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BSPC FEATURE PROPERTY
A one-off barn conversion in Berwickshire Completed in 2006 by local builders/property developers (and brothers) David and Stephen Thomas, Newstead Steading near Duns is an outstanding example of how old farm buildings can not only be resurrected but also given a completely new purpose as unique country homes of distinction. The original L-shaped building in this case had latterly been used as part barn, part storage and potting sheds. One ‘leg’ was demolished and replaced by a new twostorey timber-framed section, while the other part of the original building was stripped right back and re-built on one level. This allowed for extra space within the original footprint of the structure, while the design was carefully conceived to preserve as much of the original charm and character as possible, which included positioning new doors where the original entrance had been. Situated off the A6105 Chirnside to Duns road, roughly a mile from Chirnside, Newstead Steading has an impressive entrance, with a gravelled driveway leading to the front of the double garage adjacent to a suntrap paved patio and courtyard in addition to extensive landscaped gardens.
The spacious interior is equally impressive, finished to a very high specification that includes quality fixtures and fittings and solid oak flooring throughout the ground floor. The layout comprises L-shaped hall with oak floor and carpeted staircase leading to a galleried upper landing, 23ft x 20ft living room, dining room with triple window to the front, large dining-size kitchen, utility, four double bedrooms – two with en suite facilities on an upper level and two on the ground level – fully tiled contemporary bathroom, and an attached double garage with internal staircase leading to a good-sized study/home office with Velux windows ensuring abundant light in addition to scenic views of the surrounding countryside.
The devil is in the detail - and in this home the detail is exemplary. Measuring more than 23ft x 20ft, the living room is a bright and beautifully proportioned space with wide French doors to the front patio, windows to the rear, and a stone-built feature fireplace with chunky timber mantel and slate hearth that houses a Morso multi-fuel stove. Arguably the room with the most wow factor is the dining kitchen, which is fitted with white wall and base units with solid oak work surfaces that echo the flooring.