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Style, space and a superb setting make this farmhouse near Melrose a standout home
If there is such a thing as a perfect family home then Longnewton Mill Farmhouse has to come close. Its tranquil setting offers an enviable rural lifestyle - only three miles from the A68, five minutes from the village of St Boswells and 15 minutes from the Border Railway station at Tweedbank - while behind its charming red sandstone facade, the spacious and immaculate interior has been refurbished and upgraded to an impressive specification. But in addition, Longnewton has 2.7 acres that give everyone in the family space and freedom to work, rest and play, with lawns, an established vegetable garden, small woodland, outbuildings, fledgling orchard and an adjacent field that could be a paddock, cricket ground or put to any number of alternative uses.
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Longnewton Mill Farmhouse
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Longnewton Mill Farmhouse Dating from around 1863, it was the peaceful setting that initially attracted present owners Hamish Riddoch and Elaine Dunphy, who bought the property in December 2010. “We also really liked the look of the house, although the interior was tired and jaded – but when we saw the ice on the inside of the windows, we realised we would have to deal with all the practical issues first and deal with the cosmetic look at a later stage,” says Elaine. Longnewton has had a complete overhaul with nothing overlooked.
Featured Property Longnewton Mill Farmhouse, Melrose, TD6 9ES
Offers Around £425,000 • Details on: Page 9
Insulation has been improved, bespoke double-glazed windows fitted (retaining the original wooden shutters) and to make use of the private wood supply to hand, wood-burning stoves installed in the living room and dining room. New kitchen, bath/shower rooms and solid oak flooring followed to create a comfortable and stylish home that is now in pristine condition throughout.
The house is entered via the conservatory at the front, which provides additional space for seating and maximises views across the garden to open countryside beyond. From here a door leads into the centrally positioned hall, off which on either side are the front-facing sitting room and dining room, both of which are similarly spacious and have focal fireplaces/stoves.
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“ We also really liked the look of the house, although the interior was tired and jaded. We realised we would have to deal with all The dining room leads into a very attractive kitchen fitted with Duck Egg Blue units and integrated appliances – a look that is country/contemporary and completely in keeping with the age and character of the house. The kitchen also has plenty of space for dining furniture – and a door opening directly onto a fully enclosed child and pet safe section of garden. Completing the ground level is a rear utility hall off the kitchen, which also serves as an alternative entrance - an area beautifully finished with oak flooring that provides abundant space for coats and boots and leads to a utility/laundry room (fitted to match the kitchen) and contemporary dual aspect family bathroom. Upstairs are three large double bedrooms – one accessed from the half-landing with the other two on the upper landing on either side of a luxuriously appointed shower room with unrestricted garden/ country views, walk-in shower (wet walling), vanity basin and painted wood-panelling to dado level.
the practical issues first and deal with the cosmetic look at a later stage.”
The top two bedrooms have Velux windows in addition to the front-facing dormer windows that give these rooms cottage-like character – the principal room also has built-in storage. Well established, the gardens are stunning and provide a picturesque backdrop to this lovely home without being high maintenance. The kitchen garden, which is planted with fruit, vegetables and herbs, has a gate into a young orchard (with scope for further planting) and access to an adjoining grazing paddock. Longnewton Mill Farmhouse is a very desirable family home in a beautiful setting with easy access to amenities in St Boswells and Melrose and commuter links to Edinburgh. A must-view property.
An Outstanding Country Home
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