THE BSPC PROPERTY GUIDE / FEATURE PROPERTY
Page 13
DIVINE INSPIRATION – A FORMER PRESBYTERY IN INNERLEITHEN IS NOW A UNIQUE FAMILY HOME
Converted church buildings are not uncommon but what is so unusual about St James House in Innerleithen is that the adjacent church is still fully operational and only the B-listed presbytery was sold and converted to make a quite unique two -storey, four bedroomed family home. St James RC Church is a landmark building in Innerleithen. Situated on the High Street at the junction with Traquair Road, the church and presbytery – now St James House – were designed by the Edinburgh architect John Biggar with money bequeathed for the purpose by Lady Louisa Stewart of Traquair. The body of John Biggar’s work consisted of Catholic churches and in this case, St James was built with the prominent local builder and architect Robert Mathison as master mason. Matheson’s stonework and detailing is of exceptionally high quality, as are many of the other buildings he constructed in the town. Work began on the church and presbytery in 1879 and they were opened in 1881.
St James House has been a family home since the conversion was completed in 2002, at which time the property was fully modernised to include rewiring, replumbing, new kitchen and bathrooms etc. Combined with the building’s many fine original features and outstanding oakpanelled windows, the result is a traditional home of immense character with all the interior benefits of a new build. The layout includes a 20ft living room, large and superbly well-fitted dining kitchen with extra-wide French doors to the garden, two double bedrooms (which alternatively could be a second sitting room and formal dining room), utility, study, and ground floor bathroom (bath and integrated power shower unit). Upstairs are two further double bedrooms and a second bathroom, again with bath and integrated mains shower unit.
St James House, Traquair Road, Innerleithen
As with almost all church buildings, the windows are a dominant feature and include striking trefoil-headed styles in the living room, study and upstairs landing and bedrooms. The two bay windows in the living room are particularly impressive with ornate oak paneled surrounds all round each recess, including the top. This beautiful big room also has a fire surround and inset Living Flame gas fire. The kitchen is a major attraction; large, light and airy, with doors opening to the enclosed garden, it is fitted with cream wall and base units and contrasting oak worktops and includes a double Belfast sink, large range-style cooker with gas hob, overhead extractor and stainless steel splashback and integrated fridge freezer and dishwasher. The tiled floor is a practical slate-effect laminate and there is plenty of space for dining furniture and the separate utility is plumbed for laundry appliances.
In Region of £275,000 Details on page 21
The staircase is carpeted and has a wrought iron balustrade – the landing is spacious and has two double windows incorporating trefoil-headed designs, plus a walk-in storage cupboard and access to the loft. The first floor bedrooms are larger than expected and both have beautiful oak-panelled bay windows. Outside, the large level garden – mainly lawn with shrub borders and a stone -chipped patio/dining area - is fully enclosed by fencing and a stone wall, making it a safe space for children and pets. St James House is a one-off, a sizeable family home with wonderful architectural details and a very central position in the town. Innerleithen has several claims to fame and at one time was a famous spa – St Ronan’s Well remains one of the town’s visitor attractions. In addition, it has good local shops, schools and leisure facilities, while nearby Traquair House was built as a royal hunting lodge around AD 950 and is the oldest inhabited house in Scotland.