A timeless beauty
Reclaimed stone gives modern home a classic look, writes Paul Drury
IF truth be told, this imposing stone villa nestling at the foot of the Lammermuir Hills is something of an imposter. All of the ingredients of a period home are present: traditional stone construction, slate roof, chimney stacks, etc. But, like a truculent teenager being asked for ID in a bar, this country dwelling would blush if asked to produce its birth certificate – which shows 1991.
Lammerlaw House, near Humbie, East Lothian, was built from the recovered stone of an earlier property, which had caught fire and could not be saved.
Someone with an eye for a fine view realised it would be sacrilege to leave this idyllic location – with breathtaking views of the Lammermuir Hills – to nature.
So the house was rebuilt using the original stone but constructed to exacting modern standards.
Malcolm Leslie of selling agent Strutt & Parker said: ‘Lammerlaw looks like a period property and its stone façade is wonderfully pretty, but it was built in the 1990s and therefore provides all the comforts and convenience of a contemporary home, so offering the best of both worlds.’
The interior has been arranged along traditional lines, with all the downstairs rooms reached by a generous reception hallway.
The period theme continues in the drawing room, which has an open fi r eplace with ornate surround.
The only negative observation here is that the dimensions leave no doubt that you are in a modern home, with ceilings much lower than a Victorian original. The upside is that you get more rooms within the property.
There is a sizeable study and the dining room is equally impressive, sporting another open fire with decorative tiled surround and timber-carved mantelpiece.
Again, this room makes the most of the views, with double doors opening onto the patio. The adjacent kitchen comes with that countryside ‘must-have’, the twooven gas-fired Aga. There is also a Belfast- style sink, i ntegratedrated fridge, freezer and dishwasher.
The views to the west are even better from the master bedroom, thanks to its elevated position. There is a luxury dressing room, which leads to the en suite bathroom with a lovely corner bath.
The first floor boasts three further double bedrooms, one with en suite bathroom, and the other two bedrooms are served by the family bathroom.
A sunroom by Mozolowski & Murray is laid out in appreciation of the gorgeous surroundings. The gardens, with beautiful pond, are so attractive they have featured in the Scotland’s Gardens scheme, which allows others to appreciate the coppice, monkey puzzle and octagonal summer house.
All in all, a stunning beauty. But as with a lady, don’t ask her age.
Offers over £795,000 to Strutt & Parker, Edinburgh. Telephone: 0131 226 2500