Page 10
BSPC FEATURE PROPERTY
A stately home lifestyle awaits the new owner Beechhurst is a quite magnificent Victorian property with a setting to match, well tucked away off Bonchester Road and occupying beautiful landscaped garden grounds, yet only a few minutes from Hawick.
“We were immediately attracted to the interior,” Margaret explains. “In addition to all the features to be expected in a Victorian property, such as high ceilings and large windows, there are many unexpected gems – remnants of the original front door pull, sash windows with original brass handles and working shutters, and a brass fitting for what would have been a servant’s bell in the wood panelling in the hall.”
While retaining all the period features, the Hodgsons have renovated and upgraded the property - new kitchen and bathroom (the latter with underfloor heating), new remote controlled gas fires, new central heating system, windows professionally draught-proofed by Ventrolla, and a second telephone line with dedicated broadband access.
Dating from 1850, the house was clearly designed to make a statement about the wealth and status of its owner, who is believed to have been the chairman of a local gas company (and is thought to be the only property in the vicinity with mains gas central heating).
Another unique feature is an oil painting by an unknown artist, which although not Victorian, is an integral part of the wall panelling and has been there for at least 50 years.
The layout is predictably spacious, comprising the original arched entrance door and vestibule with a panelled ceiling and mosaic-tiled floor that also extends into the adjoining cloakroom.
In the 1950s it was converted into four private homes, the external sandstone facade, with its crow stepped gables and square three-story entrance tower, is unchanged and every bit as impressive as it was when built. Margaret and Ivan Hodgson bought their two/three bedroomed, two-storey home within Beechhurst in 2005 with the original intention of using it as a weekend/holiday retreat. However, the couple very quickly realised it was a very special property and, as such, should become their main residence.
BSPC FEATURE PROPERTY
Page 11
of this grand Victorian conversion near Hawick Off the main reception hall, which has solid oak flooring, decorative plasterwork and original wood-panelled walls, is a beautifully proportioned drawing room with a bay window and feature fireplace, separate dining room with a built-in window seat, fitted Shaker-style kitchen with Corian worksurfaces, an induction hob and integrated appliances, utility, and third bedroom, which could also be a study. Upstairs off an extremely bright landing that provides lovely views are two bedrooms and a contemporary bathroom with the addition of a large walk-in glazed shower. This home has another unique and life-enhancing feature – a large and fully enclosed patio/terrace. Accessed from the kitchen and well screened by mature shrubs, it makes a lovely outdoor dining and /or seating area. There is also an enclosed private garden and single garage.
Beechhurst, Hawick, TD9 8LG In Region of £250,000 Details on page 28
Margaret adds: “Beechhurst’s sunken front lawn was originally a tennis court and it is easy to imagine previous owners in the late 19th and early 20th centuries having garden parties and generally enjoying the high life in these beautiful grounds.” Properties of this calibre are few and far between and Beechhurst’s converted status enables its owners to experience a stately home lifestyle without incurring the associated costs – an irresistible combination.