Booked New Year 2010/11

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Wonderfully peaceful self-catering holiday house in the Scottish Borders

Elegant but comfortable best describes Westerkirk Mains, which is a spacious and light Georgian house situated in an unsurpassed location in this most beautiful part of the Scottish Borders.

The River Esk flows gently past the bottom of the garden and guests can arrange fishing on this stretch of the river. (Fishing must be by fly only and there is a daily permit available). The river runs into the open sea and therefore may attract sea trout and salmon. Fishing is available for four rods per day at £10 per rod, per day. This is arranged by the farm manager. Children can 'dabble' for free.

The owners maintain a clipped pathway running along the river bank for some distance: here are planted some unusual and rare trees, as well as fine oak, beech and birch.

The gardens are well maintained with huge lawns to the front and side of the house which make a lovely setting for picnics or for just relaxing and reading. Anglers have found the large lawn ideal for practising their casting skills!

The interior of the house is warm and well maintained with a traditional drawing room and dining room, a well-equipped kitchen and comfortable well-proportioned bedrooms - all tastefully decorated and furnished in keeping with the style of house.

The house is part of a farming estate and the farm manager also takes care of the maintenance of the house. He is happy to answer any questions on access to the land and best walks, etc.

This is ideal cycling and walking country, whether for a long and strenuous climb through the hills of Eskdale, or a pleasant stroll along country lanes. There are attractive villages with inns and churches, and Carlisle is only a 50-minute drive, and Edinburgh just over a 2-hour drive.

The area is rich in history and archaeology, from the prehistoric sites to the fortified castles and towers that bear testimony to the frequent border disputes of the past.

There are gardens and historic houses to visit, and the fascinating Samye Ling Tibetan Buddhist Temple six miles away where visitors are welcome.

For the very enthusiastic cyclists, the Innerleithen tracks and Glentress courses are less than an hour's drive north.

On Fridays, usually about 4.45-5pm, from mid April to mid October an ice-cream van will stop when requested to do so by guests at the house putting a sign at the road end.

Westerkirk Mains is highly recommended for those who seek tranquillity in beautiful surroundings but with ease of access to the north and the south.