Alewood, Ancrum, TD8 6XH

THE BSPC PROPERTY GUIDE • WWW.BSPC.CO.UK

19

One of the most distinctive and locally admired homes in the village of Ancrum

Most homes keep their key selling points under wraps, either inside or concealed from passers-by at the rear. Alewood, however, is one of the small percentage of homes that declares it is different upfront.

Situated in the heart of the village of Ancrum, close to the junction of the Ale Water and the Teviot, the architect designed detached property has a distinctly different facade incorporating an unusual chimney and a bell cast roof that flares gently to resemble the bottom of a bell. Built in 1975, Alewood’s present owners, Peter and Pamela Wells, bought the property five years ago having been seduced by its setting, amidst extensive gardens that include woodland and 200 metres of river running through it – fishing rights included.

A

Alewood, Ancrum

20

WHEN YOU’RE BUYING OR SELLING PROPERT Y . . . IT HAS TO BE BSPC

A

Alewood, Ancrum

“The gardens are what initially attracted us, but the house is also a one-off - and much larger than it looks, which made it ideal for us as a family home” says Peter.

“We were also charmed by Ancrum; it’s lovely village with good everyday facilities – shop, post office, primary school, pub, village hall - and a great sense of community. And commuting is no problem either, with Edinburgh accessible by road in just under an hour – and Tweedbank railway station on the Border line to Waverley, is only a 20-minute drive.”

Featured Property Alewood, Ancrum, TD8 6XH

Guide Price £385,000 • Details on: Page 15

When the Wells family bought the property its interior was dated – which resulted in a top-to -bottom upgrade that involved new electrics and plumbing, new windows, kitchen, bathroom, installing a powerful 8kw hole-in-the-wall wood-burner in the living room and re-plastering all the walls to remove the original Artex.

Alewood is big on space, with an integral double garage and accommodation over two levels. The ground floor layout includes a broad reception hall leading to a bright 25ft L-shaped living room with windows on three sides and patio doors to the garden, study/fifth bedroom, beautifully fitted kitchen with plenty of space for dining furniture, off which is a sizeable adjoining utility/laundry room and shower room (utility with door into the garage).

THE BSPC PROPERTY GUIDE • WWW.BSPC.CO.UK

“The gardens are what initially attracted us, but the house is also a one-off and much larger than it looks, which made it ideal for us as a family home” Off the spacious first floor landing are four bedrooms and a particularly spacious (almost 13ft long) family bathroom – the master bedroom has extensive built -in storage in addition to a separate dressing room and en suite bathroom, while the other three bedrooms all have built-in wardrobes/storage.

This is a home that offers easy living, comfort and style, with quality fixtures and fittings combined with neutral decor and plain flooring to enhance the sense of space and light. The living room has a relaxed ambience, while the raised wood-burner inset in the wall provides a lovey focal point as well as a powerful source of heat – and is complemented by a raised slate-topped ledge underneath.

However lovely the house is, the real scenestealer is outside. Alewood’s front, side and rear gardens are a joy that include expansive lawns, large paved patio, a woodland maintained as a nature area, shrub and plant beds, vegetable plot – and a 200-metre stretch of the Ale Water passing through, which includes fishing rights that will appeal to angling enthusiasts.

In addition, the property has a delightful summerhouse, large outhouse and a recently added cedar greenhouse. For buyers looking to acquire a real village setting and a forever family home in which to bring up children, Alewood is a must-see property.

Next door, the dining kitchen is fitted on two sides with timelessly classic units, contrasting work surfaces, tiled spalshbacks, integrated appliances and a stainless steel Rangemaster stove.

Deceptively Spacious

21