ROULOTTE Retreat which is nestled beneath trees just below the legendary Eildon Hills in the Scottish Borders has won the Mind Body and Soul category on the popular BBC show Scotland’s Greatest Escape which broadcast earlier this month.
The programme takes viewers on a journey to the very best holiday escapes that Scotland has to offer and celebrates the places that go above and beyond to bring their guests an outstanding experience.
Roulotte Retreat was chosen from more than 1,000 entrants to appear on the programme and beat off strong competition from the spa retreat Stobo Castle near Peebles and the Sheepy Sleepovers in Gartmore to win the round.
Father and daughter Graham and Aimee from Dumfriesshire were selected to judge the contestants on four categories: accommodation, activities on offer, customer service and overall experience.
Graham said: “I’ve just fallen in love with this place, it’s so nice. I’ve never done anything like this before.”
He awarded a score of 19 points out of 20 and Aimee gave a maximum 20 out of 20 making a grand total of 39 out of 40 beating Stobo and Sheepy Sleepovers by three points.
The programme's industry judging panel stated, "Roulotte Retreat impressed our industry panel because of its attention to detail, versatility and because it offers a mix of innovative accommodation and relaxing surroundings."
Avril Berry and husband Alan Fraser are the visionaries behind Roulotte Retreat which is now in its 13th year.
Borderer Avril, who is originally from Selkirk, said: “We are delighted. Way back in 2008 Alan and I envisioned a circle of French Roulottes around a campfire in a wildflower meadow. Roulotte Retreat emerged slowly over the years and now the meadow has matured with native trees, shrubs and wildflowers where wildlife and guests can live in harmony."
“We are so lucky to have the Eildons, River Tweed and excellent local suppliers nearby and although we may appear to be a well-kept secret we have had guests from all over the world including Canada, India, Cuba, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and all over Europe and UK. We also have regular guests from Peebles, Selkirk, St Boswells, Kelso, Galashiels and the Ettrick and Yarrow Valleys.
”We had great fun with the film crew who were very professional, JJ (Chalmers), Grado and Aimee and Graham with whom we are still in touch."
The couple are no strangers to the camera with Roulotte Retreat appearing on several tv shows including Scottish Passport Travel, Four in a Bed, Border Life, BBC Alba Mach a Seo and Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing.
Since starting the business in 2010 Roulotte Retreat has evolved and now has seven roulottes as well as a cottage with bowtop and can cater for 22 guests.
It has become a popular venue for bespoke and unique weddings and elopements as well as workshops and retreats.
Scotland's Greatest Escape has seven categories - historic, mind body and soul, waterfront, camping, luxury, adventure and wild card and the overall winner is due to be announced during episode eight which is scheduled for Wednesday April 5.
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