THE BSPC PROPERTY GUIDE / FEATURE PROPERTY
Page 15
A converted former church near Hawick that is now a home worth singing about
Turning an old church building into a desirable and comfortable family home is seldom an easy option, especially in the case of Cavers Auld Kirk, where the ‘auld’ is, in fact, very old, given that the last time it held a congregation was in 1822. Present owner Trevor Kelly reveals: “After that it became a village hall and Sunday School and, later still, a hay store. When my wife Pauline and I discovered it in 2005 the building was totally derelict but we could see it had potential – and as we were looking to move permanently to the Borders from Yorkshire and the setting, three miles from Hawick, offered the peace and tranquility we were looking for, we bought it.” Fortunately Trevor comes from a family of builders and tradesmen, which made the challenge that lay ahead somewhat less daunting. As the church is a listed building (category B), it meant the exterior couldn’t be altered in any way and it took three years to complete the project - but the payback is a stunning home that merges old and new to brilliant effect.
Cavers is also a sizeable property, with a layout that includes an open-plan 34ft living/dining area, modern fitted kitchen, utility, three double bedrooms – two of which have en suite facilities – and main bathroom. And there’s more; an extensive 29ft walk-in attic with the potential to extend the accommodation further, plus an adjoining studio/workshop, which has its own external entrance and could suit numerous uses, and a newly built detached double garage with floored rafter storage. While the conversion obviously included essentials such as double-glazing and solid fuel central heating, Trevor and Pauline wanted to preserve the building’s character and traditional features as much as possible and therefore kept the 8ft high arched windows intact. The main living area is surprisingly cosy, given its double-height ceiling, which can be largely attributed to a wood burning stove standing on a slate hearth. This amazing space also has wood flooring, circular and arched side windows, arched feature wall – and a spiral staircase leading up to what is now a smaller sitting room in the former balcony of the church, an area that also provides access to the attic.
Fully fitted with white Shaker-style units and contrasting black marble-effect worktops, the kitchen is attractive and practical. Features here include a solid fuel Stanley Raeburn cooker with overhead hood, integrated electric hob, hood, oven, grill, dishwasher and large fridge, slate -effect flooring and concealed lighting. Adjoining the kitchen is a good-sized utility with plumbing for laundry appliances, and a walk-in pantry/boot room. The rear-facing principal bedroom shares a Jack ‘n’ Jill-style en suite shower room with the second bedroom, while the third bedroom is close to the bathroom, which is surprisingly spacious and includes a shelved linen cupboard and over-bath shower.
Cavers occupies an idyllic setting and includes 1.25 acres of garden grounds comprising mainly grass with flower beds, a driveway and extensive parking area, while the mature woodland bordering the property is safeguarded by a Tree Preservation order. Three miles from Hawick, this property is an exceptionally fine family home in every respect – one that really does have to be seen in person in order to appreciate the quality of the conversion.
A quirky but infinitely useful addition, the adjoining studio/workshop has a wood burning stove, power points, lighting, and a workbench – also a toilet/wash-hand basin and a floored storage space above, reached by a ladder.
Cavers Auld Kirk, Cavers, Hawick, TD9 8LJ
In Region of £249,950 Details on page 31