Close to middle Tweed fishing beats and the picturesque villages of St. Boswells and Melrose, it is a perfect base for country sports enthusiasts or those looking to explore the scenic attractions of the area. Set around a private courtyard in the rolling lowlands, you will find little to interrupt the day here other perhaps than the odd passing tractor and a cheery wave from the local farmer.
Inside, the property benefits from a generously proportioned double aspect drawing room presented in a traditional country house style. This includes an extensive library which guests are welcome to enjoy in front of the warming ambience of a large open fire. The original coach house windows are a characterful feature of this room which fully maximise the sunshine and light overlooking the courtyard towards open fields beyond.
The beamed kitchen and dining room successfully combine both traditional and contemporary finishes while a large separate utility/boot room is perfect for drying off the four-legged members of the party!
There are two comfortable bedrooms - one on the ground floor and one on the first floor, both with zip and link functionality which offer complete flexibility to adapt to the needs of the party.
The property can be booked in conjunction with nearby Byreman’s Cottage(sleeps 6) for larger parties looking to holiday together.
Local amenities
Sitting just three miles from St Boswells, this pretty village boasts the fabulous, award-winning Mainstreet Trading bookshop, café, deli and antiques shop and the excellent Blue Coo Bistro at the Buccleuch Arms Hotel for eating out. There is also a good butchers, small Co-op supermarket and the highly regarded Border Gunroom for those essential country supplies.
Nearby Melrose (8 miles) is one of the most picturesque in the Borders with an excellent range of independent shops selling fine quality food and drink including The Country Kitchen for deli produce, cheeses, whole foods and fresh coffees; Dalgetty’s Bakery, makers of the original Selkirk Bannock; or Baird’s Butchers for locally sourced produce as well as freshly prepared homemade meals which are perfect for holiday stays.
You will also find a quality fishmongers, a fresh fruit and veg shop as well as two small convenience stores. For coffee and cake, pop into Apples for Jam for a steaming cappuccino and a delicious butter cream sponge, or for evening dining, the Town House, Burts or Marmions all come highly recommended.
Activities and attractions
This is an excellent base for exploring the local area. A drive of 6 miles will take you to the evocative ruins of Dryburgh Abbey, the final resting place of Sir Walter Scott and arguably one of the most beautiful of the Border Abbeys with remarkably complete ruins set in stunning grounds. Nearby Scott’s View offers panoramic views over superb Border countryside.
For outdoor pursuits, there is excellent walking in this area with several major walking and cycling routes nearby including the picturesque Four Abbeys Cycle Route and famous St Cuthbert's Way which charts the historic trail of the revered seventh century Saint on a 62 mile walk between Melrose Abbey where he started his religious life and his eventual resting place on the sublime Holy Island of Lindisfarne.
It is also an ideal base for fishing parties with notable middle Tweed beats including Dryburgh, Tweedswood, Bemersyde and Lower Pavilion offering some excellent value fishing. Shooting, be it clays or game is available locally, including Bisley at Braidwood where you can pay and play, sharpen up your eye with a few shooting lessons, or perhaps try the first full-bore pipe rifle shooting range in Scotland.
For golf fans, the 9 hole Melrose golf club sits in the shadow of the Eildon Hills, or head to the stunning championship course at the Roxburghe Hotel near Kelso for a leisurely afternoon followed perhaps by an evening meal at the highly regarded Roux restaurant.
For sightseeing, the grand stately homes and castles of Floors, Mellerstain, Manderston, Abbotsford and Thirlestane are all within a short half hour drive where the beautiful artworks, rich architectural detailing and scenic grounds and gardens are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.
For short breaks, our local events and festivals provide the perfect excuse for friendly get-togethers where you can enjoy National Hunt Racing at Kelso Racecourse, local Antique Fairs and Auctions, the Floors Castle Horse Trials, Point-to-Point Meets, the Borders Book Festival, Walking Festival and Common Ridings.......to name just a few!
You can reach the wonderful heritage coastline in less than an hour with miles of deserted golden sands perfect for rest or play, or hop onto a train from Tweedbank (7 miles) for a day visit to the cultural city of Edinburgh where you can take advantage of events such as the vibrant Edinburgh Fringe Festival, exceptional Jazz and Blues Festival, or simply take some time to explore the exquisite historical architecture of this beautiful city.
Accommodation
The living accommodation sits on two floors with a ground floor bedroom and bathroom.
Ground floor
Access hallway leading into:
Drawing room - generously proportioned room with the original coach house windows offering a wide open aspect onto the private courtyard. With two large sofas, flat screen TV with Freeview, extensive library which guests are welcome to use, writing desk with Wi-Fi hub. Large open fire - initial supply of logs provided.
Kitchen/dining room - with ceramic hob, electric oven, dishwasher, Nespresso coffee machine. Please note there is no microwave. Dining area with seating for six. Adjoining utility/boot room with large fridge/freezer, washer/dryer and plenty of additional cupboard space.
Bedroom one - with zip and link beds which can be configured to 6‘ king-size or twin as required, side tables, built-in wardrobe.
Bathroom one - bath with shower over (rainforest head and hand-held mixer), heated towel rail, basin and WC.
First floor
Bedroom two - with zip and link beds which can be configured to 6‘ king-size or twin as required, side tables, double built-in wardrobe.
Bathroom two - bath with shower over (rainforest head and hand-held mixer), heated towel rail, basin and WC.
Heating
Central heating throughout the property. Open fire in the sitting room - initial supply of logs provided.
Guest amenities
Bed linen and towels are provided for guests along with guest toiletries. A hairdryer is provided in each bedroom.
Babies and children
Please note that a travel cot and high chair are not provided. Important -there is a large ornamental pond on the lawn in the courtyard area which has been covered by wire mesh. It is recommended that children are closely supervised in this area.
Dogs
Two dogs are permitted but must be clean and dry before access into the property and thereafter kept to the large utility/boot room and kitchen area only. Important - Elliston is a working farm with livestock in the adjoining fields and it is imperative that dogs are kept under control and on leads whilst outwith the main courtyard and when walking in the immediate area. Guests can walk on the drive outside the courtyard but cannot walk in the surrounding fields with livestock.
Wi-Fi and mobile coverage
Wi-Fi is available but please note that speeds can be slower due to its rural location. Mobile reception is generally good.
Garden and grounds
There is a small patio area with garden bench to the front of Coachman’s which extends into a large shared courtyard with lawned area and ornamental pond. The gate to the main courtyard area must be closed at all times. Guests can walk on the drive outside the courtyard but cannot walk in the surrounding fields with livestock.
Storage
There is secure storage available for fishing and outdoor kit in an adjacent steading.
Parking
There is ample private parking to the front of the cottage.
Guest privacy
The courtyard is shared with Byreman’s Cottage (sleeps 6) which sits nearby.
No smoking
Strictly no smoking.
