On a security mission
‘Safe house’ is less John le Carré and more child friendly, says Paul Drury
IT’S a term that you will find in the world of John le Carré to describe a refuge from the dangers of international espionage… the ‘safe house’. Yet rather than offer a secret sanctuary for an MI5 operative, this suburban property provides a haven for Paul Heath’s three children.
For all the obvious attractions of the building, what Paul and his wife, Louise, love most about the traditional red sandstone semi-detached home in Burnside, near Glasgow, is that they have fashioned it to meet their child-friendly requirements.
Part of a dividing wall was knocked down in order to allow free access from the living room to the dining room.
Further demolition of several ancillary areas allowed the rear of the house to be opened up, resulting in a long, stylish dining kitchen with a sitting room beyond.
Mr Heath explained the thinking behind his internal alterations. He said: ‘It means we can keep an eye on the kids, wherever they are.
‘As well as the improvements to the house, we now have an “escape-proof” back garden – and that goes for our little pug dog as well. It’s got high walls and big double gates at the side, so there’s no chance they can get out.’
The couple bought the run-down four-bedroom property from the Church of Scotland.
The fact that it is a former manse perhaps explains the ornate stained-glass windows in the hallway, dating from the day the house was built, around 1906.
The Heaths have paid due respect to their home’s history while managing to bring it spectacularly up to date.
They have opted for a 1960s theme throughout – furniture with splayed legs, cylindrical light shades and ‘timeless’ off-white paint in the hallway.
Such is the degree of design here, Mrs Heath receives a stream of compliments whenever she posts images of her home on her Instagram page @stayhomeglasgow.
No doubt people drool over her kitchen – and no wonder.
There is a SMEG double oven range cooker, integrated dishwasher and fridge freezer, and a central island, with seating.
From here, you can see all the way into the garden via a glazed door.
The original staircase with timber balustrade leads up to the half-landing – with a bedroom and bathroom by Bagno Design – to the first floor with its three double bedrooms.
A ceiling hatch in one of the bedrooms provides access to a sizeable attic.
Burnside is a popular suburb with families, offering good shops and restaurants, great transport links with the city centre and some first-class leisure opportunities for the children.
The Heaths’ two boys spend hours at Rutherglen Lawn Tennis Club around the corner.
Mr Heath said: ‘We’ll be sorry to leave. The house we have bought is quite unique, three storeys and pretty big.’
And, presumably, very, very safe.
Offers over £379,000 to Corum in Shawlands. Tel 0141 636 7588 – or email shawlandsoffice@corumproperty.co.uk