The Railway Carriage

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.

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.