THE BSPC PROPERTY GUIDE / FEATURE PROPERTY
A modern house in an exceptionally scenic setting near Selkirk – designed and built by a craftsman for his own family Designed and built 16 years ago by present owners, joiner Paul Hermiston and his wife, Penny, Ashbrae is a substantial detached property in an idyllic setting with stunning views of the surrounding countryside to Stow and beyond and on to Selkirk Hill golf course. “It was the location and setting that prompted us to buy the plot,” explains Paul, who went on to build an outstanding five bedroomed family home. “We also liked the fact that the road is a dead end, so there’s no passing traffic - and the High School is only a few minutes walk away at the bottom of the road.” There’s actually a lot more to this house than great family accommodation. Having a mature third-of-an-acre garden has provided scope for entertaining - Paul has also built a large summerhouse, which has patio doors and is fitted with a bar but would be equally good as a games/music room – and working from home, as the single garage has been converted into an office. In addition, there’s a detached double garage, shed, garden store, first class workshop, and abundant space for parking. The house was designed for the setting and therefore has wonderful views from most of the windows, all of which are large and low level to maximize the light and visually connect with outside.
The layout includes a vestibule (with seating area and corner window, coat hooks and solid oak flooring) opening into the hall, where solid wood flooring continues and is matched by a bespoke hand-made staircase in reclaimed oak. Off the hall is a cloakroom, 26ft sitting /dining room unusually with windows and patio doors at either end of the room, the latter opening on to decking, while a wood surround and open fire provides a focal point in the sitting room. There’s also a spacious TV/family room, utility (freezer and washing machine included), and a spacious 24ft dining kitchen with oak flooring and patio doors to decking outside. Upstairs, off the carpeted landing, are five bedrooms – four double size and one single (all with built-in wardrobes), while the main bedroom also has a beautiful recently refitted en suite bathroom. In addition, at the same time the existing family bathroom was altered and turned into a luxurious shower room with a shower system that also creates a steam room and includes a multitude of functions including music, lighting – there’s even a socket to plug in a mobile and take calls.
Ashbrae Joyces Brae Selkirk In Region Of £360,000 Details on page 14
The dining kitchen is very much the heart of this home. Fitted with woodeffect units and contrasting worktops, it has a full range of integrated appliances and includes a large central island unit with a hob set into an attractive tiled worktop that matches the splashback tiling – the overhead extractor is built into a casing that is similarly tiled on the exterior. Being outside is a real delight as the garden is beautifully landscaped but designed to be low maintenance, with lawns interspersed by decorative low stone walls, trees, shrub and plant borders, monobloc paths, decked seating/dining areas – and stunning views in every direction. Selkirk offers a wide range of leisure and recreational facilities as well as shops, restaurants and schools – all within an area renowned for its scenery. The town’s location within Borders region also makes it a popular choice with commuters, with easy access to Edinburgh, via the city bypass, and to the neighbouring towns of Hawick (12 miles) and Galashiels (six miles).
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