THE BSPC PROPERTY GUIDE / FEATURE PROPERTY
Page 13
Looks can be deceiving, as this traditional-style country cottage near Hawick reveals
Many people dream of moving to a cottage in the country where they can grow their own food and perhaps keep a horse and a few hens. A property that has scope for that and a lot more besides is currently on the market in the picturesque hamlet of Chesters, a location within easy reach of both Hawick and Jedburgh.
The layout includes an entrance vestibule, large hallway, open-plan living/dining area with four windows revealing lovely views over the paddock and ponds at the back and distant hills to the front, kitchen, utility, bathroom with separate fully tiled shower, and a rear-facing conservatory, the latter added by present owners Ellen and Chris.
Number one Glebe Farm is an attractive two bedroomed end terraced cottage that comes with an adjoining 1.5-acre paddock, a sizable detached 25-metre barn with power, and a large garden (0.5 acre) incorporating three ponds.
Upstairs, the landing has space for a study area and there are two good sized double bedrooms with built-in storage and fine views to both the front and back. There is also a useful toilet facility and access to eaves storage.
But what is more surprising still about this property is that despite looking every inch a traditional cottage, from the dormer windows to the matching inverted Vshaped entrance vestibule and pretty random-style stone facade, it was actually built only 12 years ago.
When Ellen and Chris bought the cottage five years ago it was primarily the paddock and outside space that ticked their boxes. Until last year the couple kept Shetland sheep and still have pigeons, ducks and hens – and as one of the ponds is a fair size, they have also in the past stocked it with trout.
Occupying the site of an original farm outhouse, the stone-fronted cottage has an equally deceiving and unexpectedly spacious interior, where features include wooden flooring, a brick-built fireplace with wooden mantel housing a multi-fuel stove, and a dining kitchen with terracotta tiled floor and a Rayburn stove sitting snugly in a recess – all the things you would expect to find in a traditional cottage.
”Being set back well away from the road the setting is very quiet and secluded,” Ellen adds. “And having always liked older style properties, the cottage also looked the part.” This gives it the best of both worlds – a modern low maintenance property with all the charm and character of a traditional country cottage in a location that is rural without being remote.
The open-plan living area is a most attractive space with the fireplace and stove as a focal point. But where a truly old cottage interior can often lack light, this room is filled with light, having windows to both the front and rear. The combination of terracotta floor tiles, wood-fronted floor and wall units and green Rayburn stove (which also powers solid fuel central heating), give the kitchen a cosy, country look.
A modern bonus, the utility is equally well fitted, with a large storage cupboard, oak wall and floor units, second sink, plumbing for laundry appliances, freezer etc.
There is also a shelved cupboard and pantry (currently housing a fridge freezer), while appliances include a dishwasher and back-up electric hob and oven for cooking when the Rayburn is not required, eg during the summer months.
Two aviaries and a hen coup are also included in the sale – pigeons and hens too, if requested! The rear garden is mainly lawn with the three ponds providing an attractive feature, while the paddock, which is to the right of the property, is ideal for a horse or pony or other livestock.
1 Glebe Farm Chesters, Near Hawick In Region Of £220,000 Details on page 29
Outside, the cottage is accessed via a wide driveway, while the barn, which Ellen and Chris have rewired, currently serves a variety of uses as a workshop and covered parking.
A delightful rural property, Number one Glebe Farm offers numerous lifestyle opportunities and would make an idyllic permanent or holiday home.