THE BSPC PROPERTY GUIDE / FEATURE PROPERTY
Page 13
Amazing views across Galashiels is just one of the unique selling points for a 1930s semi-detached home
When Marian Lees and her husband Eric first visited their semi-detached home in Galashiels 16 years ago it was with a view to buying furniture and the actual property was not even on the market. Yet literally within the hour the couple had made the owner a verbal offer, which was promptly accepted and concluded a week later, in what must be one of the fastest house purchases ever made. “As soon as I walked through the front door I knew I had to have it,” recalls Marian. “The house was built in the 1930s and had a distinctive Art Deco theme that I loved, with three-step skirting boards, stained glass windows, and original doors with Bakelite handles.” The Lees also loved the house’s elevated setting in a quiet residential area that falls within the catchment area for St Peters school and Galashiels Academy. “The views at the front are quite spectacular and although we are able to walk to the town centre, the house backs on to a field and is much more like living in the country – in fact, occasionally we wake up to find a stray cow or sheep in the back garden,’ Marian reveals.
“It feels like a different world and with the Southern Upland Way close by, there’s little likelihood this setting will be allowed to change.” One of the first things the couple did was install French doors in the public room at the back of the house to provide direct access to the secluded patio and garden. “Although slightly smaller than the front room, we chose to make this the living room,” says Marian. “It’s cosier and has a tiled fireplace and open fire, which makes it an especially lovely room in winter.” The front room, with its broad bay window and oak floor, became the dining room, although both uses are readily interchangeable. Eric and Marion have completely upgraded the property over the years, installing gas central heating, double-glazed replacement windows, and a new kitchen and bathroom. They have also floored and lined the loft (an ideal playroom) and landscaped the gardens – the rear garden now has two patio areas, a greenhouse and two sheds, and there is also a single garage.
Traditionally built, the Lees’ home has a spacious and adaptable layout – hall, dining room, living room, kitchen, three bedrooms and bathroom. while the interior has been comprehensively upgraded, nothing has been done to the detriment of the house’s character and charm and many of its fine original features have been retained, including the stained glass window panel in the vestibule and another lovely window on the half landing. Decorated in neutral shades throughout, the living in this house is easy. The unexpectedly spacious hall and kitchen both have the same practical slate tile -effect laminate flooring – the kitchen has been extremely well planned and is equipped with modern floor and wall units and contrasting worktops. Other features include a painted wood-lined ceiling, gas hob and electric oven and space for washing machine, dishwasher and fridge freezer. Upstairs, the main bedroom is even larger than the dining room underneath, although the views from the bay window are so amazing nothing else can possibly compete.
Bedroom three, currently used as a compact double room, also has frontfacing views and would make an ideal study, while the larger second bedroom has the country aspect, with views over the back garden and countryside beyond. The bathroom has only recently been refurbished to a luxurious standard – fully tiled in shades of grey, it has both a bath and separate shower cabinet with mains supply shower and includes quality accessories including a mirror with globe wall-lights on either side. Woodhurst is a delightful house that epitomizes the style, size and standard of build of its time but with modern upgrading to suit the needs of present day lifestyles. Best of all is the setting, which provides a taste of the country without leaving the town.
Woodhurst, Oatlands Terrace, Galashiels Fixed Price £199,500 Details on page 32