The Scottish Borders has long been a favourite of ours – beautiful rolling hills, endless beaches, world-class fishing and epic driving – so we jumped at the offer of a weekend staying with local holiday specialists Crabtree & Crabtree.

Feeling adventurous – and keen to make the most of the north east’s picturesque winding roads – we headed up there on our Royal Enfields, so by the time we reached the banks of the River Tweed we were in need of a good whisky and an evening in front of the fire. Crabtree’s Heiton Mill House did not disappoint. This 18th century converted watermill is perfectly secluded: a beautiful historic property tucked away from the hustle and bustle on the banks of the River Teviot, a stone’s throw from Kelso.

Kelso is a cracking little market town, with some great lively pubs and restaurants, monthly farmers market and a string of high-end specialist shops. Interesting fact for any avid pub quizzers: Kelso’s graceful five arched bridge over the Tweed was the model for London’s Waterloo Bridge. It’s a seriously impressive sight.

Kelso lies at the junction of the Rivers Tweed and Teviot and is a favourite with fishermen. This is serious fishing territory – rather lost on us as, unsurprisingly, there wasn’t room for the rods on the back of our Enfields…

So this was a weekend to kick-back and revel in the peace and quiet. We totted up quite an impressive local wildlife count while sitting out in the sunshine on the deck: herons, oyster catchers, leaping salmon, but no otters this time.

The owners of Heiton Mill House have thought of everything and you’ll find little luxuries at every turn. Our favourite? The heated beds and hot showers on offer for visiting four-legged friends! We were very happy to keep ourselves to ourselves, but if you do need tips on the best tables in town, great walks, private chefs or clinching a fishing permit, the owners live just up the road and are very happy to lend a hand.

Heiton Mill House sleeps 10 and is positioned on the River Teviot, 4.5 miles from Kelso in the Scottish Borders. A three-night stay starts from £1,212.00. Bookings through www.crabtreeandcrabtree.com or call +44 (0) 1573 226711