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A house and renowned former archery centre at Eastcote, near Hawick, offers unlimited scope for alternative uses
Eastcote House is a property dating back to around 1850 that has seen a number of uses. Originally a farmhouse belonging to a sizeable farm, in more recent years it was a much-loved home with equestrian facilities – and then in 2000 the property, which includes five acres, was purchased by Gwyn Jones and his wife Shirley, who gave it a whole new lease of life by utilizing its extensive outbuilding and hay store to create an archery centre complete with indoor shooting range, equipment shop and cafe – a rare facility north of the border but particularly notable for being the only archery equipment shop in Scotland.
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Eastcote House, Hawick
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WHEN YOU’RE BUYING OR SELLING PROPERT Y . . . IT HAS TO BE BSPC
Eastcote House,Hawick “We had been looking for a property with space that would suit this purpose,” explains Gwyn, a long-time archery hobbyist. Featured Property • Eastcote House, Near Hawick
“The owner at the time kept horses but we could see that it was eminently suited for archery. Apart from sizeable outbuildings around a Tarmac courtyard, which incorporated four stables, garage, store room and foaling bays – all of which are as they were and could easily revert straight back to use – attached was an enormous windowless outbuilding that we knew could be an ideal shooting range, while adjoining the two-storey house was an open-fronted former hay store cum garage that we could see had potential – and ultimately became the shop and cafe, an ideal arrangement as there were no archery shops in Scotland.”
Price: In Region of £410,000 • Details on: Page 9
The couple also installed a modern three-cubicle toilet block (including disabled facility) next to the shooting range. Gwyn and Shirley created a very unique and successful business but having now retired and closed the archery centre, Eastcote is once again on the brink of change and with so much space – and adaptable space at that – this is a property that offers myriad possibilities.
It could provide a home with equestrian facilities or other business use (a bowling alley, even?), while the adjoining tack room/store and upgraded shop and cafe premises and attached garage and store – all upgraded and fully insulated - could be converted to residential use to substantially extend the main house accommodation.
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“Originally a farmhouse belonging to a sizeable farm, in more recent years it was a much -loved home with equestrian facilities – and then in 2000 the property, which Situated just off the A698 midway between Hawick and Denholm and close to the River Teviot, the former farmhouse is now a spacious and comfortable family home having been extensively upgraded by Gwyn and Shirley to include a new bathroom and shower room and upgraded kitchen. Off the ground floor vestibule and entrance hall is a study, large front-facing living room with exposed stone surround now housing a multi-fuel stove, sizeable sitting room (with feature fireplace) open-plan to an attractively fitted dining kitchen with patio doors to the garden, two-oven Aga, integrated fridge and space for other appliances, plus a utility and bathroom, the latter notable for its original beamed ceiling and contemporary freestanding double-ended bath with floor-mounted mixer and shower attachment. Upstairs are three double bedrooms (one fitted with a wash hand basin vanity and built-in double wardrobe) and a contemporary shower room.
includes five acres, was transformed into an archery centre complete with indoor shooting range.”
As a lifestyle location this area is hard to beat. Hawick is surrounded by some of the most impressive landscapes in the Borders and is well placed for access to several of the principal towns in the region, whilst the A7 and the A68 brings major routes both north and south bound within comfortable commuting distance. Known for its scenic beauty and sense of history and tradition, the area also offers abundant opportunities for those with an interest in sporting and outdoor pursuits, including fishing, shooting and golf. The village of Denholm is centered around a large village green and enjoys a thriving community spirit and local amenities, which include two public houses, post office/village shop, butchers, Italian restaurant with antique centre, hairdressers, coffee shop and garage.
UNIQUE
At the front of the house, accessed by double gates, is a spacious graveled parking area, while the garden continues round to the side where there is a patio area and kitchen garden. In addition, there are two south -west-facing fields – both well-fenced and housing shelters. The property also has access to fishing rights on the nearby River Teviot.
Eastcote is a unique property with the potential to be whatever anyone wants it to be – the possibilities really are endless. Best of all, a buyer has the benefit of a comfortable and spacious three bedroomed family home from which to consider all the options.