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EXPERT ADVICE

in Kelso and coastal escapes near Berwick. But
rural life doesn’t means lonely. For those keen
to meet people or get involved locally, there
are plenty of options.

From sports clubs and live music to festivals,
volunteer groups and hobby meet-ups, rural
communities are often more active than they
first appear. Whether you’re new to the area or
moving back after time away, getting involved
is usually just a case of showing up.
Kelso
Know what you’re buying
The Home Report gives a helpful overview,
Every town, village and rural hamlet have but with rural properties, it’s worth looking
their own feel. Denholm, for example, is more closely at things like access rights, land
just ten minutes from Hawick’s shops, but boundaries, drainage, and outbuildings. If the
offers a village pub, café, and a strong sense property includes land, woodland or a listed
of community. Thinking through your daily building, additional checks or specialist surveys
routine – and talking to someone with local might be recommended before you commit.
knowledge – can help you pinpoint what
location will work best for you. Making a move
Whether you’re drawn to the hills of Ettrick, the
Trading concrete for country Services and infrastructure coast near Berwick, or a sociable village near
Selkirk or Jedburgh, rural life offers a chance
Rural homes can come with different systems
– oil or LPG heating, private water supplies, to live differently – but it’s important to go in
Thinking of escaping the city? Ruth Davidson, from Hastings Legal, or septic tanks. These aren’t necessarily informed. Do your homework, talk to local
shares what you should know before moving to the country. drawbacks, just things to understand upfront. experts, and take the time to find the right fit
Broadband and mobile coverage can also vary, for your lifestyle.
so it’s worth checking what’s in place and what
can be improved.
rading the bustle of the city for the quiet Location, commute and connections
of the countryside is a dream many Rural doesn’t always mean remote. Towns
Tshare – and for good reason. From the like Selkirk, Duns and Jedburgh offer a Some properties may require more
open landscapes and slower pace to tight-knit countryside feel but are still well connected. maintenance – gravel driveways, large gardens,
communities and characterful homes, rural The Borders Railway from Tweedbank or older roofs and outbuildings – so factor in
living offers real quality of life. But it’s also a reaches central Edinburgh in under an hour. time and budget if that’s part of the appeal.
shift in lifestyle, and the more you know before The A1 corridor makes Berwickshire towns The upside is usually more space, privacy, and
you move, the better the move will feel. easily accessible, and Berwick’s mainline flexibility, whether you’re planning to work
station offers quick links to both Edinburgh from home or start a new project.
The Scottish Borders offers a wide range of and Newcastle. While rural distances can
options – from rural cottages to village homes look longer on the map, the actual commute Lifestyle and community
and countryside estates – and many of the time may be shorter than a daily crawl If you’re craving peace and fresh air, the
same ideas apply whether you’re looking in across the city bypass. Train links and Park & Borders offers both – from lochs and trails Ettrick Valley boardwalk
East Lothian, Fife, Midlothian or beyond. Here Ride options can make things simpler than around Ettrick and Yarrow to riverside walks
are a few key points to consider when weighing you think.
up a move to the country.
For more information about Hastings visit hastingslegal.co.uk or call 01573 225999
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