Retreat Cottage is a delightful house on the Abbey St Bathan’s Estate, a large private country Estate serenely tucked away between The Lammermuir Hills and the Berwickshire Coast some 20 miles north of Berwick-on-Tweed, and 4 miles from the A1 road at Grantshouse. Scenically like a little bit of The Highlands in The Lowlands, there are glens with native woodlands laced with quiet footpaths which tenants can wander at will, and the River Whiteadder offers private salmon and trout fishing (permits by prior arrangement) as it meanders past or rushes through the glen.
The house has been completely redesigned within its old stone walls and offers both comfort and a charming ambience. It forms part of The Retreat, a unique 18th century hunting lodge built for the 7th Earl of Wemyss and shares extensive grounds leading down to the River Whiteadder. It is semi-detached (at right-angles) from a stone annexe which houses a games room and laundry.
There is horse-riding; bird-watching and scubadiving at famous St Abb’s Head; golf on many courses; an Adventure Driving School, and a fine sandy beach at Coldingham Bay nearby – plus a small restaurant in Abbey St Bathans. Edinburgh is about one hour’s drive, and with all of the Scottish Border Country, the Northumberland National Park, coast and castles within easy radius, there is almost too great a choice of places to visit!
