8
WHEN YOU’RE BUYING OR SELLING PROPERT Y . . . IT HAS TO B BSPC
Foresters Cottage, Minto
A unique period cottage in Minto that scores on both looks and location Situated on the north bank of the River Teviot six miles north-east of Hawick in what is now a conservation area, Minto is a picturesque estate village planned and laid out for the second Earl of Minto by Edinburgh architect William Playfair in linear form to provide rows of cottages, a church and a school – a layout that is notable in that the original properties do not all face the same direction, nor do they overlook each other. Foresters Cottage was built in the mid 1800s for the estate forester, and as such, occupies a prime position opposite Minto Golf Course and the gated entrance to the estate, a local landmark for beautiful walks. Refurbished and extended in 2002, the double-fronted cottage facade with its pretty entrance porch and multi-paned windows fits the ‘chocolate box’ description to a tee and has a Cotswold look that it aesthetically instantly appealing. The interior is equally impressive, combining modern fixtures and fittings with original features to create a spacious and infinitely comfortable and easily run family home imbued with period character and charm. The heart of this home is undisputedly the spacious open-plan dining kitchen at the rear, a sociable country-style setting with exposed ceiling timbers, oak units, dining area and double doors into an attractive conservatory giving access to the rear garden.
To the front of the house are two beautifully proportioned reception rooms – dining room with inglenook fireplace and wood burning stove; and cottage-style sitting room with feature fireplace and open fire. An inner hall, cloakroom and utility (off the kitchen) complete the ground floor layout. Upstairs are four bedrooms - two overlooking the front and side and two rear facing, both with additional Velux windows to supplement the cottage’s smaller feature windows. The master bedroom is particularly spacious and has the added convenience of an en suite shower room, while the main family bathroom incorporates a newly fitted bath and over-bath shower, vanity unit and attractive wall tiling and accessories. The cottage has a pebbled driveway that widens to the front and provides plenty of space for parking – there is also a carport. The front and rear gardens are easily maintained and include lawn, planted borders and pebbled areas, patio, summerhouse and shed for garden storage. Planning consent, now expired, was previously granted for a garage on the site of the summerhouse and this could be renewed if desired.