The Dovecot Knowesouth , Jedburgh , TD8 6ST

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Charm, character and a few unexpected quirky features sum up a country cottage near Denholm

The Dovecot is one of those rare properties that really does seem to have it all – immaculately presented one-level living accommodation oozing charm and character; a picturesque countryside setting midway between Jedburgh and Denholm with open views to Minto Crags and delightful landscaped garden grounds incorporating an A-listed stone dovecot, patio, and a stream crossed by a wooden bridge.

Situated within the former grounds of Knowesouth country estate, the stone-built cottage dates from 1880 and originally served as the gardener’s house – a role that also entailed looking after doves for the table, hence the dovecot in the garden.

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The Dovecot, Knowesouth

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

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The Dovecot, Knowesouth

The cottage has more recently been extended and upgraded by its present owners, Sheila and Ian Millar, to provide three reception rooms, three bedrooms and two bathrooms, which makes it an ideal family home or peaceful rural second home.

When the Millars bought the cottage nine years ago it was a case of love at first sight. “We had been looking for a country property with a big garden and this one not only fitted the bill, it also included spectacular views and a convenient location only four miles from Denholm and Jedburgh and within easy reach of the A68,” says Sheila.

Featured Property The Dovecot, Knowesouth, Jedburgh, TD8 6ST

Offers Around £300,000 • Details on: Page 20

As well as extending the cottage, which gives it a quirky layout with the emphasis on maximising both the light and the amazing views, the Millars have completely renewed the kitchen, utility and bathrooms and laid solid oak flooring throughout.

The property also has 10 photovoltaic (electricity generating) roof panels, which currently provide an income of around £300 a year from the Feed-In tariff in addition to lowering fuel bills.

The result is a unique home that makes the most of its scenic setting and is entered via a large corner conservatory/sunroom, a family living room with windows on three sides providing an abundance of light and views of the garden – a tranquil setting high in feel -good factor that makes it Sheila’s favourite room in the house.

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“We had been looking for a country property with a big garden and this one not only fitted the bill, it also included spectacular views and a convenient location only four miles from Denholm and Jedburgh and within easy reach of the A68”

The conservatory leads into a central hallway, off which is another spacious but more conventional living room with an attractive focal fireplace; snug/study with tall vertical picture windows; garden room/double bedroom with wood-burner, charming country-style dining kitchen with access to an enclosed external courtyard, plus adjoining utility and dual aspect dining room with French doors onto a sizeable rear deck.

Outside, the landscaped gardens are a key feature in their own right and set the cottage off to perfection. Leading off the main road, a Tarmac driveway flanked by lawn and mature trees – and the A-listed stone dovecot that gave the property its name – continues across the burn to a gravelled parking area at the side of the house, where there is also access to further parking and to the double garage.

The living room, snug and garden room are linked, as are the living room, dining room and kitchen – a configuration that is both practical and flexible.

Recently re-fitted, the kitchen has modern white units on three sides offering plenty of storage – including a glass-fronted display cabinet and built -in bottle rack – while appliances include an integrated dishwasher and five-burner range cooker (fridge freezer by separate negotiation).

There is also a large larder, ample floor space for dining furniture, attractive splashback tiling and tile-effect Karndean flooring. The adjoining utility, which can also be accessed from the hall, provides further built-in storage and space for laundry and other appliances – fridge and washing machine may be available by negotiation.

The rear garden is completely enclosed and ideally suited to entertaining, with promenade style decking and seating area, additional lawn, planted borders, vegetable garden . . . there is also a quaint red-painted wooden footbridge over the burn and a charming patio adjoining the conservatory entrance, a prime location for taking in the view to Minto Crags.

The Dovecot is an exceptionally attractive and desirable country cottage – one that is both spacious and beautifully presented from the inside out - and only minutes from local amenities in nearby Denholm and just a short drive from Jedburgh.

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