Self catering rental in Scotland - Hedgehog Cottage, Near Melrose

Hedgehog Cottage
Near Melrose
Scottish Borders

Sleeping 3

The Scottish Border country is one of Scotland's most beautiful regions and the delightful town of Melrose, set at the foot of the Eildon Hills, must surely be one of the prettiest spots in the whole area. On the other side of the Eildons is another find, the quiet little conservation village of Bowden, where traditional cottages are set around a village green.

Hedgehog Cottage is at the heart of the village, a semi-detached cottage oozing with the character and charm of a bygone age and with roses growing around the door. Inside, the accommodation is snug and comfortable. The sitting room has a multi-fuel stove, there is a newly fitted kitchen and upstairs there are two bedrooms.

At the back, there is a lovely sun room looking out on the sunny and sheltered garden, the cottage's pride and joy, and home to at least one family of hedgehogs who have given their name to the cottage. The garden is a real delight and was designed by a former owner (herself a well-known gardener) to be always interesting with its variety of plants and the many species of birds which regularly visit the bird table.

Bowden is at the heart of the Borders: to the east lies the coast and to the west are the hills. Activities include walking, cycling, fishing, playing golf, riding, exploring the region or just unwinding in a peaceful and attractive environment. The choice is yours whether to go east to Kelso and the coast with a beautiful beach at Coldingham, the dramatic NT reserve on the cliffs at St Abbs, historic Berwick-on-Tweed, Lindisfarne and Holy Island or you can go west into the Border hills. Here you can walk the Southern Upland Way and St Cuthbert's Way, visit the little Border towns with their ruined abbeys, try fishing in the local lochs and rivers, play golf on any of several first-class local courses or explore the countryside on horseback.

Among the many stately homes and castles worth a visit, Abbotsford, (4m) home of Sir Walter Scott, is a must. If you wish to venture further afield the capital city of Edinburgh is only an hour away. There is a bus service from Melrose every hour so you can just leave your car at home. Melrose (all facilities) has a very good range of shops, pubs and restaurants. Nearby Galashiels (4m) has a cinema and a swimming pool.

No matter where you go you will always take pleasure in returning to your own haven of peace at Hedgehog Cottage.

Heating is by log burning stove and electric storage heaters, bed linen and towels are all included. The first £10 of electricity is included in the rental. A starter pack of fuel for the stove is included. Sorry, no pets, and smoking is not permitted in the cottage.