A tranquil cottage set in expansive country house gardens with an intriguing art connection
Fresh from a top-to-toe refurbishment, the dainty Wood Cottage boasts a fairy-tale setting on the edge of a clearing, cossetted by grand specimen trees. A true romantic’s bolthole, the cottage is set within two acres of parkland, woodland and gardens belonging to the historic Bughtrig house, just a short drive from Coldstream on the shores of the River Tweed.
Stay at the cosy two-bedroom Wood Cottage and you’ll not only have the opportunity to soak up the tranquillity of Bughtrig’s extensive grounds but also the chance to admire some of the eclectic pieces of art that have caught the discerning eye of Bughtrig’s owner, Will Ramsay. A name that will be instantly familiar to those with an interest in art, Ramsay’s beautiful Georgian home and gardens serve as an intriguing cache of artworks collected over the course of his life.
As such, a number of handpicked original artworks are presented in Wood Cottage, ranging from a bold, contemporary abstract painting above the table in the cosy dining room to peaceful watercolours of local landscapes in the fire-warmed sitting room. An oil painting of a stark winter tree in one of the two bedrooms, both snuggled beneath the eaves of the cottage, subtly echoes the shape of an ancient oak in the verdant parkland glimpsed through the window.
By no means constrained to Wood Cottage, guests are free to explore Bughtrig’s celebrated gardens, discovering its intimate hedged gardens; beautifully restored greenhouses, complete with old roses clambering at their feet and contemporary sculptures within; and the 246-foot-long Grass Walk, a lush carpet of lawn flanked by colourful herbaceous borders. Dotted amongst the gardens, which open to the public as part of Scotland’s Open Garden Scheme, are diverse sculptures, including a bronze of Vice-Admiral Sir Bertram Ramsay, who masterminded the naval forces contribution to the Dunkirk evacuation and D-Day landings during World War 2.
In addition to access to the formal gardens, guests staying at Wood Cottage can use the tennis court by prior arrangement with the owners and enjoy a number of superb walks from the doorstep. The pretty village of Leitholm, complete with pub, is about ten minutes’ walk away while the more extensive amenities of the historic town of Coldstream are a ten-minute drive from the cottage.
GROUND FLOOR
Sitting room with seating for four guests, Smart TV, open fire with unlimited supply of logs.
Dining room with seating for four guests.
Kitchen with electric double oven and hob, dishwasher, Kenco Tassimo coffee machine with starter amount of pods/capsules, fridge, washer / dryer, Tassimo coffee machine, microwave.
Utility room with tall fridge / freezer.
Bathroom with bath and shower over, basin and WC. As with many period properties, the hot water pressure is weak in the kitchen and bath. The shower is pumped and has good pressure.
The rear entrance to the cottage opens into a small boot room with storage for wellies, coats and outdoor kit.
FIRST FLOOR
Bedroom one with 4’6” bed, fitted wardrobe and dressing table.
Bedroom two with zip and link beds which can be configured as 2'6" twins or 5' king double, half-size wardrobe and dressing table. Additional storage is provided in a chest of drawers on the landing.
OUTSIDE
Large fully-enclosed lawned garden. Outside seating, charcoal drum barbecue and parasol provided.
Secure garage with storage for bicycles, golf clubs and outdoor kit.
PARKING
There is private parking available to the front and side of the cottage.
BABIES & CHILDREN
A travel cot and highchair are available on request.
DOGS
One dog is welcome and a second dog may be considered on request. Dogs must be kept downstairs and off the furniture. Cats are not permitted.
GUEST AMENITIES
Guest toiletries, luxurious bed linen and towels are provided. A hairdryer is provided in the master bedroom.
WI-FI & MOBILE COVERAGE
Wood Cottage has fibre broadband and good coverage on most mobile networks.
HEATING
There is oil heating throughout. There is an open fire in the lounge with an unlimited supply of logs provided.
GUEST PRIVACY
Wood Cottage sits within the grounds of the owner's property but it is not overlooked.
USE OF FORMAL GARDENS
Guests are welcome to enjoy the owner’s stunning formal gardens during the day. Please note that the gardens are open to the public from 1 June to 1 September. Please click here for further details
TENNIS COURT
Guests have use of the owner’s tennis court between 9am and 1pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 11am at weekends. Guests must bring their own balls and rackets. Guests can pre-book court time by signing up on the rota on the court gate.