Easily accessible from the main Carlisle-Edinburgh A7 trunk road, yet in the most peaceful of settings and hidden away amid the Border hills above Hawick (8m. shops, pubs, hotels, leisure centre) is the immaculate and delightfully secluded Hoscote Estate. This privately owned estate comprises 500 acres of rolling hills and quiet woodland and once through the automatic wrought-iron gates which open to greet you at the entrance, tenants have complete freedom to wander at will along its quiet paths, cycle along its tracks (mountain bikes are available by arrangement) and enjoy the seclusion of its walled garden. There are stables and paddocks which can be rented should you wish to bring your own horse, for this is fabulous riding country. It was through these hills that Mary Queen of Scots galloped from Jedburgh (19m) to the bedside of her ailing lover Bothwell at Hermitage Castle (22m) and back in a day. Small wonder that she herself took to her bed thereafter! Nowadays, you can soothe away all aches and pains in the sauna or hot tub which are also available to tenants (charge). You can explore the tracks on the nearby Craik Forest, reputedly the largest man-made woodland in Europe. Fishing can be arranged and there are excellent golf courses at Hawick, Minto (14m) and Ashkirk (13m). The owners will even, on request, arrange for your larder to be fully stocked for your arrival!
All the historic Borders towns and its many stately homes are within easy reach of the Estate. Both the east and the Solway coasts with their fine beaches are easily accessible for a day excursion, while Edinburgh is only 1½ hours away by car.
Besides the 'Big House', there are three charming holiday cottages (Gardener's, Pathhead and The Gate Lodge) on the Estate, each standing quite alone and surrounded by trees and open countryside. The first two are accessed by a well-kept gravel track and are about quarter of a mile apart. The third is at the entrance to the Estate.
Gardener's Cottage
Is a pretty, whitewashed storybook cottage tucked away amongst trees and attached at right angles to a steading, part of which has been cunningly annexed for the bedroom accommodation!
In its original part, behind its 3ft thick outer walls, it has a spacious open plan living area with an open fire and is also centrally heated by the oil-fired Rayburn in the well-equipped kitchen.
There are then six steps up which lead to the double and twin bedrooms and the bathroom, which has a separate shower. There is also a door to the cobbled courtyard at the back.
The attractive stone building which houses the sauna, exercise room and beyond which is a decking area with a superb hot tub is hidden away just a few yards from the cottage.
Electricity and oil CH is INCLUDED. Bed linen and towels are INCLUDED. A cot and high chair can be available by arrangement. One well-behaved pet is welcome. Non-smokers only.
See Pathhead Cottage sleeping 6 also on the Hoscote Estate
