BSPC Featured Property - The Barn, Fansloanhead, Earlston

Page 10

BSPC FEATURE PROPERTY

Space and style are the hallmarks of an Until it was converted in 2006 The Barn was just that, but minus the capital letters. And in the way of the best conversions, it still retains its original stone walls, rectangular shape and agricultural character, but with a completely new interior and an imaginatively designed layout that makes this such a unique and desirable four bedroomed family home.

Apart from style, what this home has in abundance is space.

From an unassuming entrance you step into a 22ft hall, off which is a 26ft dining kitchen with a double-height ceiling – the dining area with patio doors to the garden and a timber staircase leading up to a 17ft galleried landing – cloakroom, utility, fourth bedroom, which could also be a study if preferred, and a stunning 20ft living room with near full-height windows/doors to the garden on two sides of the room.

Upstairs off a 26ft L-shaped hallway lit by numerous Velux roof lights, are bedrooms two and three, a large family bathroom, and a 21ft principal bedroom with fitted wardrobes, en suite shower room, and French doors to a Juliet-style balcony.

Although they did not instigate the conversion, which was developed by a local builder, Barry and Caroline Austin bought the property prior to the project being completed seven years ago. “We just fell in love with the peacefulness of the setting, the view of the Black Hill and surrounding farmland/countryside, and the actual building itself,” says Caroline.

While the interior was finished to such a high specification it required no additions, Barry and Caroline made their mark on the spacious garden grounds by installing a circular Tarmac driveway around the perimeter of a low-maintenance landscaped area complete with water feature and standing stones.

The property also has a detached double garage with an adjoining workshop/office.

BSPC FEATURE PROPERTY

Page 11

imaginatively converted barn near Earlston Features inside include under-floor heating and easily maintained ceramic-tiled floors throughout the ground floor level, while the kitchen work area is fitted with understated wood units and integrated appliances – dishwasher, large range cooker with double oven and six-burner hob, overhead extractor and freestanding stainless steel fridge freezer.

In the living room, a stone wall houses a niche for a log -burning stove with space for storing logs. “It was the original gable end wall before the builder extended the room,” Caroline explains.

The combination of Velux roof lighting and a doubleheight dormer window above the front door make the first floor landing a particularly bright space – the upstairs rooms all benefiting from characterful combed ceilings.

The Barn, Fansloanhead, Earlston, TD4 6BD Guide Price £385,000 Details on page 12

In addition, the main bathroom has an over-bath shower, while the main bedroom is a particularly bright and spacious room with abundant built-in storage and stylish en suite shower room.

Fansloanend is a small hamlet just two miles from the town of Earlston, which provides an excellent range of amenities and facilities, including primary and secondary schools, the High School ranked as being one of the best performing in Scotland. And being on the main A68 to Edinburgh, the town is also ideally situated for commuting to Edinburgh.