THE ROXBURGHE HOTEL & GOLF COURSE

With the River Teviot flowing alongside, this picturesque track also has some teeth; at over 7,000 yards it is a course that is well-suited to those who hit the ball long and high, and also challenges visitors with Thomas' characteristically deep bunkers.

The course is relatively young, but has already entered the top 100 rankings in the United Kingdom, thanks to holes like number 14, ‘The Viaduct'. With an elevated tee perched high above the beautifully-mown fairway, this must surely be one of Scotland's most beautiful holes. The spectacular viaduct traverses the Teviot in the near distance, while the river hugs the left side, posing a genuine challenge to the intrepid golfer.

Ryder Cup hero Sam Torrance is a known fan of the Roxburghe, while Colin Montgomerie, Nick Faldo, and course record holder Sergio Garcia have also visited in recent times, so why not follow in the footsteps of the great?

The estate's soil is so bountiful that the head chef grows much of his own produce in the restaurant's garden.

Those fortunate enough to travel to the Roxburghe on either a golf break or golf tour will be astounded by the natural beauty of the Duke's estate. The accommodation fully justifies its position, having been named ‘Best Country House Hotel of the Year', and its management insists on making guests feel as though they have arrived at a luxurious family home, rather than a formal hotel.

The owners, the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe, are rightly very proud of the standards set in the hotel; in fact, some of the 22 bedrooms were designed personally by the Duchess herself. For special occasions, some rooms have log fires and four-poster beds, but even the standard rooms themselves are of an exceptional quality.

As the Roxburghe was formerly a country house home, the traditional public rooms, including the drawing room, conservatory and dining rooms are still available for hotel guests.

In addition to the golf course, the beautiful estate offers facilities for clay pigeon shooting, archery, falconry, mountain biking and trout or salmon fishing, while the lawn next to the hotel is the perfect place for a spot of summer croquet. Health and beauty treatments are on offer from the experienced team at the on-site salon, as well as a sauna, spa pool and gymnasium.

Chef Keith Swan has won awards for his traditional style cooking with a modern twist in the dining room