THE BSPC PROPERTY GUIDE / FEATURE PROPERTY
Space and light are the hallmarks of this modern detached home in Blyth Bridge Architect designed and built just six years ago, number five Mill Lade is a very distinctive three/four bedroomed house in Blyth Bridge, an attractive village within easy reach of West Linton (5 miles) and the larger towns of Biggar (8 miles) and Peebles (10 miles). Lovely countryside and good schooling at nearby Newlands Primary and Peebles High School (transport available) make this a popular Borders village with families – current owners Mark and Alison Gardner had no children when they bought their Mill Lade home and now have three! What attracted them initially was the opportunity to buy a one-off designed house from new. “We had actually come to look at the house next door when we spotted this one,” says Mark. “Although the kitchen had still to be installed we loved the design and the layout, which makes great use of space and light. The house also has a large, fully enclosed garden and open outlook over the surrounding countryside.” The hall, which in most houses is little more than an access route to the living space, is one of this design’s many features. Continuing from the entrance vestibule and over 33ft in length, it has a beautiful natural wood open-tread staircase in the centre and full height windows and double doors at the far end. Filled with light, which is enhanced by neutral decoration and engineered wood flooring throughout, the hall doubles as a formal dining area and takes full advantage of views and proximity to the garden. On either side of the hall, the ground floor’s semi open-plan layout (fitted with under-floor heating throughout) are two very spacious rooms, both of which have huge full-height windows overlooking the garden.
The 24ft kitchen/family room is superbly well-equipped and fitted with beech-effect wall and base units with darker variegated solid marble worktops and a full range of appliances including a large stainless steel range cooker with overhead extractor. An island unit/breakfast bar with built-in wine cooler partially separates the kitchen work area and family room beyond – there is also a separate and equally well-fitted utility/laundry with access to the garden. The sitting room, on the other side of the dining hall, is another beautiful room where light from full-height windows combined with the pastel-coloured decor and wood floor, create a setting that is relaxed, easy on the eye and welcoming. This room has a classic but understated fireplace and inset Living Flame fire, while the wall -mounted television above includes surround sound. Last but not least, the dining hall also provides access to a front -facing fourth bedroom/study and a spacious shower room. Upstairs, the galleried landing reveals an unexpected surprise; another wall of windows and double doors echoing those in the hall below but this time opening on to a sizeable covered balcony – made even more effective with lighting linked to the lighting features on the garden decking and water feature in the garden, making the balcony a sheltered and particularly attractive setting in the evening.
5 Mill Lade, Blyth Bridge, West Linton Offers Over £385,000 Details on page 7
Off the landing, which also has a clear glass balustrade to further enhance the abundant natural light, are three large double bedrooms with traditional-style dormer recesses and large full-height windows. The master bedroom suite occupies the full depth of the house, and includes its own private balcony off the bedroom, plus fitted dressing room and a fabulous 14ft en suite shower room. Even the family bathroom has wow factor owing to its curvaceous and unusual-shaped corner bath with overhead shower and glass side screen. 5 Mill Lade has an attached garage with electrically operated door and a very useful floored loft. Outside, the low -maintenance rear garden comprises mainly lawn with a series of four raised decks arranged around an amazing one-ton stone-built water feature that becomes a fountain at night, triggered into action when the deck lights come on – an effect that creates a wonderfully warm glow after dark. This house ticks all the boxes for a family - space, light and a rural lifestyle that is also within easy commuting distance to Glasgow and Edinburgh as well as nearby towns and villages. What’s not to love?
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