EAST LODGE AT ASHIESTIEL- Sleeps 4 Guests In 2 Bedrooms, Galashiels

Scottish Borders. Sleeps up to 4

This cosy two-bedroom gate lodge stands at the entrance of Ashiestiel House and is surrounded by the outstanding scenery which so inspired the writings of Sir Walter Scott.

From fields to forests and riverside trails, this charming lodge is perfectly positioned for exploring the Scottish Borders

Famed for its scenic landscapes and sporting pursuits, East Lodge at Ashiestiel sits in a glorious position above the River Tweed bounded by forest trails and walking routes. In fact, so alluring is the countryside around this area, it inspired some of the great literary works of Sir Walter Scott who lived at Ashiestiel between 1804 and 1812.

This single storey gate lodge is a perfect base for walking, cycling, fishing the upper Tweed, or simply a sublime spot to while-away the hours in peaceful contemplation watching the resident wildlife from the summerhouse.

In the sitting room, a mix of antique and modern furnishings are beautifully complemented by a warm heritage colour scheme; while the electric stove adds to the ambient, cosy feel of this space. Entertainment facilities are available with a latest generation Smart TV, superfast (>45MB) broadband/WiFi throughout and bluetooth B&O speaker. This room also benefits from a dining/seating area with restored pine pew, offering a clever solution to accommodate one or two extra guests for dinner, and leads into a well-equipped galley kitchen with views over the rear garden and forest beyond.

The lodge benefits from two bedrooms - both gently calming, furnished with crisp linens, antiques, soft throws and tweeds, while a shared bathroom with large walk-in shower sits between the two rooms. The principal bedroom has dual windows and a south-facing aspect which creates wonderful light, while the second bedroom with twin beds has the added flexibility of a zip and link option which can be configured to a super king.

Outside, East Lodge benefits from a large private lawned garden with summerhouse and a small wildlife pond. For those who wish to experience their holiday on two wheels, enjoying the fantastic cycling around this area, the lodge has the added bonus of lockable cycle storage and an outside tap for cleaning kit at the end of a day's adventures.

This area is a popular walking destination and there are a vast number of waymarked trails through lush woodland forests in the Tweed Valley, offering numerous wildlife spotting opportunities along the way. Yair Forest is just a couple of minutes' walk from the lodge which leads down to the River Tweed, or nearby Glenkinnon Forest has lovely meandering forest trails. For longer hikes, a farm track directly opposite the lodge leads onto an old drover's road which links to the Southern Upland Way and The Three Brethren for stunning panoramic views. To the west, there are more forest walks around Elibank Castle and forest.

For cycling, this area is a prime destination for road and mountain biking. Sustrans Tweed Cycleway (Route 1) runs through this area while Innerleithen (8.5 miles) and the beautiful forest at Glentress (14 miles) are superb locations for mountain biking with trails to suit all ages and abilities. With an £8.5m visitor centre, Glentress also has a cafe, bike hire and instruction on offer but with some fantastic opportunities for walking and wildlife too. And for an exhilarating thrill 40 feet above the forest floor, there are zip wires and tree top adventures at nearby Go Ape which is sure to appeal to any teens in the party.

Visitors can stop off and see how fine ales are made in the grand historic setting of Traquair House (9.5 miles), Scotland's oldest inhabited house, based on ancient recipes dating back to the eighteenth century, or head to the visitor centre at Abbotsford (7.5 miles) for a peek into the fascinating history of Sir Walter Scott and see the home he built after leaving Ashiestiel.

If you are an avid fan of the royal and ancient game, the championship golf course at Cardrona (12 miles) sits in a breathtaking spot amidst the rolling Border Hills and presents an enjoyable challenge for both experts and the recreational player.

For fishing, Ashiestiel is a popular upper Tweed beat with two miles of right bank fishing and six named pools. This can be fished by six rods and includes a ghillie during the Autumn season and can be a productive stretch when the conditions are right. Availability and bookings can be made directly with FishPal, with other options available in the upper Tweed system all within a short drive of the property.

Despite its peaceful rural location, Edinburgh (35 miles) can be easily reached by car, or a Waverley Line train from Galashiels or Stow will take you directly into the city centre in under an hour. Here you can explore the fascinating architecture of the old town and soak-up the culture and heritage of this beautiful vibrant city. Wander the cobbled closes and narrow stairwells of the Royal Mile and Grassmarket; take a tour of the underground vaults of the old city; savour the atmosphere of the vibrant Edinburgh Fringe Festival or exceptional Jazz & Blues Festival (depending on the time of year); or visit its most famous landmark - the iconic Edinburgh Castle.

Located in Galashiels, this cottage is in a rural area. Robert Smail's Printing Works and Old Gala House are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Waverley Line and St Abbs & Eyemouth Voluntary Marine Reserve. Kailzie Gardens and Scott's View are also worth visiting.