THE BSPC PROPERTY GUIDE / FEATURE PROPERTY
Peace and tranquility are key features of a Georgian house in the centre of Jedburgh Abbey View is an architectural gem, a beautiful south-facing stone-built Georgian house dating from around 1750. As the Georgian era spanned such a long period, the style evolved through time, however this house has two key hallmarks - symmetry and simplicity. It also has arguably the best location possible in Jedburgh. Enclosed by a private walled garden and positioned in a quiet, tucked away cul-de-sac setting off Abbey Place with spectacular views (hence the name) of Jedburgh’s red stone abbey, locations in the town don’t get any better than this. Lesley Reid bought the house 12 years ago and has since renovated, upgraded and redecorated throughout to stunning effect. “I loved it the minute I saw it,” she says. “It just felt right and had a lovely atmosphere – and it’s an interesting house, with nice spaces and wonderful views of the abbey.” As well as the obvious things, like the re-fitted kitchen and bathroom and the ingleneuk fireplace that has been carved out in the sitting room to house a multi-fuel stove, Lesley has also upgraded the fabric of the building – roof re-slating, for example, and plastering included - and re-worked the stone walled garden, which is a major feature in its own right with mature trees and shrubs and fruit trees, including an ancient Jethart pear tree that is in blossom at present and serves as a reminder of the historical importance of this fruit in the town. Inside, Abbey View has the simple elegance and beautiful room proportions typical of the period. The accommodation extends over three levels and includes a drawing room, sitting room, large dining kitchen, four double bedrooms - two on the first floor (both with en suite shower rooms) and two on the second floor along with the family bathroom.
The combination of traditional and contemporary features, together with the tranquil oasis-like setting, gives this home charm and character in abundance but in an understated, almost genteel manner. It exudes an atmosphere of calmness occasionally found in very old houses that have ‘seen it all and survived’ through the centuries. For a family, the accommodation has space for large numbers to come together – the drawing room and dining kitchen in particular – but also cosier more intimates spaces as in the sitting room, which overlooks the rear garden and has a multi -fuel stove set into an inglenook fireplace with black limestone hearth. The drawing room also enjoys spectacular views across the garden to the abbey, which is complemented by the room’s neutral colour palette and warm tones of the solid oak floor. Recently re-fitted and with windows to the front and side, the dining kitchen is similarly understated, with cream Shakerstyle wall and base units, tiled splashbacks and ceramic tiled floor, contrasting worktops and integrated lighting and appliances – double Belfast sink, gas hob, electric oven, extractor hood, fridge, freezer and dishwasher. The two first floor bedrooms are double sized with dual aspect windows revealing lovely views of the abbey.
Both rooms have storage cupboards and en suite shower rooms with ceramic tiled floors and tiled shower enclosures – one room also has a built -in wardrobe. The carpeted staircase continues up to the second floor and two even larger double bedrooms, one of which has a south-facing dormer window looking across to the abbey. Storage is plentiful here too, with one room having access to the attic space, and the other a large walk-in storage cupboard with its own Velux window. The sun-trap garden is tranquil and very private – like the house it has mellowed and matured and is well screened and sheltered by the stone wall and variety of shrubs and trees, planted borders, large level lawn, and cobble-style monobloc driveway/ parking area. There is also a potting shed and wood store. Like fine wine, this property has improved with age and will delight anyone looking for a family home that offers peace and tranquility within the very heart of Jedburgh.
Abbey View Abbey Close, Jedburgh Asking Price £300,000 Details on page 14
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