The Details...

Fancy a break with more than a little romance? How about a stay at Roulotte Retreat, in one of the charming, traditional Gypsy caravans? Circling a three acre meadow in the Scottish Borders and overlooked by the Eildon Hills, the roulottes are a magical place to stay.

Each roulotte is unique, with decor that draws influence from Moroccan, Indian, Oriental and Celtic culture. Rich, jewel tones swathe both interiors and exteriors and intricate designs are carved into beautiful woodwork.

Depending on your preference, you may wish to stay in Devanna Roulotte, cheerful in peacock blue, with carvings of peacocks and symbolic paisley patterns, or Karlotta- beautifully art deco in design and oozing glamour in vivid scarlet. How about a stay in magical Gitana, with butterfly windows tinting her interior ruby red? Maharani is sure to impress, with detailed Indian fabrics and heady purple and gold hues, creating an air of opulence- a “palace on wheels”. Rosa Bella roulotte is a little larger than the others and sleeps up to four in her jewel toned splendour.

Apart from Rosa Bella, each roulotte sleeps two adults in utmost comfort. You may be surprised to find that each has excellent self catering prospects with a kitchen area which should suit most guest’s needs. You can also enjoy a hot shower in the comfort of your roulotte too. Each one also enjoys a beautiful chaise lounge or day bed, for day time relaxing in front of the wood burner, as the eco logs crackle and you feel your worries float away. Basically, you have everything you need to lock yourself away from the world for a very tranquil few days.

If you are visiting with children, the pretty Horseshoe Cottage and accompanying Romany caravan and woodland garden will be a treat for the whole family.

Outside, in the beautiful meadow surroundings, is a small lochan and wildlife pond for birdwatching and nearby firepit for night time stargazing. There is an abundance of wildlife in the surrounding countryside - owls, deer, fox, rabbits, hares and, if you’re lucky, you may see the resident badger family or the elusive otters.

If you would like to venture beyond the immediate woodlands, Eildon Hills and River Tweed around Roulotte Retreat then there is plenty to keep you amused. The scenic Yarrow and Ettrick Valleys provide ample walking and wildlife spotting opportunities and a neighbouring valley has great mountain biking terrain. The historic town of Melrose is home to the beautiful ruins of a historic abbey, as well as pretty shops and cafes and in April is home to one of the Border’s biggest sporting events, the Melrose Sevens which attracts some of rugby union’s top players and plenty of visitors too. Also in Melrose during the month of June booklovers flock to the increasingly popular Borders Book Festival which encourages authors, writers and readers from afar. It is also worth noting the cultural delights of Edinburgh are about an hour away.