Dod Mill

A romantic snug for two within a stylish mill conversion, set in the lush borders countryside.

super stylish and contemporary conversion

Old Mill is a converted watermill three miles outside Lauder. The property is set in five acres of wood and grasslands, alongside the owners’ house and another rental property; the Bothy which sleeps 4, collectively known as Dod Mill.

A gate leading off the A697 leads to a large and scenic parking area set amongst the properties. Stone steps lead past a private garden to what looks like an original and warped stable door set in the gable end of the Old Mill. Impressive and traditional but quite austere. That all changes when you get inside, a short hallway leads past a small toilet and into the open plan downstairs. Eyes are immediately drawn to the large woodburning stove that has been thoughtfully lit to welcome us. Arriving in daylight would mean shafts of daylight from the various original windows, but we arrived at night and the shutters and thick walls held back the winter chill to reveal a warm, and comfortable space encompassing living, dining and kitchen space.

The living space felt cozy and comfortable, not small just welcoming and familiar. Interesting and thought provoking artwork the focus but Smart TV technology is there if you want it, with freeview and Netflix available. Wi-Fi is good with superfast broadband. A selection of board games are on hand to while away the evenings, although a good book, light music via the Bluetooth speaker, and a dram in front of the fire would be the most relaxing option. There is a sofa bed, but don’t tell your friends or they may wish to invade your hideaway.

generous welcome pack

The dining area has a large wooden table with room for 6 guests should you feel in the mood to host a dinner. The craft pottery crockery, and unique cutlery will be talking points in their own right. The food welcome pack was generous and had many local treats and practical necessities.

The next area in the open plan downstairs is the kitchen, sufficient space for food preparation with the island area a welcome addition. The twin hotplates can be used in conjunction with the oven+grill and the hidden microwave to cook culinary delights for you and your guests The kitchen has many cooking utensils and tools to make the task as easy and pleasurable as possible. A large fridge freezer provides ample space for storage of the many Border delicacies, and we were pleased to find ice cubes already made for us.

glorious mezzanine level

No matter the treats that have been described already, the best is yet to come. A narrow stairway by the kitchen area leads up to the glorious mezzanine level. A large and very comfortable king sized bed sits on one side, the free standing feature bath on the other. The bath is to share..with a book and a glass of wine, or with your choice…. The separate shower and WC is well designed in the available space and the sumptuous towels, soaps and lotions give a luxurious feel. The velux windows can be shuttered to give a cozy and romantic feel to the upstairs space, especially with the firelight flickering from below, or left open to wake with the sunrise and birdsong.

Outside, the 5 acres make an interesting explore, with a burn running through the shallow valley, passing the pond and out into the rural hillside. There are a few rare breed sheep and many ducks around, and signs of wildlife that would doubtless be viewed during longer visits. There are several rustic properties that will be refurbished and brought to life once again in the years to come. The drying kiln at the entrance is already in excellent condition and will be pushed into service soon as an open social area for bigger parties utilising more than one of the accommodation units.

A romantic and stylish snug for two

Old Mill is ideally located for a short and relaxing short break. The Scottish Borders is quickly becoming recognised as a holiday location in its own right, and not just a throughway from/to Scotland/England. If you must visit Edinburgh (and there are plenty reasons to do so), then use the train from the nearby station at Stow to retain your sense of space and relaxation.Lauder provides a small but well stocked selection of shops, as well as several pubs and eateries supplying local game and fish.

The Old Mill is super stylish and contemporary conversion of a 1700s water mill. A romantic bolthole for two set amongst the wonderful borders countryside and the perfect place to unwind and recharge.

Perfect Days

Visit Melrose with it’s historic Abbey, wonderful river walk and fabulous Provender restaurant. If you can coincide with the annual rugby 7’s tournament you will be in for a real treat. Feeling energetic? then climb the Eildon hills to get a fabulous 360 view across the whole area.

Explore Jedburgh and it’s Brewery and Gin Distillery, Born in the Borders, and of course it’s ruined Abbey which is quite different from the one in Melrose.

Discover Thirlestane Castle, home to the Duke of Lauderdale one of Scotland’s oldest castles

Treat yourself to a delicious meal at Firebrick Brasserie in nearby Lauder

Chat to the friendly owners, Ruth and Jamie. They can share the history of the property and are always happy to help, and to recommend things to see and local places to visit.

How to book

Call 07771 928681 or complete the form.