Abbotsford's Hope Scott Wing

Past the gatehouse, and through the huge arched door with decorative hinges is a home that will knock you for six. Window seats and club fenders, curving banisters and panelling, snooker, a snug and a library, a kitchen with a surprise at every turn, and a lift that travels three floors. Oh, and super-luxe bedrooms that include a wheelchair-friendly suite with the river Tweed running by.

Curl up on a sofa in your old favourite jumper. Glam up in your black tie for a whisky by the fire. Or venture into the estate grounds where youngsters and not-so-youngsters can romp in the woods. Old walled gardens flaunt statuettes and flowers, dogs and kids love the cafe-restaurant, and lawns slope down to the river.

Within minutes you can be browsing the vintage shops of Galashiels and the antiques of Melrose. A few miles further: the noble ruins of Dryburgh Abbey, and the famous ‘Scott’s View’, one of Sir Walter Scott’s favourites.