BSPC Featured Property For Sale

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A semi-detached villa in Kelso combines Victorian size and contemporary style with ease

Built in 1864 – the year Britain banned boys under the age of ten from becoming chimney sweeps and the American Civil War was raging – Forestfield is a substantial semi-detached villa in a style that owes more to Georgian elegance and simplicity and predates the embellishments and decorative features normally associated with Victorian houses built later in the period.

When Philip and Eleanor Gibson bought the property 20 years ago the interior was dark and gloomy and traditional to the core, right down to having antlers over the door. “Things needed upgrading and brought up to date but we wanted to do that without spoiling any of the original features and character,” says Eleanor.

22 Forestfield, Kelso

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WHEN YOU’RE BUYING OR SELLING PROPERT Y . . . IT HAS TO BE BSPC

22 Forestfield, Kelso To say they exceeded is an understatement. 22 Forestfield today is a lesson in how to seamlessly merge 19th Century features and 21st Century necessities to create a contemporary home of character.

Upgrading was also a journey of discovery as wood floors, woodwork and doors were stripped back to reveal the original pine, while windows were found to have working shutters and the original cleat and bar – and the marble fireplace in the drawing room now has a bespoke cast iron insert and Living Flame fire. Kitchens and bathrooms have been refitted and a new boiler was installed just a year ago.

Featured Property 22 Forestfield, Kelso, TD5 7BX

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The Gibsons also completely transformed the basement level to provide a self-contained suite with rear access from the garden.

Currently configured as a double bedroom with built-in storage and en suite shower room, study, and large utility/laundry (formerly maid’s quarters) with the original flagged stone floor, the basement area could be a superb granny flat or similar.

On the floor above, the entrance vestibule has built-in storage and opens into an impressive hall that displays ornate plasterwork, the original statement staircase with decorative wrought iron balustrade and a lofty double-height ceiling capped at the top by a cupola skylight that lights the hall and first floor landing.

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“22 Forestfield today

is a lesson in how to seamlessly merge 19th Century features and 21st Century necessities to create a stunning There are just two rooms off the main hallway - and both are outstanding. On one side is the formal drawing room with two large sash and case windows to the front, beautiful original wood floor and cornice, and white marble fireplace. And on the other side of the hall is a recently re-fitted and equally sizeable dining kitchen that highlights how, with careful handling, old and new can be successfully combined.

Inspired choices included painting the original wood floor white with Farrow & Ball paint to complement the neutral backdrop for contemporary wall and floor units, central island cum breakfast bar with a stunning 16pendant light above, and a full range of state-of-the-art integrated appliances, including an induction hob and a coffee maker with functions that range from grinding beans to the finished cup.

Upstairs, past a cloakroom situated off the half landing, is a spacious principal bedroom with a built-in wash -hand basin and abundant space for freestanding furniture, plus two further bedrooms (one also with wash-hand basin) and large re-fitted family bathroom with under-floor heating, double-ended freestanding bath and separate shower.

contemporary home of character ”

The property has a low-maintenance gravel parking area to the front and very attractive and easily managed garden to the rear, bordered by hedging – there is also a garden shed.

“It feels like a home that has been loved,” says Eleanor. “There’s a school nearby, the neighbours are lovely and all look out for one another, and it’s a wonderful house to live in.

I think we achieved what we set out to do, which was to give the house back its original elegance and style while also making it suitable for today’s lifestyle.”

Elegance & Style

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