1 / 39

Remote cottage nestled in the heart of a forest

Entire guest suite

hosted by Barbara And Peter

2 guests
1 bedroom
1 bed
1 bath

Self check-in

Check yourself in with the lockbox.

Great location

100% of recent guests gave the location a 5-star rating.

Free cancellation before Apr 19.

Every booking includes free protection from Host cancellations, listing inaccuracies, and other issues like trouble checking in.

A remote cottage in the heart of a working forest. Nestled in a clearing 3.5 miles along a track, our Byre is a great place for those wishing to get away from the hustle of modern life; no wifi, mobile phone signal or TV. A great location hidden midway between the Ettrick and Borthwick valleys ideal for cycling, walking and watching the wildlife. With the Forestry Commission as our only neighbours we are trying to create our own 3 acre smallholding and are happy to welcome interested travellers.

The space
We have a renovated shepherd's cottage in the middle of Craik Forest. We own a 3+ acre clearing in the working forest 3.5 miles from any neighbour. We are remote with no mobile signal, television nor wifi but are truly peaceful. Set on the edge of the Southern Uplands in the Scottish Borders, hills, lochs, cycling and walking abound. We feel very privileged to live here.

The Byre is a self-contained conversion attached to our home. The double bed is set on a mezzanine overlooking the double height living area. Curl up and read in front of the log fire, use the board games, playing cards or maybe a jigsaw puzzle that are on the side. Two sets of French doors open onto the south facing terrace for when the weather is beautiful.

On a clear night the stars are breathtaking as there is no light pollution as too is the Aurora Borealis which can be seen from the back of the house when the conditions are favourable.

Deer, red squirrels, badgers and even feral sheep wander the forest. The birds are varied and numerous from Osprey to the tiny goldcrest and of course the owls at night. The wild raspberries and blaeberries are tiny but delicious when in season as are the red and blackcurrants and rhubarb which we grow in the garden. I try to grow some vegetables but being at 1100 feet and fairly exposed I am still learning which ones will survive.

The garden is an evolving project with natural wild flowers as well as cultivated. Each season is a delight. Trout and Salmon can be seen in the two burns edging the property (though no fishing is allowed). We do swim in the Rankle Burn whilst the Ropelaw is more of a tumbling burn.

We truly are remote here so personal transport is important. The nearest shop is 16 miles away in Hawick but Sainsbury, Tesco and Asda do deliver here. Colin our friendly postman will collect mail as well as deliver any post. You would need to be an independent person and happy to be in an remote spot.

Where you'll sleep

Bedroom

1 double bed

What this place offers

Kitchen

Free parking on premises

Pets allowed

Washer

Patio or balcony

Backyard

Indoor fireplace

Refrigerator

Microwave

Long term stays allowed

Where you’ll be

Scottish Borders, Scotland, United Kingdom

Although we're miles from anywhere, we are next to everywhere outdoors: Glentress, one of the 7-Stanes, is on the way to Peebles; The lovely Yarrow Valley, St Mary's Loch and the Grey Mare's Tail are all under an hour's drive away (at sight-seeing speeds). The Tweedbank Railway terminus, near Galashiels, will take you into Edinburgh (and beyond) by rail through some spectacular Borders' countryside.
The Samey Ling Tibetan Monastery is certainly worth visiting, a short drive away.
on our doorstep, Craik Forest is worthy of exploration whether on foot or bicycle however it must be remembered that it is very much a working forest.

7 nights in Scottish Borders

Apr 20, 2023 - Apr 27, 2023

4.98 out of 5 stars from 65 reviews

Hosted by Barbara And Peter

Joined in March 2017

65 Reviews
Identity verified

We have been living in our very remote cottage for over 7 years now. Having almost finished restoring the house, the Byre being a self contained annex conversion, we are now looking towards the land. If anything grows we are very happy to share our produce. We are very laid back about things, a necessity out here. Peter enjoys cycling the forest tracks and baking his own bread as well as brewing beer. Barbara just enjoys pottering outside, gardening, collecting wood for the fires and walking the dog and then knitting and crocheting when the weather is best left outside.

We have been living in our very remote cottage for over 7 years now. Having almost finished restoring the house, the Byre being a self contained annex conversion, we are now looki…