From fields to forests and riverside trails, this charming lodge is perfectly positioned for exploring the Scottish Borders
Famed for its scenic landscapes and sporting pursuits, East Lodge at Ashiestiel sits in a glorious position above the River Tweed bounded by forest trails and walking routes. In fact, so alluring is the countryside around this area, it inspired some of the great literary works of Sir Walter Scott who lived at Ashiestiel between 1804 and 1812.
This single storey gate lodge is a perfect base for walking, cycling, fishing the upper Tweed, or simply a sublime spot to while-away the hours in peaceful contemplation watching the resident wildlife from the summerhouse.
In the sitting room, a mix of antique and modern furnishings are beautifully complemented by a warm heritage colour scheme; while the electric stove adds to the ambient, cosy feel of this space. Entertainment facilities are available with a latest generation Smart TV, superfast (>45MB) broadband/WiFi throughout and bluetooth B&O speaker. This room also benefits from a dining/seating area with restored pine pew, offering a clever solution to accommodate one or two extra guests for dinner, and leads into a well-equipped galley kitchen with views over the rear garden and forest beyond.
The lodge benefits from two bedrooms – both gently calming, furnished with crisp linens, antiques, soft throws and tweeds, while a shared bathroom with large walk-in shower sits between the two rooms. The principal bedroom has dual windows and a south-facing aspect which creates wonderful light, while the second bedroom with twin beds has the added flexibility of a zip and link option which can be configured to a super king.
Outside, East Lodge benefits from a large private lawned garden with summerhouse and a small wildlife pond. For those who wish to experience their holiday on two wheels, enjoying the fantastic cycling around this area, the lodge has the added bonus of lockable cycle storage and an outside tap for cleaning kit at the end of a day’s adventures.
GROUND FLOOR
Access into an inner porch with hooks for coats and plenty of room for outdoor footwear.
Sitting room/dining area with two double sofas, Smart TV, Bang & Olufsen bluetooth speaker, electric stove, selection of books and games. Dining area with farmhouse table, bench seating and chairs.
Galley kitchen with electric oven, glass-top ceramic hob, combi microwave, fridge/freezer and washer/dryer.
Bedroom one (front and side facing) with 4'6" double bed, side tables, dressing table, chest of drawers, two chairs, hooks with hangers.
Bedroom two (side garden facing) with twin 3' beds which can be configured to a super king on request, side table, chest of drawers, hooks with hangers.
Bathroom with large walk-in shower, heated towel rail, basin and WC.
OUTSIDE
There is a large garden to the rear and side of the lodge which can either be accessed from the parking area or via steps from the rear. Please note the garden is not enclosed.
The garden has a summerhouse with garden furniture and a barbecue is available on request. The summerhouse is a lovely sheltered spot to read and unwind or possibly catch sight of deer, pheasant or red squirrel.
There is a wildlife pond, home to goldfish and newts, to the rear of the lodge.
Lockable bike storage is available in a cellar area accessed externally to the rear. There is an outside tap and hose for cleaning bikes and outdoor gear.
There is walking immediately outside the front door where an old drover’s road links up with the Southern Upland Way and the walks around Glenkinnon are close by. At nearby Yair Forest, just a couple of minutes' walk from the cottage, there is a walk along the river. Around the lodge the hillside and neighbouring fields are home to Black Face sheep and their lambs.
PARKING
There is parking for two cars to the side of the lodge.
BABIES & CHILDREN
Although welcome, the lodge is perhaps less suitable for babies and young children as the property opens onto a quiet country road and the garden is not enclosed. Care should also be taken around the wildlife pond area due to it being 1m deep and so children should always be closely supervised. The woodland beyond the garden is part of Ashiestiel grounds and is private. Within the woodland there are high and steep sided banks falling down to a tributary of the Tweed.
DOGS
Sorry, dogs are not permitted.
GUEST AMENITIES
Bed linen and towels are provided for guests, along with guest toiletries. There are hairdryers in each of the bedrooms. The pillows are duck down and the duvets are hypo-allergenic. For guests with allergies, alternative pillow options can be provided on request.
WI-FI & MOBILE COVERAGE
Superfast Wi-Fi broadband is available throughout. Mobile reception is good with full 4G coverage (EE/Vodafone).
HEATING
Oil fired central heating throughout which is thermostatically controlled separately in each room. Electric stove in the sitting room.
GUEST PRIVACY
The cottage is detached and is not overlooked.
