West Mill Cottage

A charming cottage set on the banks of the River Whiteadder near Berwick-upon-Tweed
West Mill Cottage is one of two cottages located on the banks of a large meander in the River Whiteadder just outside the village of Paxton. The river, which burbles just outside the cottage windows, is teeming with brown trout - catch them yourself or watch the local otter hunt for them. (The owners can help secure a local fishing permit). Chances are you’ll also spot deer grazing outside or catch sight of a kingfisher flashing along the riverbank. The ever-changing scenery doesn’t even stop when night falls – West Mill Cottage lies below some of the country’s most pristine dark skies, enabling memorable stargazing.

Set at the end of a no-through road three miles west of Berwick-upon-Tweed, England’s northernmost town, and just east of the river from Paxton, a small Saxon village set in Scotland, West Mill Cottage is a true Borders home. From the cottage, a scenic footpath leads to a narrow footbridge that crosses the River Whiteadder and takes you to The Cross Inn at Paxton, less than half a mile from West Mill. The attractive Paxton House Gardens and Café is also an easy walk from the cottage while the castles, beaches, Elizabethan walls, restaurants and bars of Berwick-upon-Tweed are just a ten-minute drive away. Further afield, the Northumberland Coast is well known for its castles and deserted beaches, with attractions such as Holy Island and Bamburgh Castle within easy striking distance.

The cottage itself has been completely renovated with contemporary styling, making it a fantastic family home. The modern, light-filled kitchen is set in a rear extension, complete with a large picture window and glass door leading to the secluded and enclosed rear garden overlooking the River Whiteadder. The kitchen leads to one side to a sizeable utility room, which includes a large walk-in shower, and to the other into a spacious dining room, which is warmed by a wood-burner and features a comfy sofa for pre- and post-dinner drinks and chats. Further postprandial lounging can be enjoyed in the sitting room, whose wood-panelled walls are daubed in rich blue-black paint to create a veritable cocoon once the wood burner is roaring and soft lamps glowing.

West Mill Cottage boasts three bedrooms: the most spacious of the trio features a king-sized bed while a second double room features a super king bed that can be configured as twin beds. The last makes a lovely children’s room with a double bunk bed. In addition to the downstairs utility/bathroom, there’s a family bathroom with a bath and shower over on this floor. The views from West Mill Cottage never fail to delight: each window offers its own vantage point from which nature at its best can be observed.
GROUND FLOOR
Rear access directly into the kitchen:

Kitchen with double electric oven and 4-ring ceramic hob, fridge, freezer, dishwasher, microwave. Door to rear garden and patio area.

Off the kitchen is a shower / utility room (two steps down) with large walk-in shower (rainforest head and separate mixer), radiator, basin, WC and washing machine.

Dining room / snug with dining table (seats 6), large sofa, sideboard and wood burning stove (with initial supply of logs provided).

Sitting room with two large sofas, side tables, wood burning stove (with initial supply of logs provided), Smart TV, Blu-Ray DVD player, selection of books, games and DVDs.

FIRST FLOOR
Bedroom one with king size bed, side tables, wardrobe and chest of drawers / dressing table.

Bedroom two with zip and link beds, which can be configured as a super king double or 3' twin beds, as preferred. Built-in cupboard with hanging space and chest of drawers.

Bedroom three with bunk beds (suitable for children only) and chest of drawers.

An extra chest of drawers is available on the landing.

Family bathroom with bath with shower over (rainforest head and separate mixer), heated towel rail, basin and WC.

OUTSIDE
There is a small garden to the front of the house. To the rear is a large garden overlooking the River Whiteadder with a patio and outside seating. Please note the garden is not fully enclosed. A barbecue is not provided. Steps lead down to the parking area to the side of the cottage and onto the riverbank.

PARKING
There is private parking for three cars to the side of the cottage.

BABIES & CHILDREN
Babies and children are very welcome and a high chair and travel cot are provided.

Parents of young children should be aware that the property is close to the River Whiteadder and the garden is not fully enclosed. Children must be closely supervised at all times.

DOGS
Regretfully the property is not suitable for dogs.

GUEST AMENITIES
Bed linen and towels are provided along with hand wash and shower/bath wash. A hairdryer is provided in the two main bedrooms.

WI-FI & MOBILE COVERAGE
Superfast broadband is provided. Mobile coverage is patchy on most networks but generally improves outside.

HEATING
There is gas heating throughout which can be thermostatically controlled. There are two wood burning stoves - one in the dining room and one in the sitting room - with an initial supply of logs.

GUEST PRIVACY
The cottage adjoins the owner's house at the end of a no-through lane. The owners are on hand if required to help guests get the best from their stay but equally are very respectful of guests' privacy.

FISHING ON SITE
The Whiteadder Water runs by the property. With a permit, you can fish for trout or grayling at certain times of year. To find out more, please click here.