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Ok, so we didn't have Alastair Appleton showing us 3 gorgeous country houses with a mind bending budget. Nor are we retired and looking to downsize but we did take it upon ourselves to escape the buzzy North West of England and head North East to the Scottish Borders, specifically the Berwickshire Coast
Living the dream?
Braeview Glamping has been open since May 2021. 2 years in the planning and building maybe isn't that long compared to some projects, but to us it felt like forever. The ideal for our adults only, pet free site was based on our ideal weekend getaway..........and now we live here.
It's a family business run mainly by me - Morag. I certainly couldn't do it on my own. I have masses of support from family and friends. I have constant help with laundry, marketing, accounting, grass cutting, gardening and cleaning.......the list is endless. It's a totally different life for us. It's exceptionally busy and (not going to lie) pretty stressful, but we moved back to the beautiful Berwickshire Coast to make a positive change to our lives.
Don't under estimate our move. It may have been a move 'home' for me but after 25 years living and working all over the country for us both, leaving Greater Manchester and heading to this rural corner of the Scottish Borders was a big change.
How we got here
Over 10 years ago, I qualified as a Sports and Remedial Massage Therapist. It opened my mind to a whole new way of thinking. The connection between our mental health and our physical health has been under-estimated in modern medicine. Sometimes it's hard to jump of the train that is daily life and take a deep breath. I often hear people say that they quite enjoyed some aspects of lockdown. We need to try and keep hold of what we enjoyed. Go back to the deep breath - quick, simple free, resulting in a positive outcome in resetting the body and mind.
Nature, wellbeing and mindfulness are key words in my life. Life is about quality and the quantity isn't guaranteed! Life is too short - it's a cliché - but also a reality. With my new way of thinking now not so new, it really surprises me when people struggle to make the connections between physical and mental health.
The great news is that you can benefit from our move without the stress! What we have created in a little corner of the Scottish Borders is a haven for adults. Braeview Glamping is all about the peace and tranquillity. Connect with nature - reconnect with a partner - decompress after stressful deadlines or events - walk the coastline - sit on the beach - surf - paddle board - explore - stay put - dine out - dine in - start a fire pit. It's entirely up to you.
More glamour than camping
Our glamping pods are manufactured by industry leader Lune Valley Pods. They are all ensuite with underfloor heating, fridge, freezer, induction hob, hotel quality double bed & bedding, and all the kitchen essentials you need to knock up a good meal. Holly and Juniper pods have private hot tubs. Just check out our reviews to see that our previous guests say. It's called Glamping (Glamorous Camping) but in reality, our pods are so well equipped, there's a lot more glamour than camping! Our secluded site with private pitches, fire pits and countryside view are the only similarities to camping and they aren't much of a hardship! In truth, our gorgeous pods are beautiful self-catering accommodation.
The local area learning curve
I'm the first to admit that even I am surprised at the number of 'things to do' in the area. We can all be guilty of not exploring what's on our doorstep and I am no exception. It has been fantastic learning about and re-visiting our local area with new eyes. I personally can't wait for the train station in Reston to be open. This will make getting to the centre of Edinburgh even quicker and easier with no need to take the car. Not that I have the time to be a lady who lunches in Scotland's capital, but it's always nice to have the option.
Supporting our other local businesses is key for us. Berwickshire is a rural community, but the folk are kind and supportive and collaborations between local business is what keeps us all strong.
Has it been worth it?
Maybe a better question is 'any regrets?' and the answer to that would definitely be no, absolutely none. There's never been a moment where we have thought it was the wrong move. There's a million reasons why small businesses fail. We work harder for longer for less money - but for us it's not about the money. It's about life, experiences, the fresh air, the countryside, the beach, nature. You can't put a price on the things you value the most and so far our escape to the country has been priceless.
Just had a 3 night family break at Braeview. It was one of the best holidays we’ve ever had. Moray is so kind and welcoming and the pods are amazing. Everything you need for a cosy, comfortable and amazing de-stressing break. It truly is a beautiful place and very laid back. We hope to return soon.