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BSPC FEATURE PROPERTY
Old meets new in style for this beautifully Dating from 1890, this former end terraced farm worker’s cottage epitomises the perfect fusion of a traditional exterior and thoroughly modern interior, a combination preferred by the vast majority house buyers.
The couple installed gas central heating, renewed all the internal doors and facings, re-fitted the bathroom to include a bath and separate shower, fitted a new Shaker-style fitted kitchen with integrated appliances, improved the insulation and fitted double-glazed windows and transformed an old and unusable conservatory into a utility, which has an internal window to the kitchen.
However, the cottage looked very different a year ago, when present owners Jane Huchinson and her husband John first saw it.
The accommodation comprises entrance hall and staircase off which is a front-facing living room on one side and 17ft dining kitchen on the other side.
“It was certainly not very appealing at that point,” says Jane, “but I loved it instantly, largely because it is double-fronted and still looked pretty on the outside. Internally was a different matter as it needed everything doing-but it was in the right place for our son, who was going to agricultural college, and I was up for the challenge and although John was less enthusiastic initially, he did come round.” Effectively, this is a new house inside the existing red sandstone walls. Everything is either new or has been restored to create an exceptionally desirable, warm and comfortable three bedroomed family home in move-in condition.
Both rooms have a second door opening into a rear hall that leads to the utility room and bathroom. Off the first floor landing, which has built-in storage and a Velux window, are three double bedrooms – the largest of the three with an original cast iron fireplace, en suite WC and washbasin, and front -facing dormer window overlooking the garden and countryside beyond.
BSPC FEATURE PROPERTY
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restored former farm cottage in Earlston Beautifully presented throughout with new floorcoverings and neutral colour scheme, this home has been finished to a very high specification without compromising its character and period features. The living room has a black cast iron open fireplace as the focal point, with a shelved display recess on the same wall; and the dining kitchen has a stone-tiled floor, stylish white units with white tiled splashbacks and under-unit lighting, integral dishwasher and range -style gas cooker and American-style fridge freezer (some appliances available separately by negotiation). Having completely upgraded the house, Jane and John turned their attention to the garden, which has been landscaped to create a very pretty paved patio/seating area at the front, while a pebbled path leads round the side of the cottage to a small courtyard area at the back where there is also an external store/outhouse. Location-wise, this property also ticks all the boxes. Occupying a very peaceful rural setting, it’s also conveniently close to the recently completed and highly regarded Earlston High School and within walking distance of the town’s shops and many other amenities – which include the new Earlston circular Jubilee Walk. Number 3 Townfarm Cottages has made the transition to a very desirable family home that is ready to move into without having to even think about the decorating and DIY that normally goes hand-in-hand with a house move. Viewing, as they say, is essential for this one.
3 Townfarm Cottages, Earlston, TD4 6HY Offers Around £185,000
Details on page 39