Stay in the heart of ancient Elliot Clan lands for a true Scottish Borders experience.
You only discover The Bothy at Redheugh along a private estate road, which skirts the burbling Hermitage Water river before turning into farm track. Set amidst acres of rolling farmland, the ancient stone bothy features a small enclosed garden and delivers a sense of total seclusion.
As you push open the property’s wrought-iron gate, you’ll see that it features a raised fist holding a short sword. This might be your first introduction to the Elliot Clan who have existed as a Clan with a recognized Chief in the territory of Upper Liddesdale since the twelfth Century.
The Eliots of Redheugh were the principal family of the Clan and often held the captaincy of Hermitage Castle, which dates to the eleventh Century and whose foreboding ruins tower over the Hermitage Water upstream from the Bothy. Don’t let the castle’s austere appearance and description as “the guardhouse of the bloodiest valley in Britain” put you off: modern-day Newcastleton is a tranquil spot and ideally placed to explore the rugged beauty of the nearby Kielder National Nature Reserve and Northumberland National Park.
The Bothy itself has been sensitively and thoughtfully restored: large south-facing windows and bifold doors to the garden capitalise on the light and sweeping countryside views; ancient, rough-hewn stone walls are painted in fresh white; underfloor heating on the ground floor is complemented by a cosy wood-burning fire in the double-height sitting room; and a ground floor level en-suite bedroom is ideal for families (with adjoining bunk room) or for those guests with limited mobility.
The open-plan, country-style kitchen benefits from a large wraparound work surface, which offers chefs stacks of space and the ability to chat while they work with guests at the dining table and seating area. A mezzanine level above the kitchen, tucked beneath the attractive timber-clad ceiling, serves as a cosy snug – the comfy sofa, oversize bean bags and TV make it the dream escape pad for children.
In addition to the well-appointed kitchen, there’s a utility room with a freezer and laundry appliances, while a boot room accessed from the rear garden keeps muddy outdoor kit contained. A further two bedrooms and a family bathroom are found beneath the eaves upstairs, all continuing the property’s clean, neutral palette and décor.
GROUND FLOOR
Access from the rear into a boot room with bench seat and hanging rail for outdoor wear.
Cloakroom with basin and WC
Small utility room with six drawer freezer, washing machine and separate dryer.
Inner hall leading to an open plan living area comprising:
Kitchen with two ovens, warming drawer, integrated microwave, induction hob, dishwasher, two fridges. Dining area with two carver chairs and bench seating. Telescope for taking in the views. Bi-folding doors lead out to the patio and garden area.
Sitting room with large corner sofa, window seat, wood burning stove (initial basket of logs). Selection of books and games.
Bedroom one with king size bed, side tables, in-built wardrobe with hanging and storage space - may be suitable for guests with limited mobility.
Bedroom two – accessed from bedroom one, so an ideal set-up for families - with bunk beds, hanging rail with storage. Door to the rear of the cottage.
En suite bathroom – shared with bedroom one and two - with bath with shower over (rainforest head and separate handheld unit), heated towel rail, basin and WC.
MEZZANINE LEVEL
Snug/TV room with large sofa, bean bags, Smart TV. This overlooks the open plan living area/kitchen.
FIRST FLOOR
Bedroom three with 3’ twin beds, side table with drawer space, hanging rail.
Bathroom two with corner shower (rain forest head and separate handheld unit), heated towel rail, basin and WC.
Bedroom four with king size bed, chest of drawers, small hanging wardrobe, dressing table with mirror.
OUTSIDE
There is a patio area accessed from the main open plan living area and garden furniture will be provided from Spring 2021. A charcoal barbecue will be made available on request. There is an enclosed garden to the front of the cottage (currently subject to landscaping) surrounded by a dry stone wall. There is an outside shed to the rear for the storage of bikes and outdoor kit available on request.
PARKING
There is ample private parking to the side of the cottage and the rear.
BABIES & CHILDREN
A travel cot and highchair are available on request.
DOGS
A maximum of two dogs are welcome with a charge of £20 per dog. Dogs must be kept downstairs and are not allowed in the bedrooms or on the furniture. The area surrounding The Bothy is farmland therefore dogs must be closely supervised/controlled and on leads when out and about.
GUEST AMENITIES
Feather and down duvets and pillows and guest toiletries are provided. Hairdryers are supplied in the two double bedrooms.
WI-FI & MOBILE COVERAGE
Wi-Fi is available with good speeds. Mobile reception is reasonable on most networks.
HEATING
The heating is thermostatically controlled with underfloor heating throughout the ground floor. There is a wood burning stove with initial basket of logs supplied and additional logs can be available on request at extra cost.
GUEST PRIVACY
The property is detached in a rural location in open countryside offering complete privacy.
ACCESS - IMPORTANT
The Bothy is accessed via a private estate road which gives way to a farm track. This involves opening two access gates into open farmland. Please note that the track is rutted in places and is unsuitable for low slung cars. During icy and snowy conditions 4WD vehicles are essential. Please contact us if you have any concerns.
