THE BSPC PROPERTY GUIDE / FEATURE PROPERTY
Page 13
A small but perfectly formed property in the historic heart of Jedburgh
It might not have the most attractive -sounding address in the country, but be assured, everything else about this two -storey, one bedroomed upper villa in the Royal Burgh of Jedburgh is an absolute delight. Located in a conservation area on the Town Trail, just off the main market square, the property occupies a courtyard setting in a small complex that was completely reconstructed within the original external walls and foundations around 40 years ago, instigated by Jedburgh Town Council in 1972/3 and completed by Roxburgh District Council in 1977, the same year it was officially opened by the Queen. The project was so well executed it won a Saltire Award from the Saltire Society in 1977 and, in the following year, a Civic Trust Award for Reconstruction. It also won a Europa Nostra Award, the only one in the UK at the time - the solid silver medal is kept in the Jedburgh Provost’s Room. Colin Rule bought the property eight years ago primarily because of its unique quality. Since then he has replaced the kitchen and installed another window at the front of the house to give both the sitting room and open-plan dining room/kitchen a double aspect.
The stone-built property is quirky – an external stair leads to the front door, which is on the first floor - and full of character as befits a building of this age. Better still, it’s in immaculate condition throughout and includes a number of special features, one being the period-style fireplace with matching over-mantel mirror in the sitting room, which was hand-made by a local stonemason in Italian white marble. The property is all electric and the fireplace houses an inset log-effect fire. An ideal size for a single person or couple, the accommodation is on two levels, linked by an internal dogleg stair. Off the entrance hall, which has excellent under-stair storage, is a spacious sitting room with windows to both the front and rear; opposite is an open-plan dining room and kitchen, the latter refitted only a year ago with smart, easy-care stainless steel units on two sides, granite-effect worktops, and integrated appliances. Upstairs is a large double bedroom, a perfectly square all-white bathroom lit by a large Velux window on the sloping ceiling, and a small but versatile space that could be a dressing room or study. Neutral decoration, carpets and floorcoverings enhance the feeling of light and spaciousness in this easily maintained home.
Colin Rule has also invested in quality fittings, including solid brass door furniture, wall lights, bespoke curtains and blinds, and a beautiful eight-arm Italian crystal chandelier in the sitting room – all included in the sale (as is a smaller chandelier in the dining room). For a first time buyer or buy -to-let investor this really is an exceptional property in better than move-in condition. Outside is a shared drying green with mature trees and a useful store. Jedburgh is an ancient town with a fascinating history and being in the very oldest part imbues this property with a strong sense of the past. It also makes it highly accessible on foot for local shops, hotels and restaurants, schools and recreational facilities, which include a swimming pool and leisure complex – Jedburgh Golf Club is less than half a mile from the town centre, while bike trails, fishing in the Rivers Teviot and Tweed and horse riding are also close by.
1 Under Nags Head Close Jedburgh Fixed Price £105,000 Details on page 54
The town’s other advantage is the A68, which passes through the centre of Jedburgh to give easy access to Melrose and north to Edinburgh and south, through Northumberland National Park, to Newcastle.