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10% discount on remaining stays between now and the end of May 2024 (2 night stays minimum).
Overview
A train carriage turned stylish home for two, offering sublime Scottish Borders views in seclusion.
This rural home blends svelte Scandi style with homeliness, a hot tub, romantic countryside views and peace and quiet in spades.
Elevated above rolling Borders countryside, with a glorious outlook over fields, pockets of lush woodland and a cradle of low, green hills, this quirky getaway is all about the views. Set across one floor, with large sliding doors that frame the countryside vista, raised decking and a large wood-fired hot tub, The Railway Carriage has been designed to immerse you in beautiful nature.
Inside, The Railway Carriage has been ingeniously fashioned from, yes, a railway carriage. Not that you’d probably know: the kitchen area’s telltale, familiarly-curving roof represents a lone reference point. Otherwise, the old carriage has been reshaped and extended into a well-segregated, snug-yet-spacious bolthole.
And a chic one, too, with its pared-back interiors offering a fine example of on-trend Scandi minimalism. Alongside lots of crisp pine and glass come black or white hues and grey, buffed-concrete walls that feel faintly industrial. Those wide windows serve a secondary purpose of allowing in much natural light, mitigating the darker hues, while tactile finishes including plush velvet cushions, thick sheepskin throws and natural jute rugs, plus a chic log-burning stove, lend a cosy edge and increase the sense of homeliness.
Around that bright kitchen area, where an electric oven, induction hob, fridge, microwave and Nespresso coffee machine all await, cabinets are fashioned from a veneered plywood. Another alcove of the main, open-plan space contains a sofa and a sharp coffee table, while the room’s centre hosts a two-person dinner table, which is ideally positioned to take in the bucolic views through three enormous windows.
A clever pocket door divides this living space from the good-sized bedroom. Here slate grey walls are lifted with plenty of natural light, a rattan headboard and warming reading lights, which encourage lazy mornings spent reading paperbacks or the newspaper over a cup of coffee. Off to one side, in the en-suite bathroom, you’ll find an eye-catching oval-shaped, bamboo-clad tub — boasting yet more great views.
There’s a shower, too, located outside (in complete privacy) if you’d prefer to wash al-fresco while admiring those fine vistas. You might also glory at them while sipping champagne in the deck’s two-person, wood-fired hot tub — which doubles as a wonderful place for relishing this rural corner’s fine stargazing — or while sizzling local produce in the Kamado outdoor oven.
Property details
GROUND FLOOR
Access door leads directly into the open plan dining, kitchen and living space comprising:
Dining area with table and seating for two. Wood burning stove. Window seat.
Small kitchen with electric oven, induction hob, integrated microwave, fridge, Nespresso Bianco Leggero coffee machine (specific pod type), small dishwasher. A washing machine and a compact mini freezer are located in an external outhouse.
Seating area with two-seater sofa and doors leading directly out to the decking area offering wonderful panoramic views.
Bedroom with pocket door divider. Super king bed with zip and link option which can be configured to 3’ twin beds, side tables, and wall-mounted Smart TV.
This leads directly to the bathroom with free-standing bath and hand-held shower mixer, heated towel rail, basin.
Pocket door divider leads to a separate WC.
OUTSIDE
There is a decking area and lawned garden to the front and side of the property with garden furniture and far-reaching views across open Borders countryside. Japanese style Kamado outdoor oven, cedar wood-fired hot tub, separate outdoor shower with hot and cold function.
PARKING
There is ample private parking in the gravelled courtyard to the front of the property.
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.
BABIES & CHILDREN
Babies up to six months are welcome but please note that a travel cot and highchair are not provided. Regrettably children cannot be accommodated due to the size of the property.
DOGS
One dog is welcome but must be clean before access into the property (outdoor tap available) and thereafter must be kept off the furniture and out of the bedroom.
Important - please note that the garden is not fully secure. There is a low boundary wall surrounding the property to take advantage of the views, but this drops directly onto farmland with barbed wire fencing. Guests who wish to bring their dog must supervise their dog very carefully for its own safety, and to ensure it does not present a hazard to livestock in the surrounding fields. Dogs must be on leads when walking in the wider area.
GUEST AMENITIES
High-quality bed linen and towels are provided for guests along with guest toiletries and bath robes. A hairdryer is provided.
WI-FI & MOBILE COVERAGE
Wi-Fi is provided. Mobile reception is best on the Vodafone and EE network but otherwise more limited in the immediate area.
HEATING
Central heating throughout the property. Wood burning stove in the sitting room with logs supplied.
GUEST PRIVACY
The Railway Carriage is detached, is surrounded by farmland and sits at the end of a no-through road. The garden and patio area is not overlooked and the property offers complete privacy, other than occasional farm traffic.
ACCESS ROAD
The property is accessed via a single lane road which is tarmacked to the farm, leading down to the property via a farm track for the last 250-300 metres. This is rutted and uneven in parts but is accessible by most standard vehicles during normal conditions. Please call if you have any concerns.
ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION
If you are looking for a property in a similar style The Studio (sleeping 2), The Lodge (sleeping 2) and Mulberry Cottage (sleeping 4) sit under the same ownership.
HOT TUB
Important - the property has a cedar wood-fired hot tub therefore guests should note that this takes up to six hours of heating time to reach the desired temperature. As a result, it may not be possible to use the hot tub on the evening of arrival.
The owners can offer a pre-fill/pre-heat service at an additional charge of £40 which would accelerate the heating time if guests wish to use the hot tub on the first evening. Please select this extra option at the booking stage.
SHORT-TERM LETS LICENSING
Scottish short-term lets licence number: Pending
The current EPC rating for this property will be available soon.
Location
Nearby Melrose (4 miles) is one of the most picturesque in the Borders and has an excellent range of independent shops selling fine quality food and drink including The Country Kitchen for lovely deli produce; 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
The area is a perfect base for sightseeing and exploring the wider attractions of the Borders area. For sightseeing, the area sits in the heart of myth and legend and visitors come from all over the world to soak up its rich historical connections. Top of the list is Sir Walter Scott’s home at Abbotsford (1.5 miles) which will reveal a treasure trove of artefacts connected to this great writer, while the grand stately homes and gardens of nearby Manderston, Mellerstain, Floors Castle and Thirlestane will not fail to impress.
A must-visit is the magnificent monastic ruins of Melrose Abbey founded in 1136 by the monks of the Cistercian order, featuring beautiful architectural detailing and fascinating connections to St. Cuthbert, Scottish Kings, and the philosopher wizard. Nearby you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the Harmony Garden and Priorwood Garden before a visit to the Three Hills Roman Heritage Centre based in the town square. After a lazy lunch, head up the three peaks of the Eildon Hills for yet more amazing views, and explore their association with the fabled Thomas the Rhymer, the Fairy Queen, King Arthur and Merlin.
For walking, there is an abundance of local trails and waymarked routes, with leisurely walks right from the doorstep to more extensive loops across the wider area. Melrose is the starting point for St. Cuthbert’s Way which charts the historic trail of this 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 mystical Holy Island of Lindisfarne. Alternatively the sublime Southern Upland Way, Borders Abbeys Way and Sir Walter Scott’s Way run right through this area - each with shorter routes for less experienced walkers or those with less time.
If your passion is country sports, the famous Tweed and its tributaries provide the opportunity for salmon, trout and grayling, with notable middle Tweed beats offering some excellent value fishing. Shooting, be it clays or game, can be arranged locally including nearby Bisley at Braidwood where you can pay and play, sharpen up your eye with a few shooting lessons, or try the first full-bore pipe rifle shooting range in Scotland.
For golf fans, the picturesque 9 hole Melrose Golf Club sits in the shadow of the Eildon Hills while the 18 hole courses at Galashiels and Torwoodlee both sit nearby. Alternatively choose from over 30 courses within a 30 mile radius including the fantastic championship courses at Cardrona in Tweeddale or The Roxburghe at Kelso.
Cyclists will delight at the range of biking options across the wider area from long forest cruises to high energy burning climbs, including the 7Stanes biking centres at Innerleithen and Glentress which are just a half-hour drive away.
For short breaks, Melrose plays host to an impressive range of events throughout the year ensuring the town is always pleasantly bustling, even in the winter months. The Melrose Rugby 7s draws an international crowd in April, or you can witness the ancient traditions of the Melrose Festival in June which includes the custom of riding the town's boundaries on horseback. Also not to be missed is the fabulous Borders Book Festival which attracts a hugely impressive line-up of names such as Michael Palin, Germaine Greer, Ian Rankin, Rory Bremner, Lynda La Plante and Jennifer Saunders to name but a few!
Alternatively, hop on a train from Tweedbank (3 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.
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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Reviews
"We loved the Railway Carriage and thought its setting was magnificent. We loved waking up to see those views every day. When the stove was on it got very warm and cosy inside which was good as we had rain, sleet, ice and snow the days we were there."
Mr & Mrs GreenAvailability
- One dog is welcome.
- Typical arrival day: Friday, Monday and Wednesday
- Arrival time: 4pm
- Departure time: 10am
"A soak in the hot tub at night, relishing the silence, seclusion and stars above"Pete and Posy, owners of The Railway Carriage.
