Full steam ahead for a home in the Scottish borders Leslie, who himself commutes from near Dalkeith, 12 miles from the city centre, says that at the moment 30 miles is the absolute limit for commuting. But that involves a risky journey over the Pentland Hills along the A7 or A68, both of which have snow gates frequently closed in winter. "You have to accept that there are some days that you will not be able to drive to Edinburgh," says Leslie. Hopefully the train will be a bit more reliable. It should also be quicker, with an estimated journey of 55 minutes from Galashiels to Waverley Station in the heart of Edinburgh. At present, Barleydean, a five-bedroom house near Penicuik, eight miles from Edinburgh is commutable. Hazelhope, a similar new five-bedroom house south of Lauder, more than 30 miles from the city, is rather more of a challenge - one of the reasons why the property is on the market, through Strutt & Parker (0131 226 2500) for £499,950. It will, however, be within easy reach of the planned station at Stow, north of Galashiels. Bowden House, nine and a half miles from Galashiels, is another property which could become commutable from Edinburgh. The five-bedroom property set in landscaped gardens and grounds is on the market through Savills (0131 247 3700) for £740,000. Not everyone, however, is counting their chickens just yet. "I don't think buyers are looking as far ahead as the opening of the railway," says Andrew Smith of Strutt & Parker. People will want to see the railway before they buy. Others are sceptical that the railway will ever get finished at all, having witnessed the farce of the Edinburgh tram. If the tramline from the airport to the city centre opens in 2014 as is currently planned it will be three years late; while its estimated final cost has soared from £375 million in 2003 to over £1 billion. Further extensions have already been cancelled. Even if it does reopen as far as Galashiels, dreams of reopening the Waverley line farther south to Hawick are likely to remain a pipe-dream. For one thing the old track bed just to the south of Galashiels has since been used for a new road. In contrast with London, where estate agents will use any old excuse to try to ramp up house prices, Edinburgh agents are remarkably unexcitable. "People have been talking about the railway line for a very long time," says James Denne of Knight Frank. My instincts are that it probably isn't going to make a difference to house prices. For one thing, Edinburgh is such a civilised and green-hearted city that there is not so much of the desperation to get out into the countryside as there is among London residents. If you fancy a walk in the hills you can do it right in the heart of the city - up Arthur's Seat. If you fancy a stroll along the sea Edinburgh - or rather Leith - can provide that, too. Caddonfoot Early 19th-century Bowden House, is 9.5 miles from Galashiels. It has five bedrooms and is set in 0.37 acres. There are outbuildings with two garages and a stunning landscaped garden. £740,000 through Savills (0131 247 3700). St Helens In Melrose, is in a smart residential area around 36 miles from Edinburgh. It has five bedrooms, an office and conservatory, set in more than eight acres with incredible views. £675,000 through Knight Frank (01578 722814). Hazelhope House A brand new five-bedroom house, above, near Lauder, about 27 miles south east of Edinburgh, is set in 9.5 acres £499,950 through Strutt & Parker (0131 226 2500).