THE BSPC PROPERTY GUIDE / FEATURE PROPERTY
Page 13
An attractive traditional mid-terraced property in Kirk Yetholm which doubles as a five-star holiday cottage
Looks can be deceiving – and never more so than with this attractive traditional mid -terraced cottage in Kirk Yetholm. From the outside it looks much like the adjoining double-fronted cottages, however, as the property has had a two-storey extension built at the back, when viewed from that vantage point no-one would ever believe it was the same house. Built around 150 years ago, the Tardis-like cottage also has the most stunning interior. But when Chris and Nikola Abrams bought the property two years ago it was a very different picture. “The previous owner had lived there for many years but as we bought it with the intention of turning it into a five -star holiday cottage, we knew we would be stripping it back to the bricks and starting again,” explains Nikola. That said, the couple took great care to maintain or reinstate as many original features as possible, hence details like restored original floorboards, replacement double-glazed sash and case windows and original open fireplaces, one a small inglenook style. Everything else is new, including the two-storey extension at the back, which replaced a small lean-to that housed the kitchen. Now a contemporary 18ft dining kitchen occupies the ground floor of the new extension, a simply stunning room with low-level windows and window seats overlooking the garden and double doors opening on to the adjoining patio.
Upstairs, the upper floor in the extension houses the master bedroom and en suite shower room. Here, too, Chris and Nikola have gone the proverbial extra mile to build in wow factor with a vaulted ceiling and pine beams, remote controlled Velux windows (and blinds), and a beautiful shower room with travertine floor and wall tiles, under-floor heating and a walk-in shower. The piece de resistance is a door opening on to a small private balcony, large enough for a table and chairs to sit and take in the views. Every room in the cottage has been completed to the same exacting standard to create a home that is exceptional in every sense. The layout includes a small hall and staircase, both with oak floors, off which is a spacious sitting room with an inglenook fireplace (open fire), slate hearth and pine mantel. Other delightful features include double door access to the rear patio and a built-in window seat to the front. In addition, there is an 18ft family room, again with oak flooring and an inglenook fireplace complete with cast iron multi-fuel stove – and the spacious dining kitchen, a room filled with light, fitted with contemporary white hand-crafted units and black granite worktops.
Glenview, 5 High Street, Kirk Yetholm
A large square island provides additional storage and houses a second oven /microwave/grill, while the appliances include a large range-style cooker, and integrated dishwasher, fridge/freezer and washing machine/tumble drier. There’s also a cloakroom. Upstairs, - the staircase has new oak treads and splits on the half turn, leading to the master bedroom suite. Off the top landing, bedroom two is another attractive double room with views to the front on to the village green and countryside beyond. Unusually, this room also has a fully tiled en suite facility complete with wet room-style shower area. The third bedroom is currently a twin room and there is also a very large and luxurious family bathroom with a roll-top bath, travertine tiled floor, and tongue and groove wood panelling to dado level (painted Sage green to match the exterior of the bath, which also has a shower attachment). Not surprising, given the attention to detail and careful way in which this cottage has been upgraded, Visit Scotland gave it a coveted five-star rating – making it the only five-star holiday cottage in the entire Borders region.
Guide Price £280,000 Details on page 24
As Chris and Nikola are having to relocate, the cottage provides an ideal opportunity for someone to continue operating it as a holiday home, or to live in as a permanent home. What is guaranteed is that the new owner will not have to do anything more arduous than position the furniture and sit back and enjoy such a wonderful space. Outside, in addition to the patio there is a lawn with planted borders and shed/wood store and the garden is fully enclosed by fencing. Kirk Yetholm is a very pretty conservation village, separated from nearby Town Yetholm by the Bowmont River. Only a few miles from the English border and Northumberland National Park, this area is renowned for outdoor activities. It is also ideally placed for access to Kelso, Newcastle and Edinburgh.