The perfect rural retreat has been found in the form of The Old Mill, a lovingly constructed eco-house that is ideally placed for discovering the many delights of the Scottish Borders, in the peaceful hamlet of Hownam.

It may not be evident from the outside but this beautiful house is actually of a straw bale, timber clad construction that provides excellent insulation throughout and is kept even cosier by its central heating, wood-burning stove and triple glazing. This charming getaway has all the character and warmth required to make it feel like a true home from home that is a real treat to spend time in. Its vast open plan living area has clearly defined spaces for cooking, eating and relaxing or strumming up a tune on one of the guitars or the banjo should the mood strike.

It is positively idyllic sitting on the rocking chairs on the covered verandah taking in the serene setting looking towards the little bothy and the scenery spread out behind it. Be sure to keep a keen eye out for the dippers and herons that like to visit the burn. Large areas of the grounds are left untended to encourage all manner of visiting birds, hares and even the occasional otter. Every spring several nesting pairs of house-martins take up residence. Guests have their pick of sprawling lawns, a raised herb garden, a small orchard with a reading bench, a live willow seat tucked away in seclusion surrounded by silver birch trees and a superb fully-insulated, double-glazed bothy/games-room with a sleeping platform. At The Old Mill, everyone can find their own wild space they would need for the perfect back-to-nature break. The Old Mill is a wonderful place to stay, and a hard place to leave.

The downstairs double bedroom, known as ‘Bowmont Water’, is colourful and bright and as there is a ramp up to the back door it is ideal for anyone with mobility limitations. Off a central landing on the first floor are the other four bedrooms that are also named after nearby rivers or streams. There are two double rooms ‘Kale’ and Hownam Burn’ and two single rooms called ‘Tweed’ and ‘Teviot’ (which has impressive artwork adorning its wall) that all make use of a family bathroom and separate shower room. There is a superb upstairs lounge to separate out into with a TV, plenty of books to keep even the most avid readers happy, a panoramic picture-window looking into the hills and a fun air-hockey table.

Half an acre of pretty grounds surround the house with a short stretch of rough farm track leading up to it (may not be suitable for low slung vehicles) and parking for up to 4 cars. The patio catches the sun most of the day as it is south-facing and it is quite an adventure crossing the wooden bridge that spans the burn (care to be taken) to get to the bothy. This is just the place for younger guests to make good use of the pool table and music system or to sit out in the evening sun on the bothy’s west-facing verandah before tucking themselves up for the night on the mezzanine sleeping platform for their very own glamping adventure. Please note this is alternative accommodation rather than in addition to the sleeping space in the house. The maximum number of guests for The Old Mill is 8.

Please note: This cottage is not suitable for children under 5 years old.