The Clock House Smailholm

The Clock House is in Smailholm, in the Scottish Borders. It's a conversion from an old 18th century clock house on the Mellerstain House estate. You're right in the middle of the estate grounds, which is about 200 acres of parkland. You can walk around it, including the formal gardens. The views from the terraces over the lake are very good.

It sleeps four. Two bedrooms, one bathroom. It's got a 4 Star rating, so it's well finished and comfortable. The conversion was done to a high standard. It's part of a pair with Courtyard Cottage next door, but you have your own space.

There's a patio and garden area for you. The living space is open plan. Facilities are what you'd expect: WiFi, a washing machine, parking right there. A cot is available if you need it. You can bring up to two dogs.

Being on the estate is the main thing. There's a coffee shop in the courtyard that does food on days when the house is open. For a shop or a pub, you'd need to drive about three and a half miles to Kelso. Kelso has the usual things, plus Floors Castle and the racecourse.

Edinburgh is about 35 miles away if you fancy a day in the city. The Berwick-upon-Tweed and Holy Island beaches are within reach for a trip out. There's fishing and golf locally if that's your thing.

Useful links for the area: National Trust for Scotland - Borders and for the estate itself, Mellerstain House.