Guests say
Charlie's Cottage is a well-loved property praised for its dog-friendly features, secure garden, and cosy log fire. Guests appreciate the cottage's cleanliness, comfortable beds, and well-equipped kitchen. The location is ideal for exploring the Scottish Borders, with easy access to local amenities and attractions. While some guests mention issues with heating and maintenance, the overall experience is positive, with many looking forward to returning.
The majority of guests found the cottage to be very clean and tidy, contributing to a welcoming and comfortable stay. A few mentioned minor issues, such as garden maintenance and cobwebs, but these did not significantly detract from the overall positive feedback on cleanliness.
The cottage's location is highly praised for its peacefulness and proximity to local towns, beaches, and countryside walks. It serves as an excellent base for exploring the Scottish Borders, with many guests expressing their satisfaction with the surroundings and the ease of access to various attractions.
Guests generally find the cottage comfortable, highlighting the cosy log fire, comfortable beds, and spacious rooms. Some concerns were raised about heating efficiency and the need for additional warmth, but these were balanced by the presence of electric blankets and portable heaters.
The cottage is well-equipped, especially the kitchen, and guests appreciate the secure garden for dogs. However, there are several mentions of issues with heating, hot water, and the need for maintenance in some areas. These comments suggest room for improvement in facilities and maintenance.
The owner's thoughtfulness is evident through the provision of a welcome gift, dog necessities, and responsive communication. While such gifts are warmly received, they are a kind gesture and may vary with each stay.
About this property
This lovely two-bedroom detached cottage in Swinton, Scottish Borders is the perfect place for families or friends to come and enjoy their time away. The property has a large garden and a woodburning stove so you can enjoy the wonderful outdoors inside as well as feeling connected to nature. It is also very dog-friendly so you can bring your four-legged friends along with you while you enjoy your time here! Step inside to the entrance hallway, where you can kick off your walking boots, ready to explore your rural location. The living/dining room is perfect for relaxing as well as enjoying mealtimes together with its plush sofa, chair, smart TV, and 4-seater dining table. After a long day out, you can come back and curl up with a cup of tea while watching your favourite shows. Moving through the property, locate the kitchen, home to an electric oven, hob, microwave, as well as a washing machine and dishwasher to do the cleaning up for you. Head outside onto the garden with an enclosed area, a large lawn, and a patio furnished with outdoor seating, so you can kick back with a cold beverage. As the evening winds to a close, retire inside and find the family bathroom to soothe your muscles in a hot bath or take a quick wash in the shower. When sleep calls, there is a king-size bedroom that is a pleasant space containing bedside lamps for reading and the second bedroom is a well-kept twin room, perfect for young children. In the morning, prepare for the day ahead with a home-cooked breakfast, courtesy of the kitchen appliances before getting better acquainted with your location. Sporting links are well catered for whether its fishing on the Tweed River, the many local golf courses, the stunning walks in the countryside and on the coastal paths, boat trips on the river or out to sea, or horse riding from trekking to trail riding. Venture a short distance south to Coldstream on the banks of the border River Tweed, with an array of independent shops, a garage, museum of The Coldstream Guards, pubs, and restaurants, as well as a public golf course and the Hirsel estate, with beautiful walks, café, and craft shops. Easy trips south also include Alnwick Castle and Gardens, Northumberland National Park, the vibrant city life of Newcastle and the excitement of Gateshead Quays and Millennium Bridge. Jump in the car to explore the Elizabethan walled town of Berwick-upon-Tweed where you can visit several attractions including the beaches, Berwick Boat Trips, Berwick Castle and Ramparts, The Lowry Trail, find atmospheric pubs and lively Foxtons Wine bar and Restaurant as well as The Magna Tandoori. Head north and the local town of Duns provides a range of shops and amenities, while under 50 miles away with easy rail or road links is Edinburgh city with its history, architecture, shopping, and outstanding festival! Well worth a visit! Although Swinton is tiny, please remember it is a rural village that has passing traffic and during harvesting will carry farm traffic that is an essential part of the production of food cycle. For a memorable getaway, whisk your loved ones to Charlies Cottage. EPC Rating: Band G
Despite being a hub for rural operations since the 11th century, Swinton's village layout as it is known today dates back to the 18th century. The town of Coldstream, which is located on the banks of one of the top salmon rivers in the nation, is only 5 miles to the north of this location. Duns, which used to be the region's largest town and is located 7 miles away, is rich in history. There are plenty of things to see and do in the Scottish Borders, including golf, fishing, and walking, as well as castles and stately residences. The east coast of Scotland with its stunning beaches is only a short drive away, and busy Edinburgh is about an hour's drive away.
Short-term Holiday Let Licence No: SC-00760-FEPC Rating: Band G
Accommodation
Single-storey.
Two bedrooms: 1 x king-size, 1 x twin.
Bathroom with bath, shower over, basin and WC.
Kitchen.
Living/dining room with woodburning stove
Thermostatic electric radiators in living room, bedroom 1 and bathroom.
Electric oven, hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine and dishwasher.
Smart TV, WiFi.
Fuel, power and starter pack for woodburning stove included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Highchair and travel cot available on request.
Private driveway for 1 large car or 2 medium cars, along with on-street parking.
Enclosed rear garden with large lawn and patio with furniture.
Two well-behaved dogs welcome.
Sorry, no smoking.
Shop 4.3 miles, pub 0.2 miles
Reviews (36)
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Janet
They were not so serious that they spoiled our stay. Due to the storm that hit the country the day before we were due to go the owner contacted us and agreed that we could go and leave a day later than originally planned that was very generous and helpful. The cottage is located in a lovely area and very accessible to many places in all directions.
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Gail
The cottage is dated but it adds to its charm. It is well situated to explore the east borders and coast. Storage heaters were not working when we arrived but the owner was very helpful and the log burner adequately warmed up the cottage until some heat had been stored in the heaters overnight. We hope to return in the summer months.
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Jun
Charlie's cottage is located on the main road of Switon, a little peaceful village 10-15 minutes drive away from the nearby villages where you can get some supplies and 20 minutes drive away from the nearby towns. There's only a hotel and restaurant in the village, a neighbour that sells eggs when their hens and ducks are laying, and nothing else in the village, so you may need to stock some food before coming. The village is small, there's one route you can walk the dogs, but since there are different exits and entrances available, you can be creative and design the route differently to make it more fun. Amanda is very thoughtful. She sent me a message via Sykes right after we booked the place, informing me that she'd send me the instructions later, then a full manual several days before our booked date, and then a text message on the day with key collection information again. The instructions in the manual were very detailed and useful for getting around, without the "NOTs" and "DON'Ts" that you usually get from other instruction manuals. There was a small welcome package waiting for us when we arrived, and enough firewood, starter, and kindling for the first night. The chopping boards are a bit small but workable. Otherwise, the kitchen is well equipped. The road in the front can be a bit busy during the mornings of weekdays, but not very loud. The sitting/dining room is nice and cosy. Despite the heavy rain and wind over the weekend when we arrived and the small incident with the pipe (which Amanda got fixed the next day), we had a nice time.