Pure entertainment
A blond sandstone villa that’s fit for a fabulous party, writes Paul Drury
AFTER what seems like days of being consumed by the Beast from the East, what better than to have a look at a property that radiates the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer?
The fact that the luxury detached villa is called Sunrise – and sits in Sunnyside Road – suggests it comes into its own in more clement weather.
But this blond sandstone beauty is also redolent of the past, when Scotland’s largest town shipped its textile products to all corners of the Empire.
Built in 1877, its first owner was a wool manufacturer who probably had his own mill in Paisley, Renfrewshire.
He was one of the rising class of new money who prospered in Victorian Scotland by grasping the possibilities of new technology and exploiting them through worldwide trade.
The present owner completed his own research into the history of his home and found the wool entrepreneur, his wife, three children and maid present in the 1881 Census.
When Charles Newlands bought Sunrise eight years ago he wanted to create a pleasure palace as he believes the place was built for entertaining.
He said: ‘I decided right at the start that the work had to give respect to the building’s origins.
‘And, because I am a mechanical engineer, it had to be right.’
Inspired by the London Basement Company, which has a reputation for converting Chelsea basements, he went to work on his own home.
The result is one of the finest properties on the market north of the Border, a home that effortlessly lends itself to a grand party.
A semi-circular extension on two levels includes a custom-built kitchen to a dramatic sun room that offers wonderful views towards the Gleniffer Braes.
Underneath, Mr Newlands has fashioned a sumptuous level, cinema room, pool room and bar, office and wine cellar big enough to hold 600 bottles. A Sonos sound system runs throughout.
The ground floor is truer to its 19th century origins, with an impressive parlour, 26ft drawing room and fifth bedroom.
The four other bedrooms are on the top floor, with two bathrooms and an en suite.
Mr Newlands’s attention to detail has been second to none, with triple insulation in the basement and kitchen.
The blond stone for the turret extension could not be sourced from its original quarry in Giffnock, East Renfrewshire, as it had closed, so Mr Newlands found a match in North Berwick, East Lothian. The Baronial turret-style roof was covered in Ballachulish slate to match the main property.
He added: ‘You can have one heck of a party here. From the minute I bought the place, I knew this was a house made for entertaining.’
Perhaps a barbecue at Sunrise on a sunny Sunday in June?
Offers over £750,000 to Stephanie Adams at Corum, Bridge of Weir. Tel 01505 691 400 or email stephanie.adams@corumproperty.co.uk.