Branxholm Knowe
Near Hawick
Roxburghshire
Scotland
Sleeping 10
Branxholm Knowe offers the opportunity of living in manorial grandeur but with all the comforts and conveniences of the 21st century. Situated above the main A7 trunk road between Carlisle and Edinburgh, about 4 miles south of Hawick (shops, hotels, restaurants, all facilities), right in the heart of the Scottish Borders, the house stands proudly on the hillside within its own extensive grounds and surrounding woodland. Children will find the delightful gardens very appealing as there is a series of small ponds full of wildlife (lots of frogs in season!) Adults can keep a watchful eye from the magnificent conservatory at the side of the house, beautifully warm in all weathers thanks to its wood burning stove.
Both the sitting room and the dining room are furnished with style and comfort while the kitchen and utility rooms are fully equipped with every modern convenience. The bedrooms (one with en suite) are all large and well-appointed. The little village of Newmill with its garage and restaurant is only about a mile away. Fishermen will certainly know the river Teviot which runs through the valley below the house. A little further afield lies Alemoor Loch which has excellent trout fishing. The hills all around offer plenty of opportunity for walking and riding. Craik Forest, which is said to be the largest man-made area of woodland in Europe, is only a few miles up the road. It will be familiar to rally driving enthusiasts from the RAC Rally reports.
When it comes to golf courses you are spoilt for choice in the Borders – hilly, level or riverside. Hawick is the nearest course but if you pick up a 'Freedom of the Fairways' ticket you will have access to a total of 21 different courses! Overseas visitors and those from the busy South will be pleasantly surprised at the ease of availability and the low cost. It's also fun to explore the network of small roads round about. They are very quiet, so quiet that one stretch between Alemoor and Roberton was regularly used by the Scottish Roadbowls team for their practice. They were able to practice unhindered by passing traffic. (A bit different from the M25!) For a change of scene try taking the road across to peaceful St Mary's Loch (sailing) and have a look at the waterfall at the Grey Mare's Tail. If you are feeling energetic you can climb a bit higher to reach the loch's 'feeder tank' otherwise known as Loch Skeen but little frequented. Dark, dramatic Hermitage Castle (19m), scene of the Elliot clan gathering, makes an interesting visit, while calling in at the Samye Ling Tibetan Centre at Eskdalemuir is a totally different experience.
Branxholm lies just over an hour from Edinburgh and only 30 miles from Gretna on the English border. Caerlaverock Castle (the 'Castle of the Lark') and Sweetheart Abbey are well-known attractions on the Solway coast.
Heating is by gas-fired central heating (first £30 
included) and wood burning stoves in the kitchen, conservatory and dining room (some logs included). £20 Electricity is also included. Bed-linen and towels are included. No smoking is allowed inside the house. Pets, under control are welcome by arrangement.
Accommodation (sleeps 10):
Downstairs:
- Sitting room with open-fire, TV/DVD.
- Dining room (seats 12), wood-burning stove.
- Kitchen with wood-burning stove, electric hob and oven, fridge, microwave, dishwasher, TV, radio etc.
- Utility room with deep-freeze, washing machine, tumble-drier.
- Large conservatory, wood-burning stove.
- Twin-bed room.
- wc, basin.
Upstairs:
- Master Double-bed room with ensuite bathroom with bath, separate shower, bidet, wc and basin.
- Double-bed room.
- Double-bed room.
- Twin-bed room
- Bathroom with bath, shower, WC and basin.
Accommodation availability:
Branxholm Knowe:
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