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BSPC FEATURE PROPERTY
A uniquely different family home near Selkirk with land Stabstane is an exceptional property in every sense, from the building’s distinctive architecture, to its idyllic five-acre rural setting that includes two stables, paddocks, an apple orchard, woodland and the opportunity for self -sufficiency - yet is only a mile from Selkirk town centre. Built in 1947, the house style gives a nod to Art Deco but is arguably more a tribute to the work of the Bauhaus, the German design school most closely associated with ‘Modernism’. The impact of the Bauhaus in the 1920s and 1930s extended the ethos of the British Arts and Crafts movement in the belief ‘form follows function’ – that the construction and form of an object or building should reflect its structural requirements to create something that is functional but also has universal appeal. When present owner Elaine Dyer first saw Stabstane in 2001, her ability as an artist and designer enabled her to see beyond a jaded interior that was out of step with the property’s age and character. “The house appealed to me on every level and I could see that the original features were there but just needed to be brought to the fore,” says Elaine. “I also realised that this was a very special place and would be a wonderful home in which to bring up children.”
Having bought the property, it became an all-consuming labour of love that was stripped back to basics and completely upgraded, including services, while retaining unique features, such as the original brass light switches. The property has partial under-floor heating and a heat recovery ventilation system – and the windows, which are now a major feature, Elaine designed herself and had made. The layout was reconfigured to create a new dining-size kitchen – and in 2008 a substantial sunroom was added. “Stabstane is an inspiration for painting and the sunroom makes a wonderful artist’s studio where I am surrounded by the elements no matter the weather or the season,” Elaine adds.
Stabstane is a sizeable family home with a two-storey layout that comprises: 17ft dining kitchen, utility, ground floor shower room, study with original period fireplace now housing a multi-fuel stove, guest bedroom, and living room (with a contemporary-style multi-fuel stove) opening into the sunroom, which has a roof lantern and patio doors out to a sheltered seating area and garden beyond. Upstairs, the master bedroom has a fully tiled en suite shower room and there are two further double bedrooms and main family bathroom with over-bath shower.
BSPC FEATURE PROPERTY
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for horses or livestock – and sheep can be included ! Like everything about this house, the layout is functional and works perfectly as a 21st Century family home. But the interior is the main attraction – clean lines, neutral decoration, and tall (and in some instances full height) windows that flood the interior with natural light framing the glorious views. Cream carpets and ceramic tiled floors and hardwood sills, surrounds and finishes complement an interior that is in no way starkly minimalist – but is classically modern with no need for frills and superfluous decoration. The dining kitchen is fitted with cream Shaker-style wall and base units with wooden work surfaces and includes an island breakfast area, gas range cooker within a tiled recess, and integrated appliances. Outside there is a courtyard parking area, while the gardens are a real delight, with grazing paddocks next to the house – three “very fat and well fed” resident sheep can be included in the sale if requested – terraced lawns, flower beds, woodland, two ponds linked by a stream, and planting that provides colour throughout most of the year. The grounds are a haven for wildlife, with regular sightings of deer, pheasants, foxes, badgers, birds, butterflies and more. “Stabstane is a special place and will always be a source of many happy memories,” says Elaine. “My children have loved growing up here and spent many happy hours exploring the woods, creating dens and hideaways. Many ‘snowdays’ from school were spent building snowmen and fashioning toboggan runs down through the paddock, much to the delight of our dog and the sheep!” More than a home, the lifestyle this wonderful property offers is outstanding and could be run as a smallholding. It is also ideal for horses, chickens, and with established fruit and vegetable plots in addition to the orchard, the possibilities for living the good life are unlimited.
Stabstane, Selkirk, TD7 4PR Offers Over £400,000
Details on page 8