large holiday home Selkirk

Lovely converted 19th century mill with tennis court in extensive grounds, near Selkirk in the beautiful Yarrow Valley

The rolling hills, green pastures and woodland of the beautiful Yarrow Valley have been the backdrop for this historic mill for over two centuries. Although unused for some time, the mill building has stood the test of time well and has recently undergone an award winning transformation into a luxury four bedroom holiday home, a labour of love and attention to detail that's given it a whole new lease of life as a fantastic self catering property.

As well as using sustainable, locally sourced materials and local skilled crafstmen for the project, owners Johnny and Lulu have got stuck in and done much of the finishing work themselves. The combined imaginations of owners and craftsmen have resulted in beautiful one-off, custom features such as the solid wood kitchen with its granite surfaces, the striking stone hearth, unusual round chimney and the truly wonderful steel and timber staircase. The woodwork throughout really is stunning and beautifully set off by the subtle, natural colours in the decor in fresh cream, stone and pale sage green.

All the rooms both upstairs and down are beautifully designed and finished in a very special way and with touches of luxury that ensure we have a very comfortable and indulgent stay. Each bedroom features a different type of solid wood - rich oak, pale ash or beech and lovely warm elm - a theme which is carried through to the respective luxury bathrooms where pampering awaits in the steam shower, sauna or classic roll top bath.

It would be very easy to spend a week or two here without once getting back into the car; excursions on foot or by bike can be done from the door, through woods, along the riverside and into the hills. The private tennis court has the loveliest view of any I've ever seen - top off a good game with a steam shower and sauna followed by drinks on the terrace and it starts to feel like a very exclusive club!

There is loads to see and do around the Borders though so it would be a shame to spend the whole time here at the Mill, tempting though that may be. Being energetic types, we jumped on bikes and pedalled off on a delightful wee excursion along a tiny road that follows the Yarrow Water along Duchess Drive to Bowhill, where there are lovely gardens and grounds to explore and a decent teashop. If you get the timing right you can take a tour of the house and see the very fine art collection which includes the work of Gainsborough, Sir Joshua Reynolds and Canaletto.

Our ticket gives us access to Sir Walter Scott's wonderful Abbordsford too, which gives an excuse to do a spot of shopping in the pretty Tweedside town of Melrose and to have a very good meal at the Townhouse there before returning to our wonderful luxury holiday retreat.