THE BSPC PROPERTY GUIDE / FEATURE PROPERTY
Space in abundance, inside and out, are the hallmarks of this Victorian villa in Peebles Ravenscroft is one of Peebles’ hidden gems, a detached C-listed Victorian villa standing in almost an acre of magnificent landscaped gardens in an elevated setting that provides stunning views over the golf course of the hills and surrounding countryside. Built in 1874 in whinstone with sandstone detailing and typically Victorian ornate scroll bargeboard on the roofline and entrance canopy, this five bedroomed villa is a beautiful example of architecture from the period. The setting, although prominent in terms of height, is tucked away in one of the town’s most desirable locations where it enjoys a high degree of privacy while still being only a short walk from shops, schools and other facilities. This type of property is, as it was designed to be, the ideal family home, with spacious accommodation – hall, drawing room, sun lounge, dining room, sitting room, conservatory, breakfasting kitchen, ground floor shower/wet room, two bathrooms, three bedrooms, plus two further attic bedrooms and boxroom – with particularly large and fully enclosed child and pet -friendly gardens. The south-facing fan-shaped conservatory was installed by the present owners, who bought the property in 1974, its centenary year. In the interim it has been beautifully maintained, with numerous improvements made to both the house and garden. However, nothing has been done to the detriment of the house’s character and period features, which include beautiful wood panelled windows, ornate plasterwork, plate shelves, dado rails, and traditional fireplaces.
A marble fireplace and open fire in the case of the elegant bay-windowed drawing room whilst the sitting and dining room both have gas fires. Having such a spectacular garden and view makes it essential to maximize both visual and physical links with the outside, which this house does by having beautiful big windows and the additional benefit of a 16ft sun lounge leading off the drawing room, which is glazed almost to full height on three sides to allow views over the side, front and rear gardens. The present owners also installed a traditional-style conservatory, which is south facing and overlooks the rear garden. Accessed by double doors from the sitting room, the conservatory – currently used as a seating area - also has almost full height windows all round and doors out to the garden. Size is a major feature throughout this property but especially so in the modern dining kitchen, which is over 27ft in length and fitted with a range of understated white wall and base units with contrasting work surfaces and tiled splashbacks. Features include a recessed display cabinet with glass front, windows to the rear and side - plus a delightful high-level circular window – two large shelved larder cupboards, pulley, and plenty of space for dining furniture and additional appliances over and above the four-burner has hob and built-in double oven and grill that are included in the sale. Families need bathrooms and Ravenscraig offers a choice of wet room-style shower room, large family bathroom fitted with a four-piece suite and over-bath shower, and a slightly smaller second bathroom also with four-piece suite and over-bath shower.
The bedrooms are all spacious, four out of five being over 16ft in length. The main bedroom is front facing and includes period features, a fireplace, and an archway into a dressing area with storage. Also front facing, the second bedroom has an enclosed fireplace with wooden ledge and mantel (both rooms have outstanding views of the hills around Peebles), while the two double bedrooms on the attic floor have Velux windows to the rear – one room has access into the eaves, the other into a boxroom. The Victorians knew the importance of making an entrance – in this instance via a sweeping driveway up to the side of the property and stone-built garage and two carports. The gardens are a visual delight, impeccably landscaped and offering a mix of lawn, mature trees and high beech hedging, paved seating section, paved pathways, large rockery and well stocked borders and flower beds. Ravenscraig is a beautiful example of Victorian design and architecture with grounds of a size rarely found in a town setting. Family living doesn’t get much better than this.
Ravenscraig, Frankscroft, Peebles Offers Over £825,000 Details on page 6
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