Suiting singles or a couple, this ground-floor cottage includes fishing facilities, smart interiors, a big bedroom and a sweet enclosed garden
Perfectly pretty, Pentland Cottage is a small, one-level home with everything you’ll need for a Borders break. Found in the teeny-tiny village of Horndean – a sleepy, leafy place ringed by countryside – it’s less than a kilometre from the River Tweed, and thus the English border.
Solo travellers or a couple, plus anyone who struggles with stairs, can expect to feel very content. The cottage’s rooms branch off a central hallway (look out for its bench seat). To one side is a spacious, modern kitchen containing vanilla-hued cabinetry and tiled walls, with all mod cons, including a natty espresso machine.
An open archway connects to the bright yet cosy lounge, whose comfy armchairs and sofa frame an old red-brick fireplace, its log burner and a Smart TV. The pretty cottage garden is visible through large windows as bookcases and a woven rug ramp up the homeliness.
With super-fast fibre broadband (up to 70MB) available, it’s easy to stream films each evening during lazy nights in. Along one wall here, below pheasant-themed print wallpaper, beckons a dining table for two.
The cottage’s other half contains a rear-facing bedroom and a generous bathroom. The latter pairs a deep bathtub – plus a stand to support candles or iPads as you soak – with a walk-in shower. In the sleeping quarter, tartan throws and curtains accompany a dressing table. The design remains stylish yet snug.
As well as a small front garden, Pentland Cottage boasts a larger lawn flanked by colourful, extremely attractive herbaceous borders. There is a bird feeder and nesting boxes to entice birds and other wildlife, and guests are encouraged to top up the feeder during their stay. A dining table allows for guests to dine outside too. Anglers will also find rod racks (the owner is a keen angler), and a secure outside shed can shelter bikes or golf clubs.
Horndean has no shops but Norham, three miles south-west and just across that border, has a pub, a post office and an excellent butcher’s, while supermarkets accompany many independent stores in Berwick-upon-Tweed, nine miles east.
Norham also has a ruined 12th-century castle and a church devoted to St Cuthbert, while another local sight is Paxton House: a Palladian-style stately home promising Chippendale furniture and a good tearoom. Within a short drive are Kelso’s magnificent market square, Cheswick Sands’ beach, Holy Island, waterside Bamburgh Castle or hikes and wild-goat safaris in the often-empty Cheviot Hills. Then again, you may just fancy a stroll along the Tweed.
GROUND FLOOR
From the front of the property:
Access hall with large cupboard and hanging rail for outdoor gear.
Sitting room with double sofa, armchair, 50” Smart TV, wood burning stove (logs supplied). Dining space with seating for three. Selection of books and games, DAB radio.
Open archway into the kitchen with induction hob and electric oven, microwave, full size dishwasher, washing machine (no dryer), fridge with ice box, Grind coffee machine (pod type – Nespresso compatible).
Bedroom with zip and link bed which can be configured to a 6’ super king or 3’ twin beds, side tables, hanging rail, desk/console, cupboard with shelving and storage space.
Large bathroom with large bath, corner shower, heated towel rail, basin and WC. Underfloor heating.
OUTSIDE
Very pretty cottage garden to the rear which is enclosed. This comprises patio area with garden furniture, bird feeders, four steps up to the lawned garden with herbaceous borders. A barbecue is not provided. To the side of the cottage are rod racks for fishing rods. Secure shed with space for outdoor gear and bikes.
To the front of the cottage is a lawned garden with gravelled driveway. Café table with two chairs. There are three steps up to the front door.
PARKING
Private parking for two cars in the front driveway.
BABIES & CHILDREN
A travel cot and high chair can be made available on request. Double sofa bed available at additional charge of £50. The sofa bed is strictly for use of up to two children only.
DOGS
One dog permitted – not permitted on the furniture or in the bedroom.
GUEST AMENITIES
Bed linen and towels are provided for each guest. Hand soaps and bath/shower wash are provided.
WI-FI & MOBILE COVERAGE
Superfast fibre broadband – up to 72MB. Mobile reception generally good.
HEATING
Oil-fired heating which is thermostatically controlled. Wood burning stove (logs supplied). Underfloor heating in the bathroom.
GUEST PRIVACY
The cottage is detached and sits in the peaceful village of Horndean.
