THE BSPC PROPERTY GUIDE / FEATURE PROPERTY
Page 13
Old and new combine in a period cottage in Kelso with a fully upgraded interior
Born and brought up in Kelso, Diane Graham used to walk along Maxwellheugh Terrace and admire eight very distinctive semi-detached period cottages, arranged in four blocks of two in an elevated setting that provides spectacular views over the town and includes historic landmarks such as Kelso Abbey and Floors Castle. To live here was always an aspiration, so when one came up for sale two years ago, Diane and her husband Mike didn’t hesitate and bought it. “What made it even better was that this cottage had been extended and also has a large, totally private garden,” says Mike. In the last 18 months the couple have completely upgraded the interior to the extent that everything has either been replaced or re-done, making this a very unique opportunity to acquire a beautiful home that combines age and character with a low maintenance, modern interior – all the advantages of old and new in one. The cottages have an interesting history. According to local knowledge they were built in 1840 and designed by an English architect whose wife was Spanish.
As a result, two of the cottage blocks were built in English style, and two – including Mike and Diane’s – in Spanish style, using hexagonal stone instead of the more traditional rectangular shape. What makes this building so aesthetically pleasing, apart from the beautiful and unusual two coloured stone facade, is the overall design, which includes pitched roofs, dormer windows and a pretty entrance porch – all edged with decorative bargeboards, a hallmark of Victorian architecture that are painted red to match the vestibule and front door. Inside, the two-storey layout includes a hall, large front-facing living room with feature fireplace and Living Flame gas fire, ground floor shower room with built-in storage and a corner shower, and refitted 16ft dining kitchen, with Shaker-style units, block wood-effect worktops, tiled splashbacks, and plenty of space for slot-in cooker and appliances. Upstairs, are two sizable double bedrooms, the main one having a small dressing area and extensive built-in storage along the whole of one wall.
It also has a stylish en suite bathroom with over-bath power shower. The beautifully landscaped garden has wow factor in spades, owing to its design and size. Laid mainly to lawn, it includes a vegetable garden, fruit trees, planted flowerbeds and shed, while a sheltered barbecue area provides a lovely setting for summer dining, as does the decked terrace beyond. But stealing the limelight is a beautiful detached timber summerhouse with double door entrance at the front that is large enough to be used as guest accommodation and makes a delightful addition to this very private garden oasis. There is also a gravelled driveway to one side with private parking for two vehicles.
6 Maxwellheugh Terrace Station Road, Kelso Asking Price £165,000 Details on page 49
There are some lovely features in this house, including the turned staircase in the hall, off which is a landing window with glorious views, while the landing ceiling has exposed ceiling beams. The views are also exceptional from the main bedroom, which overlooks the rear garden and beyond, taking in Floors Castle. In as-new condition throughout, this beautiful cottage would suit anyone looking for a home of character with a thoroughly modern interior and one of the most covetable addresses in the town.