Peace and privacy without isolation are the features of this architect-designed converted stable block in the lovely Border countryside near Ettrick Water. Set in the grounds of the owners' house, but separated from it by a stretch of woodland, it has its own small garden area and terrace. There are delightful scenic walks straight from the door of the cottage, and despite its tranquil position, it is only 200 yards from an excellent award-winning hotel (offering gourmet restaurant and bar meals) and just a half-mile stroll from the small Border town of Selkirk. Here there are inns, restaurants, numerous gift and craft shops, woollen mills with outlet shops and a glass factory with showroom. The town also has two museums, a golf course, tennis courts and a swimming-pool; a sports centre, museum and art gallery can be found at Hawick, 12 miles away. Nearby Kelso boasts a now-ruined abbey, once one of the richest and most powerful in southern Scotland, as well as an elegant square flanked by a splendid expanse of three-storey 18th and 19th-century buildings. Fly fishing (by permit) is available on the local Ettrick river. Conveniently close to Bowhill, home of the Duke of Buccleuch and open to the public, with a riding school/pony trekking centre and an exceptionally good adventure playground for children. The wooded hills of Bowhill Country Park adjoining Bowhill House are crisscrossed by scenic footpaths and cycle trails: mountain bikes can be hired from the visitor centre. The surrounding area offers splendid touring in the unspoilt Borders countryside, with a wealth of historic towns, battle sites and castles to visit. Miniscule Melrose is the most beguiling of towns, its narrow streets trimmed by a harmonious ensemble of styles, from pretty little cottages and tweedy shops to high-standing Georgian and Victorian facades. The town comes alive in April, when it hosts Seven Week, and again in September when it hosts the Melrose Music Festival, a popular weekend of traditional music. The cultural attractions and fine shopping in Edinburgh are just 40 miles away (a comfortable day-trip), as are the beaches of Berwick and its nearby shoreline.

Entrance hall. Sitting-room with open fire. Farmhouse-style kitchen/dining-room with French doors to terrace. Cloakroom/W.C. Open-tread stairs to first floor: Double bedroom with 5ft bed. Twin-bedded room. Bathroom/W.C. with over-bath shower.

*Elec and elec CH by meter reading *Open fire - initial fuel incl, therafter avail locally *Parking *Shops ½ mile * Two TVs *DVD *Radio/cassette/CD *Elec blankets *Auto wm/tumble dryer *M/wave *D/washer *Fridge/freezer *Cot *H/chair *Garden and terrace with furniture *Barbecue *Duvets with linen and towels