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WHEN YOU’RE BUYING OR SELLING PROPERT Y . . . IT HAS TO B BSPC
Underhill, Minto
Defining the ideal family home is not always easy - but this modern villa in Minto comes very close Everyone has their own idea of what constitutes the perfect family home but high on most wish lists would be a great location, peaceful setting but with easy access to schools and amenities, and a spacious home with character, modern fixtures and fittings and a good-sized garden – all of which are met by Underhill, a detached architect designed villa in the village of Minto, near Denholm and only a few miles from both Hawick and Jedburgh.
It was the tranquility and setting that convinced Underhill’s present owners, Iain and Rosemary Matheson, to buy the property five years ago. “The location is just wonderful,” says Rosemary, “very private and with virtually no light pollution, on clear nights the skies are simply amazing. We also love the design of the house, particularly the tower. It’s unusual for a modern house to have so much character as well as interesting features,” she adds.
Minto is arguably one of the Borders prettiest villages – and not by accident. Highly sought after as a lifestyle location, notable attractions include the village’s Gothic revival church (also built by William Playfair in 1831), woodland walks, and Minto Golf Course, an 18-hole parkland course on the lower slopes of Minto Hill.
In terms of family accommodation, Underhill exceeds expectations with two reception rooms, four/five bedrooms and three bathrooms, however, what really delivers is more about the detail, quality of materials and overall specification that leaves nothing overlooked, right down to and including chrome-finish power points and light switch covers. The double-height reception hall makes an immediate impact owing to its attractive variegated slate tiled floor, open-fronted access to the tower staircase, and the void up to the galleried landing above. This welcoming area also has plenty of room for seating and incorporates a boot changing area.
Built in 2009, Underhill is an unusual property in that although modern, highly insulated and energy efficient, it pays homage to the past with stone detailing and a baronial-style tower that houses a stone spiral staircase – a practical addition that keeps the stairs separate and makes more of a feature of the four -sided galleried first floor landing. The immaculately presented interior also has underfloor heating throughout the ground level combined with slate flooring, while the upper level has oak flooring.
The living room is a bright room with windows on three sides and French doors to the garden (all the better for admiring views to the Minto Hills). It also has a curved feature wall (courtesy of the tower staircase) and a charming fireplace with inset multi-fuel stove.
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“On clear nights the skies are simply amazing. We also love the design of the house, particularly the tower. It’s unusual for a modern house to have so much character as well as interesting features”
BSPC Featured Property
Details on: Page 17
Underhill, Minto, TD9 8SJ
Selling Solicitor:
Offers Over £425,000
Equally spacious, the dining kitchen is fully fitted with cream units, integrated appliances, five-ring hob and both LPG gas and electric ovens. Completing the ground floor is a study/fifth bedroom, utility, and large, fully tiled shower room. Oak floored throughout, the first floor houses four spacious bedrooms and family bathroom. Echoing the footprint of the living room below, the master bedroom has a curved feature wall and a particularly large en suite bathroom, while the main bathroom is equally stylish and includes a bath and shower. Outside, the integral garage has space for storage/workbench – and the surrounding easily maintained gardens are bounded by hedging and mature trees to ensure complete privacy, albeit the house is very quietly situated at the end of a private driveway, which has plenty of space for parking and turning. Underhill is a wonderful home at any age but particularly for children and pets, while the local area offers a highly desirable lifestyle within easy reach of nearby amenities, schools and commuter links.