THE BSPC PROPERTY GUIDE / FEATURE PROPERTY
Page 15
Looks can be deceptive - as this main door two-storey home in Innerleithen proves!
Some houses really do need to be seen in person to be appreciated – particularly this stylish main door double upper flat within a traditional late 1800s stone building on Innerleithen’s High Street. From the outside, who could guess that this home is so incredibly spacious, with a large living-through-dining room, contemporary fitted kitchen, three bedrooms (one currently used as a study), large bathroom – and a very sizable and beautifully landscaped rear garden. Christopher and Louise Herriot bought the property five years ago, having been wowed by the beautiful ornate wrought iron spiral staircase that links the two levels and by the super-sized garden. “We also loved the open-plan living space and big windows that fill the whole interior with light,” adds Christopher. The Herriots have comprehensively upgraded the interior to create a very comfortable and stylish home with many lovely features. The hall walls have been completely re-skimmed to get rid of old woodchip paper, the floorboards in the 24ft long open-plan living/dining area have been stripped and sanded, the kitchen has been re-fitted ... and the garden has been given a complete overhaul to make it a star attraction, enclosed by new fencing and stone walls to ensure a safe environment for children and pets.
Light is a real feature in this home, especially in the main living/dining space, which has four large windows overlooking the front, rear and side of the building. The living room part also has an attractive white feature fireplace fitted with a gas fire. Off the hall on the other side is a very attractive re-fitted kitchen, fitted on three sides with cream wall and base units topped by brown-toned granite worktops. Other features include a Belfast sink, tiled splashbacks, solid oak floor, stainless steel gas hob, oven, overhead extractor and hob back panel, and integrated fridge freezer. Also on the first level is a study, which could also be a third bedroom, with a front -facing window and attractive wood-effect laminate flooring. Adjoining this room is a large walk-in storage cupboard, which is large enough – and already plumbed - to be turned into a cloakroom. Being little more than access passages halls are not normally that remarkable – but this one most definitely is. Bright as well as spacious, with windows at either end to the front and rear of the property, it houses this properties piece de resistance, a very striking wrought iron spiral staircase with ornate almost lace-like balustrading and wooden treads.
Upstairs are two large double bedrooms, the main one with two built-in wardrobes, combed ceilings, and a dormer window overlooking the rear garden. The second bedroom has an overhead Velux window. Even the bathroom has wow factor – beautifully designed in neutral light taupe shades with natural wood accents, it has a white suite – bath with electric shower over and glass screen – halogen lighting, including a tiled display niche along one side of the bath, built-in storage, tiled floor and partially tiled walls. Outside in the rear garden, you could be in another world. Predominantly lawn, it is bordered my mature trees, shrubs, and well-stocked borders. The Herriots have also created a lovely stone patio for sitting/dining out – and there’s a large timber garden shed. With its own private street entrance and High Street location, this home is also immediately accessible for local shops and schools and the main road linking Peebles to the west and Galashiels to the east.
87 High Street , Innerleithen, EH44 6HD Offers Around £155,000 Details on page 46
This part of the Borders, situated on the banks of the River Tweed, offers myriad sports and leisure facilities, including a championship golf course four miles away in Cardrona, and Glentress Forest with its world-famous mountain biking runs. Innerleithen is also an easy commute to Edinburgh. This property is in pristine condition throughout and would be an ideal choice for a first or second time buyer or downsizer looking for a town home that still has the benefit of a private garden.