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THE BSPC PROPERTY GUIDE / FEATURE PROPERTY
FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD - A PICTURESQUE COTTAGE IN BOWDEN
House names can often prompt interest in a property, sometimes even before you have seen it. And in this instance the name is also apt; hedgehogs DO frequent the garden of this delightful semi-detached cottage in the picturesque village of Bowden, close to the Eildon Hills, which are among the most distinctive landmarks in the Borders. Built around 120 years ago, Maurice and Anne Houston bought it seven years ago as a weekend retreat, although they regularly spend at least three days a week here. What attracted them was the large and very private rear garden, which is particularly attractive and well laid out. “The cottage needed some upgrading but the garden had clearly been a passion for the previous owner,” says Anne. “We were also drawn by the location, which is on the route of the St Cuthbert’s Way and is in an area that is very popular with walkers.” There is nothing pretentious about this property, in fact its charm is enhanced by its very simplicity. The layout comprises a kitchen (re-fitted by the Houstons), goodsized living room, conservatory, rear hall and a well-fitted bathroom with a white suite and over-bath shower.
Upstairs are two freshly decorated bedrooms, one double size and the other a large single. Both rooms have built-in storage – the single room would also be ideal as a study. The kitchen is well-equipped and fitted with attractive white Shaker-style wall and floor units paired with dark grey laminate worktops and practical tile-effect flooring. Although compact in size, there is plenty of space for a cooker, dishwasher and washing machine. A door in the kitchen leads into the living room, another very tastefully decorated room. It has a window to the front and a hole-in-the-wall fireplace housing a multifuel stove – another improvement made by the present owners. There is also a useful display alcove with cupboard underneath. Accessed from both the living room and garden, the conservatory is a delightful addition that makes the most of the views across the garden to the Eildons. Outside, the rear garden is a major feature that also has the potential to extend the cottage – subject to planning.
As it is, this tranquil setting has areas of lawn mixed with mature trees, shrubs and plant borders. Situated three miles south of Melrose and only two miles from Newtown St Boswells, the village of Bowden goes far back in history and was founded as a religious establishment. In 1531 the village was granted the right to hold a market, thought to have been the first non-burgh market in Scotland, and the market cross erected still stands to this day and is used as a war memorial. The local village hall is the focus of many wide-ranging community events, while the present church, which was enlarged in the 17th century but still has evidence of its predecessor, is unusual in that it has three bells, two of which are still in use. The church also has wonderful stained glass windows, a Priest’s Door, and a fascinating graveyard in addition to a burial vault where numerous Dukes of Roxburghe were laid to rest.
Hedgehog Cottage Braehead East, Bowden
The St Cuthbert’s Way, which meanders through Bowden, attracts walkers from far and wide. Stretching 62 miles (100km), the route goes from Melrose, where St Cuthbert spent the early part of his monastic life, to Lindisfarne on Holy Island, where he spent his later ministry and where he died. Hedgehog Cottage is quite delightful and would make an ideal permanent home or a holiday home or let.
Guide Price £165,000 Details on page 42