A FORMER shepherd's cottage which is believed to have inspired one of John Buchan's most thrilling novels is on the market.

The 1st Baron of Tweedsmuir was one of the most prolific and well-read novelists of the early 20th century.

John Burnet of Barns is one of Buchan's earliest novels and, written in a biography style, tells the story of love, lies and retribution in rural Peeblesshire.

Now a bothy, believed to have been the inspiration for the novel, is up for sale.

Set at the head of Manor Valley, Glenrath Hope dates back almost 200 years.

The property comprises two houses, one being The Bothy which served as the original Shepherd’s cottage and the other adjacent property being the new Shepherd’s cottage which has been extended to make a comfortable home.

Above the former door of the original bothy building is a date stone showing 1824 and the name “James Burnett of Barns”.

Harry Lukas, handling the sale from Galbraith’s Galashiels office, said: “Both properties offer highly attractive rural living in a truly spectacular setting, presenting the perfect work-life balance with the ability to set up a small business from home.

"Glenrath is the ideal base to explore the beautiful countryside and partake in the plethora of outdoor pursuits on your doorstep in beautiful Peebles, from hillwalking to mountain biking, horse riding and salmon fishing on the famous River Tweed.

"Properties of this nature and steeped in history rarely come on the market and we expect it to appeal to the lifestyle buyer.”

As well as the connections with John Buchan, the remote property is surrounded by other significant features.

Manor Valley forms part of the Southern Uplands which was created when glaciers carved out the landscape over 10,000 years ago. Hidden amongst the valleys and on the hilltops is a collection of archaeological sites.

On the adjacent hillside from Glenrath Hope and located on sloping ground above Glenrath Burn, is a remarkable survival of an ancient Iron Age settlement, with clearly visible traces of fields, scatters of field clearance heaps and buildings.

The properties at Glenrath Hope enjoy around 2.94 acres of land combined, with the garden area and lawn enclosed by a drystone wall. There is also a separate enclosed paddock and an extensive range of outbuildings included in the sale.

Access to the properties is via a track from Glenrath Farm, about 1.9 miles from the public road.

Glenrath Hope is for sale at offers over £350,000.