THE BSPC PROPERTY GUIDE / FEATURE PROPERTY
A traditional Victorian family home in Hawick Built in the 1880s Duntersdale is a substantial detached Victorian property that has been extensively upgraded in recent years by Julie and Johnny Redpath, who bought the house in 1999. “We were attracted to the house straight away, but it was the location as much as anything that prompted us to buy it,” says Johnny. “Situated in a dead-end road with the Slitrig Water in front and allotments next door, the house has a real country feel yet it’s only two minutes walk to the local primary school and the town centre,” he adds. Major improvements carried out by the Redpaths included rewiring, re-plumbing, installing a new kitchen and bathrooms, new double-glazed windows and gas central heating. In addition, the interior has been tastefully decorated in a style that complements the age and character of the house, which has many original period features – deep skirting, ornate plasterwork and stripped woodwork. And there are a few unexpected extras, like the ground floor utility room, which incorporates a useful additional toilet and a small sauna cabinet. The layout comprises vestibule, hall with staircase to one side lit by an attractive arched window on the half landing, 20ft living room, dining room, spacious breakfasting kitchen, utility, cloakroom. The staircase divides on the half-turn; on the left is bedroom three, on the right a large family bathroom with separate shower. Off the top landing is a further three bedrooms, a very large main bedroom with views to the front over Stilrig Water, and a second front-facing double room (currently a TV/playroom) with en suite shower room.
The Redpaths use the fourth, single-size bedroom at present as a dressing/ironing room but it could equally be a child’s bedroom or study. The living room is a beautifully proportioned room with a large bay window and lots of original period features – picture rail, decorative cornicing and ceiling roses and pine finishes. It also has a feature fireplace and inset Living Flame fire. Double doors lead through into the adjoining dining room, both areas have oak flooring that complements the wood skirting and finishes, while the dining room also has French doors to the patio and rear garden. Over 17ft in length, the contemporary dining kitchen is well fitted with white wall and floor units, wood-effect worktops, stone tiled splashbacks, and integrated appliances – dishwasher, fridge freezer and a sizeable range-style cooker with extractor above. There is also plenty of space for dining furniture for everyday meals. A larger-than usual utility at the far end of the hall provides an additional work area, pantry cupboard, sink and plumbing for laundry appliances – also a second downstairs toilet and a sauna cabinet. Outside, the gardens include a wellstocked shrubbery at the front and a path leading round to a patio, where steps lead up to the garden proper, which is fully enclosed making it safe for children and pets and includes a large lawn.
At the far end of the garden are two sheds and a paved area that currently houses kennels (only the latter not included in the sale). The size of the garden is such that this property could easily be extended at the back – subject to planning consents etc. The Village lives up to its name and is a quiet residential area with a real country feel, helped appreciably by the river that flows along the front, yet Hawick town centre is only a few minutes walk, as is the local Primary School and High School. Duntersdale is an attractive property in a good location – an ideal combination for families.
Duntersdale 6 The Village, Hawick Guide Price £249,999 Details on page 30
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