowledge to make the most of your stay.
Property details
Ground floor
Access from the front door directly into:
Large open plan kitchen dining area with island unit and stools, large double oven with grill, 5 burner electric hob, fridge, dishwasher, DAB radio and Bluetooth speaker. Extendable dining table which seats up to eight guests.
Sitting room with generous sofas, 32” Smart TV, open fire (initial basket of logs). Table football table.
Bedroom one with zip and link bed which can be configured to a 6’ super king or 3’ twin, side tables, clothes hangers and a chest of drawers.
Bedroom two with 3’ bunk beds, side table, small chest of drawers.
Bedroom three with king size bed, side tables, chest of drawers and chair.
Bathroom with large walk-in shower, basin and WC.
Utility/boot room with bench seat and hanging rail, fridge/freezer, sink, washing machine (no dryer), bread-maker, microwave, hanging rail.
WC with basin.
First floor
Bedroom four, master bedroom, with oak framed super king bed, side tables, chest of drawers, hanging hooks.
Separate bathroom with bath, basin and WC.
Outside
Large, fully enclosed lawned garden with picnic bench and charcoal barbecue.
Additional outside storage can be made available for bikes, fishing rods and outdoor kit on request.
Parking
There is ample private parking to the front and rear of the cottage.
Electric Vehicle Charging
Guests with electric vehicles are welcome to charge their cars at Pirnie Cottage at an additional charge of £50 per week, per car from a 13A socket with fees paid directly to the owner to cover the cost of electricity.
For safety reasons, please only use the dedicated charger for car charging at this property. Discover alternative electric vehicle charging points here.
Babies & children
Babies and children are welcome. A travel cot and high chair are available on request.
Dogs
Two dogs permitted at a charge of £20 per dog. Dogs should be kept to the utility/boot room until clean and dry and thereafter kept to the ground floor of the property only and strictly out of the bedrooms and off the furniture. There is an outside tap with hose for cleaning.
Guest amenities
Bed linen and towels are provided, along with hand soaps and shower/bath wash. Duvets on the single beds are microfibre and feather and down on the double beds. Pillows are feather. Please specify if you have specific requirements and the owners would be pleased to assist. A hairdryer is provided in the three double bedrooms.
Wi-Fi & Mobile Coverage
Fibre Wi-Fi is available.
Mobile reception is variable indoors but generally has a good signal in the garden and directly outside the property.
Heating
Heating is by wood-chip bio-mass. Heating is thermostatically controlled throughout the property. Open fire – with initial basket of logs. Further locally-sourced logs can be supplied directly by the owners at additional cost.
Guest Privacy
The cottage is detached and not overlooked. The owner’s property sits a hundred yards from Pirnie Cottage and while they are on hand to help guests with any aspect of their stay, they are very respectful of guest privacy.
Tennis court
Guests are welcome to use the owner’s tennis court daily from 10am - 12 noon or at other times as agreed with the owners in advance.
Horses
For guests who wish to bring their horses, this can readily be accommodated at Pirnie Cottage at additional cost. Subject to separate agreement, three stables and grazing are available with fees paid directly to the owners. Grazing for additional horses may also be available. Please get in touch for further details.
SHORT-TERM LETS LICENSING
Scottish short-term lets licence number: Pending
The current EPC rating for this property is band D, a copy of the certificate can be found here.
Location
Pirnie Cottage sits 5.5 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.
A further 4.6 miles drive from St Boswells takes you to the town of Melrose where you will find some of the best independent shopping in the area with Melrose Abbey as the stunning backdrop. Melrose is also home of the famous Borders Rugby 7s game.
The bustling market town of Kelso is 7 miles from Pirnie Cottage and described by Sir Walter Scott as "the most beautiful, if not the most romantic village in Scotland." Today it retains much of its original charm with an interesting range of independent shops including an excellent deli, butchers and fishmonger, a monthly farmer's market and a good selection of lively pubs and restaurants. Floors Castle, the majestic home of the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe is well worth a visit. Kelso plays host to a number of events throughout the year including regular National Hunt race meets at the famous race course and the ancient custom of the Common Ridings of the town boundaries.
You will also find the historic market town of Jedburgh 5 miles from Pirnie Cottage, home to a good selection of independent shops, galleries, pubs and cafes. Steeped in history, Jedburgh boasts the magnificent remains of a 12th century Augustinian Abbey, the imposing Castle Jail, the only existing example of its kind in Scotland and the 16th Century home of Mary Queen of Scots, a visit to which reveals the fascinating but tragic story of her life.
Nearby Ancrum village (4 miles) can offer you the main essentials with a pub and local shop and post office.
Activities
A short 4 mile drive will take you to Harestanes Visitor Centre which features a busy events programme, art exhibitions, a craft centre and coffee shop, as well as lovely selection of woodland walks and cycling trails from relaxed ambles to more energetic climbs.
There are four walks which start and finish at the centre including access to St Cuthbert's Way, the stunning long-distance walking route which follows the legend of St. Cuthbert on his journey from Melrose to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne; or for amazing panoramic vistas across the Border heartlands, walkers can take a hike to Penielheugh to the fantastic 150 foot Waterloo Monument built to commemorate the battle of Waterloo. A key can be hired by contacting Lothian Estate Office prior to visiting which gives access to a wonderful viewing platform at the top.
A little further down the road, the grounds and gardens of Monteviot House sit on the banks of the River Teviot where gardening enthusiasts will delight at the arboretum, rose garden, herbaceous shrub borders and water garden. The Woodside Garden Centre sits nearby which has a demonstration and kitchen garden, a super RSPB wildlife garden, as well as a shop and cafe for a coffee and cake stop.
The area has cycling trails for everyone from the family friendly routes at Bowmont Forest and Harestanes, to the scenic waymarked trails of the Bordeloop4, Coast & Castles Route & Tweed Cycle Way. If you prefer to swap two wheels for four hooves, the Nenthorn Equestrian Centre is a well-established school offering riding for all ages and abilities and is based 11 miles from the property.
Kelso sits right on the confluence of the Rivers Tweed and Teviot and is a much loved destination for salmon anglers who come to experience world-class fishing on the prolific Middle Tweed salmon beats around this area - Rutherford, Makerstoun, Upper and Lower Floors, Junction and Hendersyde are all within a few miles of the property. Fishing can be booked through FishTweed, while Fin and Game based in the centre of Kelso offers a wealth of advice on river levels, latest catches, permits, tackle and all things fishing and country.
For golf enthusiasts, Kelso Golf Club is an attractive parkland course resting on the edge of the town, or you can experience a fantastic day-out playing the Roxburghe Championship Course (10.5 miles), recently voted 6th best course in Scotland by readers of the country’s best selling golf title. There is a pro-shop and PGA golf academy here for those who are new to the game or wish to refine their swing, or perhaps sharpen up your eye popping a few clays at the nearby shooting school.
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.
C&C experiences
We invite you to enjoy the most coveted and exclusive local experiences available in the North of England and the South of Scotland on your next Crabtree & Crabtree adventure.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Shooting
For sheer variety alone Northumberland and the Scottish Borders are irresistible to any gun.
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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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Dog sitting
Our experienced dog sitters will look after your furry friends whilst you are out exploring.
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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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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.
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Holiday photography
Family holidays, reunions and honeymoons kindle priceless moments that deserve preserving.
Find Out MoreReviews
"We had a pleasant stay at Pirnie Cottage. It was comfortable and well-equipped. The owners who live on-site were very accommodating when we realised we had forgotten something when we had left. The cottage is set on a farm, however, this wasn't noticeable; it was very peaceful and the owners were happy for us to walk our dog (on lead) around their land. We would recommend staying here."
Ms Conlon"We have had a wonderful week in Pirnie Cottage, the property is spacious, comfortable & well equipped - very much a home from home. We were able to take advantage of the garden and the barbeque. The countryside and the local area was divine. We look forward to returning and exploring further."
Taylor Family"Fabulous place to stay in the middle of a very peaceful countryside with lots of space for the children to play. The cottage is well equipped with a delightful welcome pack. We had a wonderful stay."
Jones Party"We have been to the Scottish Borders for many years, but this is our first time in this area. The cottage is lovely and the enclosed garden is ideal for children. We thoroughly enjoyed the tennis court, fresh flowers and the welcome pack. We had a wonderful stay."
Altameei Party"We very much enjoyed our week in this glorious part of the Scottish Borders. This beautiful comfortable property allowed us to have a relaxing break."
Maclean Family"What a fabulous place to stay. We loved the welcome pack & flowers - a very nice thoughtful touch. The house is immaculate and very well equipped based in beautiful surroundings. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay."
Copes Party"We had a fabulous week at Pirnie cottage! The cottage is one of the nicest cottages we have stayed at in the Borders. The kitchen was very well equipped, the bedrooms comfy and the fire was a very welcome addition in the evenings. My children loved the football table as well! We loved it so much that I joked about claiming squatters rights and living there permanently!! Having our horses just outside was a real bonus for us and the owner was so accommodating and lovely throughout our entire stay. She really went the extra mile and fixed an old go-kart up for my little boy. She couldn’t have done anymore to make our stay more enjoyable as firstly, we had an amazing week, and secondly, she went above and beyond of what we expected! Many many thanks!"
Mrs Allen"What a wonderful place to stay! We love this cottage and the beautiful surroundings (and of course the animals). Thank you so much!"
Drummond Family"What a happy time we had in this lovely cottage. It made an ideal base for all the things that we had to do. Thank you. The children loved the bunk beds, football table and playing tennis, as well as seeing all the animals."
Mr & Mrs Bannatyne"First and foremost the owners are perfect in every way very helpful and attentive. This property is absolutely outstanding in so many ways, firstly it has the most lovely surroundings adjacent to the original farm and farmhouse. The kitchen in the cottage has everything a chef could need this was so helpful as I cook every night. The whole place is spotless from skirting to ceiling and very spacious and comfortable especially in the lounge with the log fire burning this week a substantial amount of Snow has settled and temperatures had fallen as low as -10° so the fire made the whole stay so comfy and enjoyable The bedrooms are spacious and clean also the bed linens are absolutely snuggle perfect. So we shall definitely highly recommend this property for both holiday makers and for all those animal lovers, the owners have the most adorable little Border terrier and we spent so much time in the snow playing fetch. We will miss her so much. And I'm sure when we return to the area we shall hopefully be using this accommodation again."
Mr Kmiotek"We have been visiting and staying in properties in the Border for forty years. Pirnie Cottage is one of the nicest we have stayed at. Really appreciated the Selkirk Bannock, jam, eggs and fresh flowers - makes one feel so welcome! We look forward to future visits."
Brown family"A super break in the most wonderful cottage, everything we needed & plenty to do close by. Great walks along the rivers, even a day trip to Edinburgh. Thank you so much."
Marston family"Wonderful cottage, incredibly well equipped with everything we needed for a relaxing stay. Enclosed garden was great for our pip and kids thoroughly enjoyed the use of the tennis court. Such a great location for exploring all the Scottish Borders. Thank you so much for everything done to make this a lovely hol."
Bell family"We all loved Pirnie Cottage, weekend booked with friends for my husbands birthday. Cottage was clean, very comfortable and in a beautiful location. The tennis courts were great too, we have never played with such a beautiful view! The dog loved it! Surrounding area great for walking an St Boswells pub, chippy all tried and tested we will be back. Thanks to you all at Crabtree & Crabtree too for no fuss, well organised holidays. I have had a few breaks in your properties and loved them all highly recommended to friends and family."
Ms Mackay“We have thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Pirnie Cottage. It was so lovely to be welcomed with fresh flowers, delicious homemade bread and fresh eggs from their chickens. Our family of five have been spoilt for choice with the spacious and comfortable rooms. We enjoyed having fun in the garden as well as excitement and laughter with the table football! It has been an ideal base for our visits to local towns, our trips to intriguing towers, admiring the gorgeous landscapes and also our memorable trips to Edinburgh. Thank you for our happy and memorable time here.”
Holden family"What a beautiful place and so peaceful, the cottage is immaculate and spacious with beautiful soft furnishings and decor. The owners have thought of everything which made our stay so comfortable. Fresh strawberries beautiful baked bread and essentials for breakfast provided which was so lovely. The garden is secluded and fenced in which was great for our dogs who were made most welcome. The countryside around is lovely, plenty walks and also near to all the Borders villages. The owners are amazing and totally respect your privacy but are at hand if you need anything at all. Highly recommend staying at this beautiful place."
Mr & Mrs Smith"We loved every moment of staying in this perfect cottage. Thank you!"
Fox FamilyAvailability
- Two dogs are welcome with a charge of £20 per dog.
- Stabling and grazing is available at an additional cost for guests who wish to bring horses.
- Typical arrival day: Friday during high season. Flexible out of high season or on request.
- Arrival time: 4pm
- Departure time: 10am
"You will love the comfort, quiet and calm of this hideaway, and can look forward to hearing abundant birdlife and owls passing by."Christopher & Lorna, owners of Pirnie Cottage
