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THE BSPC PROPERTY GUIDE / FEATURE PROPERTY
An historic Victorian ground floor conversion with a surprising additional coach house
Owning part of a substantial detached Victorian villa – in this instance the ground floor – generally means not only do you get the character, proportions and feel of a period property, you also benefit from mature gardens and a setting in one of the best residential areas, as befitted the status and wealth of the original owner. Divided in two in 1962, the house is of historical significance as the first property in Wilton Hill, built in 1883 for hosiery manufacturer William Lyle, who became part of the Lyle and Scott dynasty. At the time of conversion the ground floor was given exclusive use of the driveway (with parking at the back for up to eight vehicles), plus garden grounds extending to around one-third of an acre. The latter now includes a superbly reconstructed side garden with a pond and a waterfall feature, while the front garden has a cherry tree and a walnut tree that provides a most welcome nut harvest each year. But Kildowan goes further than most in also having a completely separate and fully self-contained coach house. Converted from the property’s former stable building by present owners William Anderson and his partner Lesley Rennie, it has a beautifully designed interior over two levels.
The coach house accommodation comprises large living room, fitted kitchen, fully tiled shower room and mezzanine-style double/twin bedroom with pine ceiling beams, exposed stone walls, and a glass door opening out on to a little balcony.
The layout includes a sitting room, dining room, kitchen/utility, shower room, two double bedrooms – one with a beautiful deep bay window and traditional fireplace – and a partially tiled bathroom with white suite, electric shower and brass fittings.
Large enough for casual dining, the kitchen is fitted with cream Shaker-style units, wooden worktops and natural stone -effect laminate flooring. The slot-in gas cooker is included and there’s space for a dishwasher and fridge freezer.
This additional property would make a perfect ‘granny annex’ or starter home, but it would also be ideal for anyone wishing to work from home.
The sitting room is an especially attractive room with original pitch pine window surround, finishes and varnished floor. Natural wood is echoed in a substantial fireplace complete with tiled hearth and inset Living Flame gas fire. Other features include neutral cream-painted walls embellished by an ornate white plaster frieze, cornice and ceiling rose, while the window is elegantly dressed with matching black and white blinds and curtains.
Outside, the gardens are a delight and include a tiered patio, pond and waterfall feature. The property is accessed by a drive that wraps round the front, side and back of the house.
The accommodation in the main house is of an equally impressive standard, a merger of traditional period features – beautiful woodwork, varnished floorboards, deep skirting, decorative cornicing, ceiling roses, bay windows, fireplaces – and modern fixtures and fittings with neutral decoration. Within the last ten years William and Lesley have converted the coach house, installed a new kitchen and bathroom in the main house, and re-worked the side garden to create a wonderful oasis complete with water feature. The entrance vestibule is both traditional and ornate, with a high ceiling, ornate coving, and a mosaic-tiled floor. A glass door with sidelights and an arched fanlight opens into a sizeable hall, with original panelled doors and natural wood finishes complemented by black and white checkerboard ceramic floor tiles.
Kildowan 16 Wilton Hill, Hawick
Coach House
Kildowan is an amazing opportunity to acquire two properties for the price of one in an enviable location within a ten-fifteen minute walk from Hawick High School, shops and other amenities.
In Region of £190,000 Details on page 40
Coach House