In the 19th century Sir Walter Scott, yeoman, novelist, and romantic balladeer, almost single-handedly created the kitsch Scottish heritage industry of tartan, tinned shortbread, clan chiefs and bagpipes. Tasked with what would now be called ‘branding’ the visit of the newly crowned George IV to his northern kingdom, Scott turned tartan into the denim of its day, even decking the new king out in a fetching kilt. Of course nowadays people are probably more familiar with the Scotland of Trainspotting than the romanticised world of Scott’s novels but still, old Walt has a lot to answer for.
His impressive baronial pile, Abbotsford, is nearby, but if you’re looking for somewhere to stay that’s not quite so grand here’s an idea for you. After all, who can fail to feel the lure of life on the open road? With an old nag called Patience to tow your gypsy caravan along quiet country lanes, you can stop where you fancy, light a little fire, and cook your evening meal before lighting your pipe and watching the stars spin until it’s time for bed. Well, it’s a nice idea at least, and better than battling home on the Northern Line or commuting on the A34.
Fans of Cool Camping: France will be familiar with the concept of the gypsy roulotte, the ornate wooden caravans of the Roma, which are a feature of Gallic glam camping. And anyone who’s ever visited Les Roulottes de la Serve in Beaujolais country may even be able to recognise the handiwork of Pascal Patin here at Roulotte Retreat by the Eildon Hills in the Scottish Borders. He’s built a couple of the caravans, and so in this appealing little site in a perfect meadow with a tumbling stream and a scattering of roulottes, you can go some way to living the freewheeling dream. All that’s missing is dear old Patience. And the open road, of course.
Site-owners Alan and Avril have gone to huge lengths to source the roulottes and have them built and brought over from the continent. They’re all hand-crafted in beautiful wood and ornately furnished in a variety of styles. One, for example, is Indian-themed, with carved peacocks combined with paisley patterns. Another is a kind of Celtic-Moroccan affair. Inside, the fixtures, fittings and soft furnishings are an eclectic mix of bespoke pieces, items picked up from travels around the world, and stuff from Scottish antique shops, so each caravan has its own very distinctive feel.
It all adds up to an enchanting brew. Add in a solid Scottish mill house and a river with a ruined mill nearby, plus amiable owners and you have the makings of a cracking place to hang-out. Avril teaches yoga and there’s a small studio available for all sorts of activities if you fancy them. Beyond the site there’s a whole expanse of hilly countryside at your beck and call. Or, of course, you could just cosy up in your roulotte and read some of Sir Walter Scott’s finest.
