A former potting shed lovingly restored to create a romantic retreat for two

SPECIAL OFFER - 10% off all Aug & Sept 2012 bookings. The Potting Shed is 1 mile from the village of Earlston which provides doorstep amenities for guests with a butcher, pharmacy, banking and post office. There is also a co-operative supermarket for general groceries and a bakery selling freshly baked bread, pastries, pies and butter croissants which can be enjoyed with a pot of steaming hot coffee outside on the cottage's patio.

The Potting Shed sits right on the Earlston footpath network, offering a wide range of walks without the need to use the car. A booklet of 9 local routes is available to guests. A particular favourite is the lovely walk into Melrose along the Leader Valley which takes about three hours and guests can then catch the bus back to Earlston which is a 20 minute walk back to The Potting Shed.

Stages of both the Southern Upland Way: Britain's first coast to coast long distance footpath, and the St Cuthbert's Way, which reaches from Melrose to Holy Island, run close by this area; both have sections suitable for less serious walkers as well as far more challenging stretches and climbs.

Holy Island can be reached by less energetic means: boat trips run daily from Seahouses on the coast; the beautiful coastline and sandy beaches are definitely worth a day trip. Bamburgh and Scremerston are particularly scenic.

An hour's drive will take you to Edinburgh complete with its castle, museums, galleries, shopping, restaurants and theatres.

Closer to home again, and Earlston is only a few miles from the beautiful abbey town of Melrose with its many individually owned boutiques, tea rooms – such as the delicious Russell's – and galleries, craft and gift shops. It is also home to the enchanting and well attended Wynd Theatre, as well as the delightful eating experiences of Marmions Brasserie, and Monte Casino.

Sir William Wallace's imposing statue and the breathtaking panoramic vista from Sir Walter Scott's namesake, Scott's View, are not to be missed, followed perhaps by afternoon tea at the Dryburgh Abbey or a tasty informal home-cooked lunch at the award winning Main Street Trading Company: a bookworm's paradise combined with hearty, wholesome food, thus satisfying both mind and body!

Fishing fanatics can embrace the River Tweed's popular salmon beats of Gledswood and Ravenswood, virtually on The Potting Shed's doorstep. A local fishing guide is also available. Riding enthusiasts have the diverse facilities provided by the Cowdenknowes Equi Centre Riding School, literally at the end of the road!

Continuing on a sporting theme, the Borders boasts some 21 golf courses, all offering varying levels of competition and challenge, but all vying closely for most spectacular scenery and dramatic view.