BIRKENSIDE COTTAGE
Experience the true meaning of peace and tranquillity with a stay at Birkenside Cottage.
Birkenside Cottage is a simple stone cottage, located at the end of a track, in the midst of a forestry reserve, in the heart of the Scottish Borders. Having been bought as a ruin in the early 90s, the cottage has been slowly and lovingly restored over 30 years, first by John and Eileen Forbes, and now by Jamie Forbes, and his wife Andria.
The Cottage
Simplicity and heritage
The beauty of the building itself lies in it's simple lines and John's steadfast resolution to stay true to the original structure. So, the house is still simply centred around the large chimney, which dominates the ground floor, and divides the kitchen and living room.
Interiors
Luxury and Comfort
The amenities and furnishings speak to soft luxury and comfort, with hot water and central heating, a modern kitchen, stylish living room, and comfortable bedrooms. In the kitchen you'll find an electric fan oven, microwave, gas hob, American two-door fridge freezer, and dishwasher. The living room, situated on the other side of the chimney breast, featured a beautiful bespoke wood farmhouse table with benches, sofa and armchair and woodburning stove. There is a smart TV, multimedia HiFi with a selection of CDs and records and a chest with all manner of games.
The Grounds
Find peace and tranquility
The real joy of the cottage is to be found without the building. There are no neighbours, no artificial lighting to mar a starlit night, and absolutely no noise beyond birdsong, livestock and the rustling of woodland creatures. Many who have visited the cottage note a feeling of instant relaxation, as the stresses, distractions and preoccupations of modern living are almost physically shrugged off on entering the grounds. ​
Outdoors
Learn to relax
We have spent many happy days simply relaxing on the deck, watching the fire pit, building dens in the woods, saying hello to the sheep, watching the birds, and generally revelling in the unvarnished beauty of the garden and surrounding countryside. The cliche has never been more aptly used: it is a little piece of heaven.
