Property description
We are delighted to bring to market this beautiful property full of character and surrounded by stunning mature gardens which offer privacy as well as picturesque woodland surroundings. Originally a coach house built in the late 1800âs in Kilmeny House grounds, St Ables was converted in the 1930âs to provide a substantial family home retaining a wealth of original features. It now provides a fantastic family home, full of character and with an abundance of original features that include woodwork to doors, floors, facings and skirtingâs, plaster cornices and several fireplaces.
The reception hall is at the centre of the accommodation at ground floor level and a bright and spacious landing at first floor. Whilst generously proportioned as it stands, there is scope to further develop and / or slightly reconfigure the upper floor, as at present one of the bedrooms gives access to a floored attic room, which could be altered to create an en-suite and storage. Another possibility would be to form a proper staircase from here to the flat roof, which is reached now by a ladder and has masses of potential for development into a roof garden, benefiting from stunning views.
The main entrance door to the front opens to a Vestibule with marble flooring, from where a frosted glass panelled door leads though to the elegantly proportioned Reception Hall which features honey toned floorboards and a beautiful staircase with turned spindles, exposed treads and runner carpet. On the left lies the formal Dining Room, which has two large windows to the front with wood surrounds, deep coving, and a feature fireplace currently housing a cast iron stove. A slight indent in the hall accesses a spacious Cloakroom as well as the Drawing Room, the main focus of which is the magnificent bay window, incorporating a glass door opening out to the front garden. To either side of the fireplace, which is fitted with a multi fuel burning stove and has a green slate hearth, are book/display cases. Set to the right of the hall is the family Kitchen. Truly the heart of this home, it boasts an enviable Aga range, has a plentiful selection of floor and wall mounted cabinets and comfortably houses a large table, perfect for casual dining. An original servants bell gives a quirky feature, limed oak effect flooring a practical as well as attractive finish and excellent light is provided by two large windows looking out onto the gardens. There is also a useful pantry cupboard and a double glazed door opening out to the patio. The Study is reached directly off the kitchen. It is adopted now as a fully functioning home office, but of a size and in a location to suit alternative purposes, such as a snug or play room. Also reached from the kitchen is the Rear Hallway, forming a corridor which accesses the Utility Room, a handy Gardeners Loo and a Boot Room, which has coat hooks and shelves to either side and includes a good sized storage cupboard, ideal as a gun safe.
The upper landing is very airy and spacious, with good borrowed light from a large frosted glass roof light. Two of the six bedrooms are set to the left, one is a charming room with dual aspect windows; the other a very generous double fitted with a wash hand basin and accessing the aforementioned floored attic room. Bedroom One is a lovely tranquil room, featuring two windows, between which is a closed off fireplace, and with great storage catered for via a range of wardrobes all along one wall. It also includes an internal shower room. The further bedrooms are all doubles; one is used now as a Teenâs room/TV lounge with views over the front garden and up the tree lined road, one includes a range of wardrobes with sliding doors and the remaining has a real cosy feel, with lovely outlooks up the road and featuring a closed off fireplace. Set to the right, slightly separated by an open wall creating a division, is the spacious well-presented Bathroom, which could perhaps be altered to incorporate a large adjoining linen cupboard. The bathroom features cream paintwork and dado level panelling, and is fitted with a cast iron bath, a wash hand basin and shower cubicle. The WC is in a separate room, also backing to the bathroom, quite useful in any busy family home.
The house is surrounded by delightful well-tended mature gardens, screened by trees and beech hedging. At the front there is an area of lawn with gorgeous borders full of colourful flowering plants and shrubs, with a stunning rhododendron giving a particularly attention grabbing show piece. To one side there is a large gravelled driveway providing off road parking for several vehicles, ideal for those with a caravan or such like. Tucked away just off the drive in amongst the trees is a potting shed. Large wooden doors open to a spacious garage providing secure parking. The rear garden includes a patio reached from the kitchen as well as a corner patio and a large expanse of lawn also swathed by prolifically stocked beds and borders as well as a variety of beautiful trees.
Traveling along Victoria Road, turn left into Wilton Park Road. St. Ables sits on the right hand side at the end of a small private road leading up to Kilmeny House. Edinburgh 57 miles Galashiels 18 miles Carlisle 43 miles
By appointment through McEwan Fraser Legal on 01896 800 440
McEwan Fraser Legal are open 7 days a week: 8am - Midnight Monday to Friday & 9am - 10pm Saturday & Sunday to book your viewing appointment.
Extras (included in the sale)
On application.
Property Features :
- 6 bedrooms
- 3 public rooms
- 2 bathrooms