West Cottage is not far from Hawick, Selkirk or Jedburgh and is well placed for guests to explore all of the lovely surrounding countryside.

You can explore all the way from the sandy beaches of the Northumberland and Berwickshire coasts to the sheep-dotted green hills and valleys of the central Borders area.

This is lovely walking country, from riverside and woodland strolls to the Southern Upland and St Cuthbert's Ways, both of which may be joined at nearby Melrose. The quiet country roads provide excellent scope for cyclists. For those looking for greater challenges, the world-class hill and forest mountain biking trails at Innerleithen and Cardrona are accessible within half an hour's drive.

It is prime horse country round here, with the nearest riding stables at Ashkirk (5 miles). There is also a golf course there, one of the very many good courses in the surrounding area.

The Borders towns all have their own particular charm, as well as interesting shops, good eating places and leisure centres and the woollen and cashmere outlets for which the region is rightly famous. There is also a rich selection of country houses, castles, towers, ruined abbeys and beautiful gardens to be visited.

If a day in the capital Edinburgh appeals, it is reachable in just over an hour's drive, or you can hop on the train at Tweedbank (8 miles) and be in the city centre within the hour.