Interiors: Up the junction

With views to savour of a historic fishing spot, this Kelso renovation works from the outside in

Working and liv-ing on a farm in the Borders, Rachel and Charlie Robertson have always been aware that they will have to make an alternative plan for their retirement. Not that it's imminent, but a move into town and a more relaxed living style is on the cards one day. In 2006, when the opportunity to buy Junction House in Kelso presented itself, the Robertsons saw this as an ideal solution.

"The house belonged to Charlie's mother and we bought it with a view to developing it for the holiday house market – it has amazing views over the Tweed – and with the aim of eventually retiring there," says Rachel.

When the couple acquired the two- storey, four-bedroom property it was very run-down. However, it did have plenty of potential in the form of an old sun room at the back of the house, and an extension was planned to replace it. The old galley kitchen would become open-plan, leading into a large extension incorporating a dining area on one side and a seating area linking through to the existing lounge on the other. Upstairs, the single bedroom would become a master bathroom and on the ground floor a store room accessed from the outside would be incorporated into the main house and serve as a cloakroom and WC.

This wasn't any normal extension, though. Heeding the advice of the building company they hired, the couple decided to go for two sets of patio doors and windows on either side of the extension, ensuring lots of light, whatever the weather, and fabulous views of the surrounding countryside.

And the views are worth looking at – Junction House overlooks Junction Pool, a famous fishing spot where the rivers Teviot and Tweed meet.

"There's a ten-year waiting list in February to fish here," says Rachel. "We weren't really aware of the pool's popularity, although my husband's mother and father used to fish – in fact their rods are on the wall in the lounge. We also have a great view of the Point to Point course across the river; you can see every jump."

In a nod to her New Zealand roots, Rachel also wanted to create a space that really brought the outside in. Enlisting the expertise of Michael and Enid at Michael Vee Design in Melrose, she ended up with a new job into the bargain.

"The building work began last October but I started going in to see Michael and Enid to choose curtain fabrics very early on as I knew I had to work quickly. We got talking and it transpired that they needed someone to help out.

"I was already incredibly busy with the renovation project so I gave up my job of 20 years as a care manager for the social work department and focused on Junction House and lending a hand at Michael Vee. I made all the curtains in the house, along with the headboards and valances for the beds.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed renovating the property. When you move into a house when you're first married you don't 'do' the whole house. So for it all to be completed in one go and for it all to gel together and be familiar is great. I wanted it to feel homely but not too personal, with the essence of a boutique hotel. In fact, it's unique in the holiday market as it's fully serviced. You can have a daily maid service if you wish and I'm offering catering as well. I can cook meals and leave them in the freezer for guests or bring them along when required. Charlie and I have four children so we're used to catering for larger numbers."

For guests who prefer to do their own cooking, the Ikea kitchen is stylish and fully equipped. And, although Rachel didn't intend to make the property too personal, she hasn't been able to disconnect herself fully and as a result, thoughtful finishing touches abound in every room.

A button-back chair in the lounge was supposed to be for her home but after she re-upholstered it in a Ralph Lauren fabric she just felt its real place was in Junction House. The HD TV, Sky system, surround sound and sub woofer were installed for Charlie's enjoyment and the mini bar in the upstairs bedroom is for a time when Rachel can enjoy a G&T on the terrace.

As part of the new extension, the terrace has been extended and the old iron railings replaced with a contemporary glass and stainless steel surround – fitted by a local blacksmith and inspired by a similar design Rachel saw in a magazine.

All three bedrooms have been decked out in muted, neutral colours with feature walls decorated in Nobilis and Zoffany wallpapers. "Michael and Enid advised on the colour scheme and Michael's upholsterer offered tips on how to make the headboards which I really enjoyed doing. I love trying anything new," says Rachel.

It wasn't just the soft furnishings that Rachel turned her hand to. She and Charlie did as much of the hard graft as they could, which included sanding the solid oak floor and landscaping the steep back garden. "The garden was a huge job – it was originally a lot lower so we've had to build it up to the house. And the floors were a labour of love. I wanted undressed oak so we could sand it ourselves. We sanded it, oiled it, sanded it again, oiled it again and polished it – I had blisters on my knees. However, after spending all day sanding the floor, Charlie and I would sit out on the terrace with a glass of wine. This renovation has been a very rewarding experience, almost therapeutic; in fact I'd love to do it again. The extension has made this house; it's given it a more cosmopolitan air. The route I've gone down is a nod to my New Zealand roots – that outdoor feel which I don't get in our farmhouse but which I will enjoy here one day."

In the meantime, while Rachel and Charlie still have their farm and their day jobs, Junction House waits patiently for them, entertaining holidaymakers with its views and its abundant charms in the meantime. sm

• Junction House is available to let through Crabtree and Crabtree (tel: [phone], www.crabtreeandcrabtree.com) and George Goldsmith (tel: [phone], www.georgegoldsmith.com). For Michael Vee Design, tel: [phone].