High in the green and purple Border hills some 10 miles south of Selkirk (all facilities) and with views to die for over the unspoilt Borthwick valley – not another house in sight! – Easter Harden is a delightful and comfortable holiday retreat from the cares of the world. The cottage is south facing, bright and sunny, and really warm at all seasons with its open fire, electric heating and double glazed windows. Furnished and equipped to a very high standard, it is reached by a private drive, and stands in its own open garden grounds (summer house, furniture), where children can play in safety and adults can relax and unwind in glorious surroundings. There is also a barn with table tennis available for visitors’ use.
There is excellent walking in the hills straight from the door. This is traditional riding country; visitors can bring their own horse by arrangement, or mounts can be hired nearby. Loch fishing is available on the Estate, where visitors can also enjoy birdwatching and mountain biking. Craik Forest, reputedly the largest man-made forest in Europe, is close by, with many woodland trails to explore on two feet or two wheels.
Further afield, Edinburgh can be reached within 1.5 hours, Hawick (5 miles, shops, restaurants, swimming pool) is ‘the home of cashmere’, and all the Borders stately homes, gardens and country houses are within easy distance, as is the attractive Solway coast, Hadrian’s Wall and Alnwick.