This was ou first stay at Longknowe for 1 week in mid-September. It is a gorgeous property finished to a very high standard with all the creature comforts you could wish for together with rural charm and character. It is beautifully furnished and immediately felt like home from the moment we walked in the door. There are fantastic rural views in all directions and not another house in sight, it is wonderfully remote with only the local wildlife for company and just perfect for a peaceful retreat. Our favourite moments were lighting the open fire each evening, learning to cook on the Aga (if you are worried about this then don't be - it is very easy to use and cooks everything so well, now I want one at home!), watching the stars on a clear night (there is so little light pollution here that you can see the Milky Way) and enjoying the local wildlife. It only takes half an hour or so to reach the coast and there are endless places to visit, a week wasn't nearly enough. There are also local walks starting from the house, we spent a full day taking a scenic walk to the nearest pub in Kirk Yetholm which is actually across the border in Scotland. There are lots of maps of the local area at the house as well as books, games and CD's, you can even play table tennis on the huge kitchen table. Jo was very helpful and provided all of the information that we needed, and was always contactable during our stay had there been any problems. There's nothing negative to say - if you like remote and beautiful countryside and want to get away from it all then don't hesitate, just book it.