THE BSPC PROPERTY GUIDE / FEATURE PROPERTY
A converted mansion in Hawick caters for the present while paying homage to the past Up there with the best examples of prestigious mansions built during the mid to late 1800s to house Hawick’s mill owners, Langlands was built in 1869 for the Pringle family, who gave their name to a global knitwear brand. The house was divided in 1951 to make two spacious but more easily managed properties within a secluded setting on the north side of the river Teviot, surrounded by established gardens and woodlands. Externally, the mansion house is impressive, designed to make an impact at the end of a driveway that winds through grounds extensively planted with mature trees and shrubs, including rhododendrons. Internally, original features include beautiful ornate plasterwork, traditional high skirtings, sash and case windows – some arch -shaped extending almost to full height - dado rails and paneled doors create a home that has all the character and history of a bygone era combined with all the comforts dictated by modern day standards. The entrance to the south-facing wing now known as East Langlands opens into an elegant hall with polished floorboards and large windows overlooking the gardens. The accommodation is on three levels – the 28ft top floor tower room (originally a billards room) is a simply amazing space with rows of arched windows to the side, front and rear giving wonderful natural light and great potential as an artist’s studio or fourth bedroom.
The ground floor layout comprises cloakroom, drawing room, sitting / TV room, dining kitchen, and rear hall leading to a utility and useful walk-in larder. Upstairs off the mid-landing level is a bedroom with double doors opening into a wardrobe space currently used as a study/computer area that also has access to walk-in eaves storage beyond. Continuing up, off the first floor landing are two further double bedrooms, both with original cornicing, and a large bathroom. The main bedroom has fitted wardrobes, while period features in the other bedroom include an original fire surround and grate with a green slate mantel and an alcove with a washbasin and shelving. The drawing room is quite stunning - using the more modern term ‘lounge’ simply doesn’t impart the same sense of elegance and grandeur. Full of light, with a row of enormous arched windows overlooking the grounds to the front and side, it also has ornate plasterwork and a marble fireplace now housing a cast-iron multi-fuel stove. Equally deserving being singled out for attention, the dining kitchen is fitted with cream wall and base units that complement the honey-coloured exposed floorboards and neutral decor. A matching cream Esse stove occupies a recess with a red tiled splashback and wood beamed mantel, while other appliances include a concealed dishwasher – the nearby walk -in larder has additional storage and space for an American-style fridge freezer, while the utility has space and plumbing for laundry appliances.
The room at the top of the house is a major feature. Occupying a huge area it has the potential to be divided to make fewer smaller rooms, although this would detract from the overall look and light of a space that has numerous arched windows, polished floorboards, original plasterwork and an original tiled fireplace and hearth – clearly a room designed to impress guests who would have been invited to join the gentleman of the house for a game of billiards. East Langlands also has a large brick-built garage and glorious garden grounds that incorporate a circular walkway, woodlands, lawn, patio and greenhouse. This truly magnificent property makes it possible to live in the present and give more than a nod to the past.
East Langlands Sunnyhill Road, Hawick Offers Over £295,000 Details on page 21
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