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Design excellence and originality are only two of the hallmarks of this modern country house near Peebles Woodbank is a house that delights on many levels, the most immediately obvious being the way in which its green painted timber clad facade blends into the tranquil countryside near the village of Eddleston a few miles north of Peebles. Lying low on the landscape, nothing jars to spoil the painterly picture of a man -made structure so completely at one with nature. Yet far from being a weathered old farm building in a remote spot, Woodbank is a modern architect designed family home in a convenient location close to local amenities and just 20 minutes drive from the Edinburgh bypass at Straiton.
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Woodbank, Eddleston
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Woodbank, Eddleston Designed by Sir Basil Spence, Glover & Ferguson (the official name of renowned architect Sir Basil Spence’s Edinburgh practice until it closed in 1992), the timber built house was completed in 1982 for the current owners and has since been extended twice - first to add a Mozolowski and Murray hardwood-framed conservatory to the south-facing gable end, and later at mezzanine level on the other end to create a two-storey granny annex that seamlessly links to the main house yet at the same time is also completely self-contained, which gives this unique property the benefit of space arranged in a layout that is practical for three generations to live harmoniously under one roof. Larger than it seems at first glance, the one-level accommodation in the L-shaped main house comprises entrance hall and cloakroom, 23ft living room with a vaulted timber ceiling and door into the adjoining conservatory, sizeable open-plan dining kitchen with patio doors to the garden, shower room, and three double bedrooms.
Featured Property • Woodbank, Eddleston, Peebles, EH45 8RB Price: Offers Over £425,000 • Details on: Page 9
The annexe, which has its own external access and can be incorporated into the main house by unlocking the connecting door, makes a perfect home for one person or a couple. On the lower level, which benefits from under-floor heating overlaid with cream ceramic floor tiles, is an open -plan living/dining space with French doors to the garden and fitted integrated kitchen at one end. Upstairs is an equally delightful double bedroom and fully tiled en-suite bathroom – larger than average to incorporate bath, separate shower and built-in vanity storage.
As a home, Woodbank works brilliantly on practical and adaptable levels, however the detail, specification and standard of finish are equally impressive. The main living room has a stand-alone feature chimneybreast, raised fireplace and open fire, while the contemporary kitchen is fitted on three sides with cream high gloss units, wood-effect work surfaces, striking tiled splashbacks and integrated appliances.
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Woodbank is a forever home with the accommodation and layout to suit an extended family – and perhaps see a family grow up and In the one-bedroomed annexe, the neutral colour palette is complemented by natural wood finishes, additional Velux windows to maximise light, a streamlined fitted kitchen that blends into the background, and an en-suite bathroom with a variegated slate-tiled feature wall, which gives earthy colour tones and a textural dimension to the otherwise neutral setting. Outside is a large garden comprising mainly lawn with a rockery and ample space for a vegetable garden and fruit bushes. It doesn’t take too much imagination to see it with a hen house and a few free -range chickens clucking around – and the views from here are stunning. The property also has a sizeable detached double garage with power, light, up-and-over doors and lots of space inside for vehicles and storage. This is a win-win home in terms of both the property and location. Situated on the Eddleston Water, the nearby conservation village of the same name can be traced back to the 16th Century and has pretty cottages and stone-built houses in addition to more recent developments. It also has a modern primary school, church, village hall, and the Horseshoe Inn, a fine-dining restaurant with rooms – formerly the village’s Victorian primary school.
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While Eddleston is a small village, it is situated next to the A703, which makes Peebles commutable by car in minutes and Edinburgh, 18 miles to the north, in well under half-an -hour. This area is also notable for some spectacular walks and cycle routes, notably the scenic single lane road from Eddleston over the Meldrum hills to Lyne, while the quiet country road close to Woodbank leads over the hills to Lamancha, home to Whitmuir organic farm, shop and restaurant.
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A modern architect designed family home in a convenient location close to local amenities and just 20 minutes drive from the Edinburgh bypass at Straiton