Our inspector was reluctant to leave: so charming is the conversion and so stunning is the setting. Only the grey stone exterior belies its 19th-century laundry origins; inside all is light and airy in the spacious open-plan kitchen/diner/living room. The vaulted ceiling soars, original and new beams marry well, thick stone walls set off local artworks. This is a friendly comfy space: whip up meals in the modern kitchen, dine at the farmhouse table, unbend on squashy sofas in front of the wood-burner (first basket of logs free), drink in the hilly views. Bedrooms (all on the ground floor) are calm and uncluttered with deep windows framing more long views; contemporary bathrooms sparkle. Outside there’s a terrace for barbecues, a wildflower meadow, and a pond teeming with wildlife (watch small children). Delightful owners – who also let out the farmhouse next door, otherwise you have the place to yourself – leave cake and bubbles in the kitchen; Selkirk is close for supplies. You’re in border country so lovers of outdoor pursuits will be in clover: horse-riding, golf, fishing… biking and hiking from the door too.
We spent a wonderful Xmas/New Year week at Laundry Cottage. The cottage is very spacious, and tastefully decorated. The kitchen was well equpped and we had some great family meals. A very secluded and peaceful location with beautiful views over the Border hills. Also a very nice pub within walking distance in the beautiful Ettrickbridge.