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BSPC FEATURE PROPERTY
A contemporary eco house makes the living Completed in 2002, Kircal is a one-off eco home in a rural but accessible area of Berwickshire that puts Edinburgh within a 45-minute drive and Berwick-upon-Tweed closer still, within a 30-minute drive, while the nearby villages of Gordon and Greenlaw provide local amenities. Kircal is the result of a self-build project undertaken by present owners Ollie Young and his wife Wendy, who shortly after the house was finished, managed to purchase additional adjoining land to allow them to complete their dream and add a sizable equestrian complex, which includes five stables, a six acre paddock and a large garage/hay store. “The house was designed for energy efficiency and incorporates a very high level of insulation and a heat recovery system that brings fresh air into the house, extracts the heat from it, and removes stale air,” explains Ollie.
“We have since added photovoltaic roof panels that are eligible for the Feed-In tariff and generate an income of around £3,000 per year.” These can be transferred to a new owner and are included in the price. Ollie and Wendy also wanted to make the most of the magnificent views north to the Lammermuir Hills - and used the contours of the sloping site to best advantage to position the house in a dip.
A one-off eco home in beautiful rural surroundings which ticks all the boxes
This made it possible to create a lily pond, stream and water feature that attract a wide variety of wildlife and are now a feature in the landscaped garden that is testament to Wendy’s green-fingered expertise, while Ollie’s has achieved great results from the vegetable garden. The house interior has been carefully planned to provide comfortable and spacious accommodation. This includes a very attractive fully fitted breakfasting kitchen with integrated appliances, and two reception rooms (one could also be a fourth bedroom if required).
BSPC FEATURE PROPERTY
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easy – accommodation for horses included There is also a beautiful conservatory, a dining room with French doors to the garden and a practical ceramic tiled floor, a utility room, double bedroom with adjoining bathroom, and an office with the potential to become another bedroom with garden access. Upstairs, are two further double bedrooms with built-in wardrobes, and a sizable tiled shower room. Outside, the gardens are a major feature and a feast for the eyes, with specimen trees providing shelter, decorative lawns, and colourful shrubs and plants. In addition, a polytunnel produces a variety of soft fruits, while a similarly productive vegetable plot is completed by a garden shed. The property also has a double garage with up-and-over doors – adjoining timber sheds to the side and rear provide additional useful storage.
Kircal, East Gordon, TD3 6JY Offers Over £450,000 Details on page 7
Wendy currently has five horses and the equestrian complex has been configured to have a separate gated entrance with plenty of space for parking and turning in addition to the yard and stables. This offers the opportunity to generate income by letting the equestrian facilities for livery etc. While Kircal’s equestrian facilities will clearly have huge appeal to horse lovers, the house’s eco credentials and energy efficiency offer considerable fuel savings as well as a healthy living environment and desirable contemporary interior.