Focus on Duns in the Scottish Borders

THE BSPC PROPERTY GUIDE / WWW.BSPC.CO.UK

Page 31

Focus on Duns Beverley Brown takes a closer look at what Duns has to offer as a lifestyle location

Page 32

THE BSPC PROPERTY GUIDE / WWW.BSPC.CO.UK

Just 55 miles south east of Edinburgh and only 15 miles from the border with England, the market town of Duns has its roots in farming and a history marked by the many skirmishes and battles that took place between the Scots and the English.

Modern day Duns has a great many attractions, including architectural gems like the 14th century Duns Castle (now a luxury hotel) and Manderston House, the setting for Channel 4’s Edwardian Country House series.

But the town’s early history stretches far back in time – Duns Law, close to the original Duns Castle built in 1320 by the Earl of Moray, nephew of Robert the Bruce, has the remains of an Iron Age hill fort at its summit, while other similar structures nearby, such as that at Edin’s Hall Broch, suggest the area’s domestic and defensive use at a very early stage.

The town’s motto, Duns Dings A! goes back to the Battle of Duns in 1377, which saw the Earl of Northumberland and his army invade Scotland and camp out at Duns – however during the night the rattles used to scare birds from the crops frightened the army’s horses, creating a diversion that enabled the townspeople to gain the upper hand and see them off.

Duns relocated to its present position at the foot of Duns Law in 1588 but it wasn’t until after the end of the Jacobite rebellion in 1746 that the town began to expand and become the headquarters for many of Berwickshire’s administrative functions – and in 1903 a bill was passed confirming Duns as the county town of Berwickshire.

Today Duns is renowned for its shopping facilities and education - most notably the new Berwickshire High School, which opened in 2009 and replaced the former 1950s school, which has been refurbished to re-house the primary school.

Equally important in attracting people to move to the area is the town’s diverse property market, which offers everything from traditional and period styles to conversions and modern estate houses that have sprung up in recent years on the outskirts of the town, adjacent to open countryside yet with easy reach of local amenities.

Only ten minutes from the A1 and just 45 minutes from Edinburgh, the town’s commuter links also make it a viable alternative to living in the Scottish capital, while the lower cost of housing offers far more house for the money by comparison, in addition to the more laid -back lifestyle. And for commuters who prefer to let the train take the strain, there’s a regular rail service at Berwick-upon-Tweed, 15 miles away.

Commenting on the local property market, Elliot McQuarrie of BSPC member firm J.D. Clark & Allan, says: “There has been a noticeable upturn in the house market in and around Duns since the latter part of 2013.”

“Properties, including those that for some time were failing to attract attention, have been selling, albeit that the market has driven down, slightly, the prices which sellers are ready to accept. Worthy of note too, is that the welcome sea-change has included houses in the upper price bands in addition to the middle range.”

THE BSPC PROPERTY GUIDE / WWW.BSPC.CO.UK

Page 33

Below are just a small sample of the many different house styles being marketed across the price spectrum in the Duns area by BSPC firms The Hermitage Station Road, Duns Guide Price £420,000

Situated on Station Road in one of the most sought after residential areas within the town, The Hermitage is an impressive detached Victorian villa

The Beeches Whitsome, Duns Offers Around £340,000

with beautifully landscaped walled

Presented in beautiful condition, the accommodation includes a large living room,dining/garden room, well-equipped dining kitchen, utility, and principal bedroom with fitted wardrobes and luxurious en suite bathroom.

gardens and a number of outbuildings, including a garage and a workshop with a large loft studio suitable for a variety of uses – the hot tub in the enclosed yard is also included. In addition, there’s an area of garden that

Upstairs there are three further double bedrooms, the main bathroom and a second sitting room/music room.

See page 14

has previously been granted planning permission for a house, albeit this has now lapsed • See page 8

30 Bridgend, Duns Guide Price £265,000

30 Bridgend is a substantial detached property in a popular residential area of the town. All rooms are of a good size and although in need of a degree of cosmetic upgrading the property provides the opportunity for the creation of an exceptional family home.

Eynhallow, 5 Trinity Park, Duns Fixed Price £210,000

An immaculately presented modern detached family home with integral garage and an attractive enclosed garden offering a safe haven for kids.

An open-tread staircase leads to three further bedrooms (all with built-in storage) and a recently refurbished fully tiled bathroom • See page 29

Glencairn, Bridgend, Duns Offers Over £160,000

The ground floor layout includes a spacious bay-windowed living room, fully fitted modern kitchen with integrated appliances, utility/laundry and cloakroom. Upstairs off a galleried landing is a principal bedroom and en suite shower room, two further bedrooms and stylish partly tiled family bathroom with over-bath shower • See page 35

3 Ainslie Terrace, Duns In Region of £107,500

This attractively presented semi detached house provides a family friendly layout comprising hall, front -facing living room with feature fireplace, fitted breakfasting kitchen with white wall and base units, rear hall with door to the garden, a good range of storage and bathroom with over-bath shower.

Upstairs off a bright first floor landing are two further good-sized double bedrooms, while the third, single-size bedroom, could also be a study if required • See page 46

Eynhallow is a very distinctive detached modern home designed to make best use of its position, architectural features and use of natural materials.

The two-storey layout comprises sitting room, dining room, stylish kitchen with integrated appliances, utility, cloakroom, and a guest bedroom accessed from the dining room.

The accommodation includes a wellproportioned lounge with bay window, sitting room, dining kitchen, shower room, utility room and useful workshop.

Upstairs off the upper hall there are four good sized double bedrooms and a family bathroom • See page 23

41 Rachel Drive, Duns Offers Around £185,000

A modern detached house in the village of Whitsome near Duns that occupies a half-acre site with super views of the Cheviots.

Situated in a desirable area of Duns, Glencairn is a double-fronted stone built property that will appeal to those looking for a traditional home with space and character.

Requiring a degree of modernisation, the accommodation has two well proportioned public rooms, a dining kitchen, main bedroom with dressing room, two further bedrooms, and bathroom. The house has excellent storage. This is a substantial property with immense potential to become a stunning family home • See page 37

14 Blinkbonnie Gardens, Duns Offers Around £90,000

Benefiting from low-maintenance gardens and a south-facing position close to the town centre, this chalet -style semi-detached home offers excellent value and is an ideal size for first time buyers. The accommodation, which is over two floors, includes a hall, spacious living room with a feature Fyfestone fireplace, dining-size kitchen, walk-in cupboard and partially tiled bathroom. At the top of the stairs on either side are two double bedrooms, both with built-in storage and coombed ceilings - the larger of the two has a dormer window • See page 48

Page 34

£250,000 TO £150,000 / WWW.BSPC.CO.UK

He adds: “It has always been the case that purchasers in Duns and Berwickshire have recognised an ‘added value’ factor in terms of the size and type of property to which they can aspire, which sits well with the beauty of the surroundings and relaxed lifestyle. The brighter news concerning the UK economy, generally and an evident wakening of the property market, in particular, are clearly being experienced and enjoyed in Duns, as in many other areas.”

Walkers can take to the 190-acre Duns Castle Nature Reserve, while fans of the late Jim Clark, who was born nearby in Chirnside, can follow the twice world motor racing champion’s career in a dedicated museum in the town. And sports include everything from rugby and football, to swimming, judo, karate, archery and golf.

Alistair MacDonald, of BSPC firm Iain Smith & Partners, is also pleased with the direction the local property market is now taking.

The Wellrig burn is a prominent feature of the upland course, which is situated at the foot of the Lammermuir Hills and offers spectacular views over the Tweed Valley – known as the Merse – to the Cheviot Hills opposite.

“It’s great to see the market picking up and in the last month the Duns office has concluded a number of property sales and there has been a large increase in the number of people viewing properties,” he says.

“I’m also pleased to see that doom and gloom reports about the UK property market in the media seem to have lifted and this is certainly encouraging the public to view more properties.”

Leisure and recreation opportunities in and around the town also enhance the lifestyle in this part of the Borders.

Duns Golf Club was formed in 1894, while the present 18-hole course opened in 1997.

Buying a house involves many factors besides the actual bricks and mortar.

It’s also about choosing the right location, one that offers the required mix of schools, shops, transport links, sense of community, and an attractive environment and leisure opportunities. And an increasing number of house buyers are recognising that Duns offers all the above and more.

To sum up, Alan Young of BSPC member Melrose & Porteous, says: “The housing market in and around Duns has shown encouraging signs of recovery over recent months and demand for property is steadily growing again - and even starting to outweigh the supply. There has also been a recent increase in closing dates. This will hopefully give potential sellers the confidence to move onto the next step of the property ladder.”

LOCAL BSPC MEMBER FIRMS Iain Smith & Partners W.S. 11 Murray Street, Duns, TD11 3DF Tel. 01361 882733 Fax. 01361 883517 Email. duns@iainsmith.co.uk Website. www.iainsmith.co.uk

J.D. Clark & Allan W.S. Tolbooth House, Market Square, Duns, TD11 3DR Tel. 01361 882501 Fax. 01361 883130 Email. property@jdca.co.uk Website. www.jdca.co.uk

Melrose & Porteous 47 Market Square, Duns, TD11 3BX Tel. 01361 882752 Fax. 01361 883136 Email. property@melroseporteous.co.uk Web: www.melroseporteous.co.uk

WWW.BSPC.CO.UK

Images courtesy of Visit Scotland Borders, Scottish Viewpoint and J.D. Clark & Allan