THE BSPC PROPERTY GUIDE • WWW.BSPC.CO.UK
Focus on the Kelso Area
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Beverley Brown highlights the many lifestyle attractions on offer in the Kelso area The diversity of architecture is an added bonus. In addition to the magnificent Floors Castle, designed by William Adam in 1721, other outstanding buildings include Mellerstain House (designed by William and Robert Adam), Jedburgh Abbey, 15th century Smailholm Tower, Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum, and the 16th century fortified house in Jedburgh that’s now the Mary Queen of Scots Visitor Centre. Given its history, the local property market offers a predictably wide range of house styles, from modern luxury apartments and one-off houses, to traditional flats and terraced styles, rural cottages in picturesque outlying villages and larger stone-built houses from the Georgian and Victorian eras. And the property market is kept buoyant by demand from both local residents and incomers from north and south of the border. It helps that despite being only a few miles from the English border, Kelso and Jedburgh are easily commutable to Edinburgh via the A68 and the city bypass - or by rail, with Tweedbank station within easy reach.
Kelso is arguably the most picturesque of all the Border towns, attracting holidaymakers and visitors as well as those looking to maximise their quality of life away from the stresses and pressures of work. Lying in a fertile valley between the Lammermuir Hills and the Cheviots, Kelso has prospered without sacrificing the character and intrigue imbued by passing centuries. The historic heart of the town, around the upgraded cobbled 18th century market square, is a conservation area, which safeguards its future. But the past is evident almost at every turn, with landmarks that include 12th century Kelso Abbey, Kelso bridge (the first in the world to have elliptical arches and the model for London’s Waterloo Bridge), Cross Keys Hotel, built in 1761 and once the finest coaching inn in the area, and to the north of the town, the magnificent 18th century Floors Castle, Scotland’s largest inhabited house and the ancestral home of the Dukes of Roxburghe.
This is rugby country and Kelso and Jedburgh, like other Border towns, are passionate about the game. However, outdoor and leisure opportunities in Kelso extend to parks and riverside walkways, athletics, badminton, cricket, tennis, cycling, hockey, angling, football, swimming, golf - the Roxburghe golf course is fast becoming recognised by golfers internationally and in the past has been voted the fifth best inland course in Scotland. Unique among Border towns, Kelso also has an ice rink - and is the home of the Border Union Agricultural Society, which makes it renowned for its annual agricultural shows, horse and dog shows, livestock sales and equestrian events. Kelso Racecourse provides another claim to fame as home of National Hunt racing, steeple chasing and point-to-point races.
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WHEN YOU’RE BUYING OR SELLING PROPERT Y . . . IT HAS TO BE BSPC
For all these reasons and many more besides, the Kelso and Jedburgh area offers a lifestyle much favoured by house buyers. Ron Hastings of Hastings & Co, a BSPC member firm based in the town’s historic square, comments: “During the last year, prices achieved in Kelso were generally steady with an overall average price of £186,174 - similar to the previous year and also to 2011, when the average house price was £182,098. This is higher than the average for the Borders overall, reflecting the continuing popularity of the town which remains popular with local buyers and those relocating.” “The first half of 2016 has definitely seen an increased level of activity with both sales of mid range and starter home as well as higher end properties attracting buyers, some achieving spectacular results and selling within a few weeks – even days - of coming to the market.” He adds: “Jedburgh’s market has also improved and there are plenty of quality houses available in the town which are attracting interest with sales agreed and viewings on the increase. Surrounding areas such as Nisbet and Ancrum are always popular and for buyers who are looking for a country lifestyle within a short drive from town facilities, there are plenty to choose from.” Sally Pringle of BSPC member firm Cullen Kilshaw, also located in The Square, is upbeat about prospects for the remainder of the year.
“Activity in the Kelso area has been brisk as we moved into summer,” she says. “While it is still very much a buyer’s market with a good range of properties coming to the market - offering prospective purchasers abundant choice - prices are holding up well, the majority of properties are achieving Home Report value, and notably, the price range between £120,000 and £200,000 has been particularly active. So far, there has been no obvious sign that the uncertainty prompted by Brexit is having any dampening effect; viewings have held up well and with the prospect of a cut in interest rates coming along in the autumn, we are optimistic that our selling clients will continue to benefit from a steady flow of buyers with ready access to affordable loans.” With regards to new build activity, local house builder, J.S. Crawford’s Springwood Rise and Wallaceneuk developments off Jedburgh Road in Kelso are now completely sold, however the company plans a major Wallaceneuk II development (launching next year) that promises to have an entire spectrum of house styles to suit first time buyers and downsizers as well as family houses in a variety of sizes. On the rural edge of Kelso overlooking the River Tweed, M&J Ballantyne’s East Broomlands development offers a choice of bespoke, traditionally built three, four and five bedroom properties in a range of house styles, including bungalows. These high spec houses include valuable extras like central vacuuming, under -floor heating, turfed and enclosed gardens - even the option of having a whole house entertainment system.
Nearby, the popularity of M&J Ballantyne’s North Broomlands development, comprising two and three bedroomed house styles, has been such that only one Bailey is currently available – an attractive semidetached home with a large kitchen/dining room and three good-sized bedrooms (two with built-in storage). While Kelso and Jedburgh are the main towns, this southeast corner of the Borders is also notable for its smaller towns and villages. To the northeast of Kelso, the town of Coldstream lies on the boundary between Scotland and England and once rivalled Gretna as a base for runaway couples looking to marry under Scotland’s more lenient laws. The town was also the birthplace of the Coldstream Guards, which has since been amalgamated into the Royal Regiment of Scotland. Coldstream is well positioned for access to Berwick-upon-Tweed’s railway station and east coast service that links Edinburgh and Newcastle. Also on the border – albeit on opposite banks of the Bowmont River – are the picturesque villages of Town Yetholm and Kirk Yetholm, the latter home to the famous Yetholm Gypsies. A commemorative standing stone on the village green dedicated to the gypsies, also officially marks the end of the Pennine Way, a challenging long-distance walk that begins in Derbyshire and winds its way through three National Parks before crossing the border into Scotland at Kirk Yetholm.
In addition to its mix of house styles the area has an outstanding range of facilities and amenities
THE BSPC PROPERTY GUIDE • WWW.BSPC.CO.UK
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A diverse range of properties From period sandstone villas to traditional cottages, the Kelso Area has a wide range of property types to suit all tastes, which you will find within our BSPC Property Guide and website. Below are just a small sample of the range available . . .
Kelso Offers Around £420,000
Jedburgh Offers Over £395,000
Location is key for this detached five bedroomed villa which occupies an elevated cul-de-sac setting that, as its name suggests, provides spectacular views including historic landmarks such as the Abbey and Rennie Bridge. The split-level layout is beautifully presented – and the landscaped gardens that surround the house are equally breathtaking. See page 9
A traditional detached Victorian villa with stunning views over the town and a lovely walled garden. Completely refurbished, this is an enviable family home with four reception rooms and six bedrooms over three floors – and an interior style that is refreshingly bright and contemporary while retaining original period features. See page 9
Kelso Guide Price £215,000 This detached villa takes family living in its stride with two reception rooms, sunroom, fitted kitchen, three double bedrooms, bathroom with separate shower, cloakroom, integral garage, large shed/workshop, fully enclosed rear garden and low-maintenance mainly graveled area to the front and side. See page 34
Sprouston Guide Price £143,000 Occupying a child-safe cul-de-sac setting, this modern end-terraced house has a spacious living/dining room, stylish dining kitchen, shower room, three double bedrooms and family bathroom. It also benefits from private parking, garden and shed. See page 40
Jedburgh Offers Around £190,000 Situated at the top of Castlegate, overlooking the town, this traditional stone-built terraced townhouse oozes character and charm over three levels to include two reception rooms, dining kitchen and five bedrooms. It also has a beautifully maintained private garden with a burn at the bottom. See page 36
Ednam
Guide Price £130,000
Upgraded and extended, this mid-terraced house has a bright and stylish interior - living room and connecting dining room, fitted kitchen with breakfast bar, rear porch/utility, two bedrooms and shower room – and a sizeable rear garden with three sheds, one fitted out as a home office with phone installed. See page 41
Yetholm Offers Over £295,000 Adjacent to the picturesque village green, this substantial traditional semi-detached home has beautiful open outlooks and immaculately presented accommodation with charming features such as deep bay windows, wood flooring and fireplaces, while outside are extensive gardens and a double garage. See page 24
Yetholm Offers Over £175,000 A traditional bungalow in an enviable rural setting just outside the village that benefits from beautiful views of the surrounding countryside, the accommodation comprises living room, fitted kitchen with space for dining furniture, three bedrooms and bathroom - plus gardens, greenhouse and garage. See page 37
Jedburgh Guide Price £95,000 Situated close to Jedburgh Castle, this traditional mid -terraced house has a living room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, bathroom – and an outstanding enclosed rear garden with a paved patio, lawns and garden shed. Completely private, the garden alone makes viewing a must. See page 47
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WHEN YOU’RE BUYING OR SELLING PROPERT Y . . . IT HAS TO BE BSPC
The town itself offers a diverse choice of property, its buildings ranging from historic and quirky to traditional and modern, while the surrounding countryside offers opportunities for one-off houses and rural conversions. Nearby Morebattle, seven miles south of Kelso on the banks of the River Kale, is typical of many Border villages, with a picturesque main street, village hall, primary school and shops. The village name means ‘the dwelling on the lake’, which refers to a sizeable loch that used to exist between Morebattle and the village of Linton. St Cuthbert’s Way, another long-distance route popular with walkers, passes through Morebattle on its way from Melrose to Lindisfarne. Built on either side of the Jed Water, the Royal Burgh of Jedburgh is another popular Borders town with a history that spans many centuries. The famous abbey, founded by King David I in 1138, has the distinction of being the most complete surviving abbey in the Borders – despite having been set on fire nine times. Jedburgh is similar in layout to Edinburgh’s Old Town in that it has a long high street terminating with Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum at its highest point. Tourism accounts for a large share of the town’s economy and the town centre conservation area alone has more than 130 listed properties, a number of which are category A - buildings of national or international importance, either architectural or historic, or littlealtered examples of a particular period, style or building type. The history of this attractive town is highlighted at a visitor centre based in a fortified house that played host to Mary Queen of Scots in 1566. The A68 cuts a swathe through Jedburgh providing direct access north to Galashiels, Melrose and Edinburgh and south, through Northumberland National Park, where it joins the A69 linking Carlisle and Newcastle.
Jedburgh offers a wide choice of sports and outdoor activities, from horse riding, angling and cycling, to unique attractions like Harestanes Countryside Centre and Jedforest Deer and Farm Park. The town also has an 18-hole parkland golf course on Dunion Road, with woodlands, broom, gorse, water features and exceptional views over the Cheviots. There is also a challenging nine-hole course at Lilliardsedge. Other facilities include pre-school, primary schools and Jedburgh Grammar School, local shops and restaurants, healthcare – all the necessities of life with the added benefit of scenic rural surroundings.
North-west of Jedburgh, near Harestanes Countryside Centre, is Ancrum, a popular and very pretty village within easy reach of Jedburgh that has been expanding in recent years, most notably due to the Duke’s Field development comprising traditionally built three and four bedroomed semi and detached house styles and larger five and six bedroomed houses. Although Jedburgh and Kelso are both less than 50 miles from Edinburgh, which can be easily reached via the A68, the opening of the Borders Railway between Edinburgh Waverly and Tweedbank makes this part of the region more widely accessible, which in turn will continue to increase its desirability with city commuters as a wonderful place in which to live and raise a family.
BSPC MEMBER FIRMS IN THE KELSO AREA
Charles & R.B. Anderson W.S. (CRBA) Royal Bank Buildings, 38 High Street, Jedburgh, TD8 6AG Tel. 01835 863202 Fax. 01835 864016 Email. enquiries@crba.co.uk www.charlesrbanderson.co.uk
Cullen Kilshaw (CK) 43 The Square, Kelso, TD5 7HL Tel. 01573 400399 Fax. 01573 400388 Email. kelso@cullenkilshaw.com www.cullenkilshaw.com
Hastings & Co. (HAS) 15 The Square, Kelso, TD5 7HH Tel. 01573 226999 Fax. 01573 229219 Email. enq@hastingslegal.co.uk www.hastingslegal.co.uk Hastings Property Shop, Kelso 28 The Square, Kelso, TD5 7HH Tel. 01573 225999 Fax. 01573 229888 Email. enq@hastingslegal.co.uk www.hastingslegal.co.uk
Borders Country Lets (BCL) 30 Woodmarket, Kelso, TD5 7AX Tel. 01573 229887 Fax. 01573 229888 Email. enq@hastingslegal.co.uk www.hastingslegal.co.uk
Taits (TWS) 10 The Square, Kelso, TD5 7HJ Tel. 01573 224311 Fax: 01573 225858 Email. info@taitskelso.co.uk www.taitskelso.co.uk