THE BSPC PROPERTY GUIDE / FEATURE PROPERTY
Page 13
A REFURBISHED END-TERRACED COT TAGE IN EARLSTON COMBINES OLD AND NEW IN STYLE
Centrally located in the popular town of Earlston, this three bedroomed end -terraced cottage is well over 200 years old, which gives it character and a mature setting, while the totally refurbished interior gives it a cool and contemporary edge more suited to modern lifestyles. The oldest title deeds in existence for this property are dated 1788. One of four terraced properties, it’s thought the entire building was originally a coaching inn, and one of its most endearing features is the quirky split-level layout that came about as a result of being divided up. Fiona Forster and her partner bought Number Four three years ago. They had been looking for a refurbishment project and being in a pretty run down state at the time, this was it. “I loved the quirkiness of the layout,” says Fiona. “There are steps up and down all over the place as well as a split staircase that has the back door from the kitchen and another back door on the half-landing.” Nothing has been overlooked in the refurbishment of this attractive property – effectively a new interior.
Everything has been renewed, from the roof, windows, re-plastered walls, doors and floors, to a new kitchen, bathroom, shower room and decoration throughout. The two-storey layout is spacious and includes an entrance vestibule leading into a bright hallway with wood flooring, carpeted staircase, and a useful storage cupboard. Off the hall is a good-sized living room, dining room (both with the same woodeffect laminate flooring for visual continuity) and 21ft galley-style kitchen accessed from the dining room. Off the kitchen is a shower room with tiled splashbacks and fresh neutral decoration. The staircase in the hall leads to a split-level landing, one side leading to the main bedroom, the other continuing up to the first floor landing – which unexpectedly also has a back door to the garden, a consequence of being on a sloping site. The first floor houses two further double bedrooms, both with fitted wardrobes and additional storage space, in between which is a very stylish and fully tiled family bathroom. The main bedroom has plenty of space for freestanding furniture.
One of many surprising things about this property is the size of the back garden, which in addition to a large lawn and well -stocked shrub beds has a stone-built garage at the far end, a very private and sheltered patio and, another surprise, a hot tub tucked into a secluded corner. In move-in condition throughout, the interior has been upgraded to a high specification, which is especially apparent in the kitchen, where one side of the room is fitted with cream wall and floor units and toning tiled splashbacks contrasted by worktops in natural solid wood. Appliances include a built-in oven and hob, integrated fridge freezer and wine chiller, and space for a washing machine. A skylight window gives additional light, as does a half-glazed door to the back garden. Storage space in this house is unexpectedly good, with cupboards in the hall and dining room in addition to all the storage in the two upstairs bedrooms.
4 The Terrace High Street, Earlston Guide Price £170,000 Details on page 41
Located on the main A68 Edinburgh to Newcastle road, Earlston is a popular town for commuters. It also scores highly for shops, schools, health facilities, and sports and leisure amenities – and this house is in an ideal location for a family with children, with a nursery and recently upgraded primary school just along the road and new High School within easy reach.