THE BSPC PROPERTY GUIDE / FEATURE PROPERTY
Page 13
Bigger than it looks, this red sandstone villa in Melrose is a period gem
The Victorians knew a thing or two about building houses and this detached red sandstone villa on Douglas Road in Melrose is a good example of a substantial family home of the period. Appearances can sometimes be deceptive and although this house looks quite compact from the front, it opens out at the back and its elevated setting provides a useful beautifully fitted out and equipped additional shower room in the basement, extending the accommodation over three levels. Carol Sutherland bought the property six years ago. With three sons still at home at the time the house promised to be an ideal family home on a corner site surrounded by mature private gardens and with magnificent views over Melrose, one of the most desirable towns in the Borders. Among the many improvements made in the course of the last six years is a smart new kitchen, fitted out with classic white wall and base units, granite-effect worktops, Belfast sink, stone tiled floor, and a large dual-fuel five-ring range-style cooker.
Carol also turned the existing bathroom into a contemporary walk-in wet room/shower, while a box room now serves better use as a bathroom, fully-tiled and complete with white roll-top bath. Other projects included removing an old gas fire in the sitting room and reinstating an open fire in a beautiful period-style fireplace – and outside, an existing old garage has been removed entirely to create a much larger paved parking area at the side of the house. The house’s many original period features provide added character, interest – and colour, the latter a particular feature in the huge arched window on the staircase half landing, which has a distinctive stained glass border. Other notable features include stripped pine doors, ornate stair banister, bay window with panelled architraves, picture rails, and an original glass-fronted display cabinet. Entered by a typically Victorian vestibule with mosaic-tiled floor, the accommodation includes a light and spacious reception hall, off which is a sitting room, family/ TV room (would also make a good study or fifth bedroom), formal dining room with varnished floorboards and a connecting door to the newly re-fitted kitchen.
There is also a small ‘back lobby’ with plumbing for a washing machine, while clever use of space below the staircase enabled Carol to install a useful shower room lit by a small window to the rear. Upstairs – after pausing to admire the stained glass window halfway up and to take in the magnificent views - the top landing is particularly spacious with the same neutral carpeting extending into all the bedrooms for visual continuity. There are three large double bedrooms (all with built-in wardrobes) and an above average-sized single bedroom that still has an original fireplace. There is also a recently refurbished wet-room-style shower room, fully tiled and finished with a heated towel rail.
Harden, Douglas Road Melrose
And last but not least is the tiled bathroom, previously a boxroom, which has a Velux window, varnished floorboards and a period-style roll-top bath. The gardens are an attractive feature - fully enclosed to the front by high hedges and at the back to provide a safe play area for children and pets, the latter mainly lawn with fruit trees. The paved area at the side of the house accommodates three cars, while a side door provides access to a useful cellar easily large enough to create a hobby area, workshop or store. Harden is a most attractive property and an ideal family home in a quiet street of similar quality Victorian houses.
Guide Price £400,000 Details on page 8