Travel Wishlist: Scotland on Sunday Travel - Rink Hill, Galashiels

A self-catering hideaway overlooking the Tweed Valley

Rink Hill is a light-filled architectural masterpiece, built with recycled stone from the farmwith and with bespoke floor-to-ceiling glass windows that make the most of the stunning views.

The Scottish Borders, or Reiving country is an underrated destination. A recent campaign to promote the southern regions, Scotland Starts Here, has plans to rectify that and raise the area’s profile as a year-round tourism destination. Visitors often bypass its unique charms and head straight to the capital or the Highlands but they are missing out on a real hidden gem. The Borders are jam-packed full of all sorts of natural wonders, with lots of opportunities to get yourself out in the fresh air or explore the region’s rich past in the towns of the area. It is also a magnet for walkers or cyclists. A bit off the beaten track is this luxury self-catering hideaway which overlooks the Tweed valley not far from Galashiels. If you are seeking peace and quiet and a spot of tranquillity, then this really is the place for you.

Budget or boutique?

This is a natural, light-filled architectural masterpiece, with bespoke floor-to-ceiling glass windows, which make the most of the stunning views. It may be luxurious but don’t despair, your eco-credentials will remain intact, as it was built to the highest specifications with recycled stone from the farm, and the timber cladding was locally grown. This place nestles sympathetically into the hillside just like a stylish James Bond villain’s home.

The self-catering Rink Hill sleeps two and has a spacious living area with an open-plan kitchen and dining area too

Room service

Ideal for a romantic couple who want to get away from it all. The living area is spacious with an open-plan kitchen and dining area which are all kitted out with hi-spec mod cons. A fancy sound system, underfloor heating and a wood-burning stove mean that whatever the weather outside, you’ll be warm as toast. If it’s fair you can make the most of the outdoor patio area, where you can cook up a storm on the barbecue or sip a cocktail sundowner. The bedroom features a king-sized bed and crisp, white linens. Simply rest your head and drift off looking at the stars or pull down the blinds to shut out the rest of the world.

The substantial bathroom comes complete with plentiful fluffy towels, robes, and Sanctuary Spa toiletries to spoil yourself. It also features a massive drench shower, where you can wash away your woes.

If you are more of a Cleopatra type, soak away your troubles in the freestanding oval stone bath. The smallest room in the house even comes with a view. Well, you wouldn’t want to miss out on the excitement of watching the last rays of light as the sun dips beneath the skyline for another day.

Wining and dining

Sorry, you are going to have to do it yourself here, but don’t despair as there are collection options and food supplies available in nearby Galashiels. The benefit of this is you can make the most of the well-appointed kitchen with all its gadgets and a swanky coffee machine. There are plenty of good tips in the information pack to give you the steer on quality local suppliers.

Worth getting out of bed for

Just come to relax, but should you be able to drag yourself away from Rink Hill, the local area offers a plethora of activities for those wishing to get out and explore. It is worth taking a drive to Scott’s view, to take in the favourite view of local author Sir Walter Scott who lived in nearby Abbotsford house. Although there are plenty of other historic sites in the region, history lovers can explore the remains of the Iron Age Rink Hill fort, which is only a short stroll away. If you like fishing, the owners can arrange for you to catch trout in the River Tweed.

Little extras

The owners also think local when it comes to your welcome pack of goodies, which on our stay included some Tempest Brewing Co beers from Tweedbank, and even a Selkirk delicacy, a bannock. Simply relax in the outdoors round hot tub, which is sheltered in the lea of the curved exterior wall, another way that you can enjoy those views.

Guestbook comments

Rink Hill quite rightly made it into the CoolStays 20 most popular properties in the UK list, with gorgeous décor, stunning scenery and the possibility of sunsets to wow, what’s not to love about a cheeky border raid?

Catriona Thomson

Sleeping two, the self-catering Rink Hill has a minimum stay of three nights, and prices start from £650, Rink Hill, Galashiels, Scottish Borders TD1 3PS ([email protected], rinkhill.com) @rinkhill

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