The House in the Hill

• Sleeps: 4
• Bedrooms: 2
• Bathrooms: 2
• Minimum stay: 3 nights

You’ll find The House in the Hill beautifully secluded on a southern Scottish Borders family farm, with enormous, light-attracting windows that showcase the sublime natural beauty all around.

The off-grid retreat is built into Townfoot Hill, with unique contours borrowed from the stone quarry that was once found there. As such, the house forms part of the ancient landscape itself: exquisitely crafted from local stone and wood, and boasting a green roof strewn with seasonal wildflowers.

Eco-friendliness reigns supreme inside, too, with energy-efficient insulation and power drawn from the sun and earth. A borehole supplies natural spring water, and there are charging points for electric cars and bikes.

Up to four adults can be accommodated here, in two elegant bedrooms – one kingsize and the other a kingsize or twin, for the ultimate convenience. Don’t worry if your favourite babysitter is busy, as two cots can also be provided for small children as needed.

Unwind all together in the sumptuous, sociable open-plan living space, with a wood-burning stove to warm chilly evenings, and sliding glass doors that lead out to the dreamy, hill-facing terrace – an ideal spot for morning coffee.

Back inside, there’s a well-equipped kitchen, with a luxury local produce welcome hamper and a gorgeous window-facing sink… so there may be arguments over who gets to do the washing-up! Meanwhile, bathroom facilities include an ornate en-suite in the master bedroom, and a separate shower room to eliminate awkward morning queues.

You’ll certainly be spoilt for choice of viewing platforms here, whether inside or out. Simply wander up to the roof terrace and feast your eyes on the magnificent 360-degree vista, or relax in the wood-fired hot tub under a shimmering blanket of stars. Since The House in the Hill occupies a designated Dark Sky area, there’ll be plenty of scope for stargazing… while if you’re lucky, you could even catch a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights.

At a glance

• A luxurious eco-retreat for up to 4 guests and 2 small children, built into Townfoot Hill on a Scottish Borders family farm.
• The house is off-grid, with full self-contained kitchen and bathroom facilities.
• There are two bedrooms, one kingsize and the other a kingsize or twin.
• Sublime viewing platforms include a hill-facing terrace, a 360-degree roof terrace, and a wood-fired hot tub that’s perfect for stargazing.
• The historic town of Jedburgh is six miles away, and electric bikes can be hired for exploring the local area.

Features

• Hot Tubs
• Off-Grid

More information

If you’re not keen to venture too far (and who could blame you?), you’re welcome to pre-order a range of ‘extras’ to make your stay even more cosy. Arrive to a heated hot tub and bubbles on ice, or perhaps treat yourselves to a Scottish breakfast or barbecue pack, and get on with the all-important business of relaxing!

For those who want to explore, there’s plenty to entice and enthral. Electric bikes can be hired and delivered right to your door, for whizzing along the many trails you’ll find in the breath-taking Scottish Borders.

History buffs will rejoice in a visit to Jedburgh, just six miles away, bursting with ancient delights that include the ruined abbey and the Mary Queen of Scots’ Visitor Centre. From here, you can even join the Northumberland 250: an epic 250-mile adventure trail of the most incredible coast, country, and dark skies.

Things to note

Sadly, as the retreat is on a working family farm with livestock, pets cannot be permitted to stay. If you require the two cots and highchairs, please advise on booking. Please see the property website for information on the wide range of ‘extras’ that can be pre-ordered for your stay. There is a secure drying room with charging facilities for e-bikes, and when surplus energy is available, electric vehicles can be charged at the property too.