3 of the best farm stays near the Scottish border

This post is sponsored by Lakes Cottage Holidays

Now that the politics surrounding the England-Scotland border are over (for now), the wild landscapes and historic towns let this beautiful area speak for itself…

A stay at one of these self-catering cottages, all on working farms, makes a great base to explore the countryside around the England-Scotland border and nearby Lake District. Here’s our pick of three of the best farm stays…

Williamwood Cottage, Lockerbie, Scottish Borders

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Williamwood Cottage is perfect for families coming fully equipped with cot, highchair and baby bath, alongside wifi and a wood burning stove for cosy evenings. Garden furniture and BBQ are available for warm summer days.

Located on a 310 acre farm, which previously won the RSPB Nature of Farming award for Scotland, this is a great cottage for those who love nature. By farming with conservation in mind, this land is abundant with birdlife, much of which you can spot from several wildlife trails around the site.

The owners will be happy to introduce you to their herd of Highland cattle, Highland ponies, sheep, chickens and Tottie the mini pig! A new children’s playground boasts a petting area with mini animals. Take a horse ride around the farm or even bring your own four-legged friend (arrange with the owners in advance).

The surrounding area is full of historic sites including Robert Burns House, the Old Blacksmith’s Shop at Gretna (famed for its weddings and eloping lovers!), Hadrian’s Wall and Hermitage Castle.

Size: 3 bedrooms, sleeps 6
Rates: From £530 per week

Wild Rose Cottage, Jedburgh, Scottish Borders

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Wild Rose Cottage is set in a peaceful and tranquil site on a 1,100 acre working farm. It comes fully equipped with all mod cons including wifi, a cot and highchair for little ones, plus an open fire. A welcome tray of homemade cakes awaits you on arrival!

Part of the farm, which is mainly home to 2,000 sheep, is within a conservation scheme which encourages ground nesting birds. Explore the farmland and spot buzzards, badgers and deer on one of the many farm trails, or take a stroll down to one of the many ponds.

The nearby town of Jedburgh is the historic gateway to Scotland and is dominated by the twelfth century Augustinian Abbey. Edinburgh, Carlisle and Newcastle are all within an hour’s drive of the cottage.

Size: 2 bedrooms, sleeps 5
Rates: From £320 per week

Red Stables, Aikton, nr Carlisle

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This farm building conversion is stylish and contemporary but retains many of its original, early twentieth century features. Boasting green credentials, the property includes underfloor heating sourced from the farm’s biomass boiler, a charging point for electric cars, and is insulated to the highest standards.

One stand-out selling point is that you can enjoy stunning views across to the Lakeland Fells from your own private hot tub on the patio! But if you ever tire of lazing around in the hot tub (when would that be?!), you can also enjoy complementary use of the swimming pool at nearby Orton Grange Leisure Pool.

Two miles away is the Watchtree Nature Service where red squirrels and bats can be spotted. Hadrian’s Wall, Carlisle and the Lake District are all within easy reach with a car.

Size: 2 bedrooms, sleeps 4
Rates: From £440 per week

For more details, availability and booking for all properties mentioned, visit Lakes Cottage Holidays at www.lakescottageholiday.co.uk or call 0176 883 8103. Browse the site for romantic bolt holes, luxury pads, log cabins, dog-friendly holiday homes, properties with a view and much more.

This post is sponsored by Lakes Cottage Holidays – Goodtrippers retains editorial control over all content and only selects partners and publishes sponsored posts that fit the Goodtrippers ethos.

 

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