When it comes to Christmas, I’m as obsessed as they come. Tradition is everything. As soon as the clock strikes midnight and we say hello to November (yes, November!), my traditions begin.
For as long as I can remember, watching The Holiday on repeat throughout the festive season is a necessity. Nothing beats pressing play on this Christmas classic, snuggling up on the sofa with a hot chocolate in hand and layering up in festive pjs, fluffy socks and blankets.
Each and every year when I watch Amanda Woods (Cameron Diaz) pull her suitcase down the snowy lane in her heels to Rosehill Cottage, without fail, I say: “I would love to spend Christmas at a cosy cottage in the middle of nowhere.” And this year was the year I followed through on my words.
I know I’m not alone when it comes to this Christmas cosy cottage getaway desire. The cottage from The Holiday has become a phenomenon, Nicole Wood goes in search of her very own cosy Christmas escape inspired by The Holiday creating a dream of Christmas in the countryside for thousands across the globe.
On a mission to find a peaceful countryside retreat to call my home for the weekend, I stumbled upon the dreamy Bughtrig Cottage. Beautiful little boltholes like this really come into their own in winter, and my very own ‘The Holiday’ style cosy cottage getaway is the perfect find.
When you think of Rosehill Cottage, you immediately envision the exterior lightly dusted in snow with beautifully painted sage windows and doors.
It’s like a composite of all the stone bricked, slightly wonky and misshapen cottages you can stumble across up and down the country from the Cotswolds to the Lake District, Yorkshire, to the Scottish Borders and beyond.
As I’m browsing through the cottages on Crabtree & Crabtree, as soon as I cast my eyes on the same sage coloured features, I know this is the one. Positioned in the village of Leitholm, on the edge of the stunning Bughtrig Estate – from which the cottage borrows its name – Bughtrig Cottage is a delightful romantic hideaway oozing tranquil charm.
Just like Rosehill Cottage, the interiors here encapsulate the perfectly imperfect characteristics of the ideal rural escape. As I explore this idyllic home and compare it to the one we see in the film, all of the features are here. Think short sloped ceilings, an open fire, a shabby chic country kitchen and a bathtub of dreams.
Following a top-to-toe renovation at the hands of the estate’s owners, Will and Natasha Ramsay – a name that will be familiar to those with an interest in art – the cottage has been decked out with original artwork and designer wallpapers.
A chic palette of Farrow & Ball paint colours that reflect the soft pinks and earthy hues of the surrounding floral gardens – which are just as beautiful in winter as I imagine they are in summer.
Unlike Amanda Woods, I’m not living out this little cosy adventure on my own. Along for The Holiday remake ride is my partner Harry – or on this occasion my very own Graham (Jude Law) – and our fur baby Rosie, who can play the role of Iris’s pooch.
Much like Rosehill Cottage, this dog-friendly home from home is located on the edge of a country road with nothing much more than fields surrounding it. It truly is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle that comes at this time of year.
An open-plan living room and kitchen with an inviting fireplace, mismatched fabrics and plush velvet sofas generously strewn with Oka cushions, forms the heart of this homely holiday cottage.
The quaint little kitchen, which is tucked away behind the stairs and a dining room table for four, is well equipped and features Bert & May tiles that artfully mirror the patterned rug in the living area.
With no detail too small, the house is exquisitely decorated throughout. The master bedroom is a snuggly haven kitted out with neutral tones and on-trend rattan furniture. A capacious tiled boot room painted in vibrant teal provides ample space for four-legged friends and walking attire, while the stylish family bathroom features warm honey-hued tiles, seashell wallpaper and claw-foot bathtub – perfect for a rejuvenating soak after a long yomp with the pooch.
Set within a pretty and rather large garden, a highlight is the charming summer house, which is complete with a handcrafted bar where you can mix up evening drinks to enjoy while admiring the view to the Cheviot Hills.
For us, this weekend is all about winding down in front of the fire, watching our favourite Christmas films, indulging in hearty home-cooked meals, playing board games and enjoying long bubble baths.
When it comes to stretching those legs and breathing in fresh country air, the cottage boasts access to nearby estate walks and gardens which guests are free to explore.
Open to the public as part of Scotland’s Open Garden Scheme, Bughtrig Gardens comprise intimate hedged gardens, beautifully restored greenhouses with clambering roses and the 246-foot-long Grass Walk – a lush carpet of lawn flanked by colourful herbaceous borders.
A delightful village pub is within walking distance and more extensive amenities can be found in the historic town of Coldstream, which is just a 10-minute drive from the cottage.
From crisp countryside strolls and relaxed evenings by the fire, to long baths and performing our very own rendition of Mr Brightside in the kitchen, our weekend at Bughtrig Cottage is everything I could have dreamed of – and more.
So, if like me, you’ve always wanted your very own The Holiday-inspired Christmas cosy cottage getaway, this cosy escape in the Scottish Borders is as close as it gets.
Three nights available through Crabtree & Crabtree from £507, crabtreeandcrabtree.com
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