Cosy off-grid cottage in Scottish Borders, only 40 minutes to Edinburgh airport!

If you're looking for an off-grid Scottish cottage experience that's still within easy reach of Edinburgh, Upper Stewarton can't be beaten. This stunning former shepherd's house is located in splendid isolation amid the wild and beautiful Borders hills, with wonderful, uninterrupted southerly views: no noise, no neighbours and no stress, just peace, quiet, wildlife and stargazing. Let the haunting calls of Tawny and Barn owls lull you to sleep at night, or soundtrack a long soak in a bath with a view. A state of the art woodburner makes for cosy nights by the fire, while miles of empty forest and drove tracks are perfect for solitary walking and cycling, leading literally from the garden gate. Those interested in Scottish ancestry have both the wealth of Edinburgh's history and the fascinating Jacobite-linked Traquair House more or less on the doorstep. The latter remains Scotland's oldest continually inhabited house, visited by numerous monarchs over the centuries including Mary Queen of Scots, as well as the "Young Pretender" Bonnie Prince Charlie. After the Prince's visit during the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion, the famous Bear Gates on the main drive were closed, with the 5th Earl of Traquair vowing that they would remain closed until a Stuart monarch reclaimed the throne. The world-renowned Glentress mountain biking centre is likewise within very easy reach, with 73km of waymarked forest trails to suit all abilities. Nearby Peebles is one of the Scottish Borders' most charming and thriving towns, with a rich history of its own as well as an award winning range of independent shops, bars, restaurants and a much loved theatre that runs a full programme all year round. Just outside Peebles is the breathtakingly located Neidpath Castle, home over the centuries to such famous clans as Douglas, Fraser and Hay. Please note that the rough access track to the cottage is most easily navigated in a vehicle with 4WD and decent clearance.