December is becoming a key period for homeowners reconsidering their current property and lifestyle needs, be it first-time buyers hoping to put down roots, a growing family seeking extra space with perhaps an office room or an annex for elderly parents, or those keen to downsize and start a fresh chapter.

Susan Guthrie, head of sales for Galbraith in the Scottish Borders, said: “Christmas is a special time when families come together, create memories and reflect on the past year. Property is top of the talk and those thinking about moving have a lot of downtime over the festive period to research geographical locations, search properties for sale and take their time to think about what they really want from a property.

“The Scottish Borders is a wonderful area of Scotland to live, especially over the festive period when many Christmas celebrations and experiences take place. Historic houses including Paxton House and Traquair House host Christmas markets, whilst the beautiful wintry Borders landscape offers that much needed escape from Christmas shopping, with stunning frosty walks to be enjoyed in places such as Floors Castle and picturesque routes along the Tweed taking in the ruins of Melrose Abbey.”

The Scottish Borders features a mix of historical and regional property styles from baronial country homes, charming arts & crafts properties to Georgina and Victorian townhouses as well as rural farmhouses, and Galbraith currently has some Christmas crackers for sale:

The best property with a fireplace for Santa:

Inchdarnie House, Main Street, St. Boswells, Melrose, Scottish Borders, Offers Over £595,000

Inchdarnie House is a wonderful nineteenth century, seven-bedroom family home in the heart of the picturesque Scottish Borders village of St. Boswells. This impressive period property exudes character and timeless charm with ornate plasterwork, open fireplaces ideal for Santa, bay windows, intricate cornices and original working shutters. With three large reception rooms overlooking the garden grounds and seven bedrooms, it’s the perfect property for festive celebrations for all the family.

The best properties for accommodating visiting friends and family:

Colislinn Steadings, Newmill On Slitrig, Hawick, Scottish Borders, Offers Over £750,000

Colislinn is a converted steading with around 10 acres, situated in the small hamlet of Newmill On Slitrig in the Scottish Borders. The original stone buildings included a mill and are thought to date back to 1772. The property offers plenty of character including a large sitting room featuring a double height ceiling with exposed beams, a wood burning stove, dual aspect windows and a glazed door to the garden. There is ample accommodation for visiting friends and family over the festive period and a useful annexe with its own entrance, offers an additional space for guests. The outbuildings offer the potential for a variety of uses and the grazing land on either side of the property is divided into three paddocks.

The best property to deck the halls:

Mansefield, Kelso, Scottish Borders, Offers Over £695,000

Mansefield is a beautiful Georgian property in the heart of Kelso. The detached property sits in about a third of an acre of private and peaceful grounds with a summerhouse, patio, vegetable beds and fruit trees. Originating as a Manse, the property retains its elegant Georgian features but has been upgraded and refurbished over the years. There are five bedrooms, three public rooms and a modern dining kitchen area with patio doors leading to an outside seating area.

The best property for some festive downtime:

Bogfield House, Bogfield Farm, Duns, Scottish Borders, Offers Over £479,000

Nestled in the picturesque countryside of rural Berwickshire, Bogfield House offers a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of busy life. The surrounding countryside is noted for its scenic beauty and wildlife along with its many stately homes such as Manderston House and Paxton House, with the rugged east coast within easy reach. Boasting four generous bedrooms, breakfasting kitchen, dining room and lounge, this modern property radiates complexity and elegance.