History in heart of Falkland

Sitting on a corner plot on a quiet lane in the charming Fife town of Falkland, Wellbrae House is a historic home that dates back to 1663. It’s been extended and modernised by its current owners but still retains its traditional character

The town’s community library is round the corner and there are plenty of cafes within a short walk

The sun is finally out. Mere traces of snow remain on the East Lomond’s northern face. Birds are chirping and spring finally feels on its way.

The sun glints off the red pantile roof of Wellbrae House, beckoning me to step inside and explore further.

I’m greeted by owner Sue Hill, who ushers me inside. Sue, 57, has lived in the house since 1994, since then she’s upgraded and extended it.

“When we first got here the kitchen was a bike shed,” she smiles. “Converting it into a kitchen was the first thing we did. We had to dig right into the foundations – it was a lot of work but it was worth it.”

Sue also extended the house, adding a sunny dining room off the kitchen that has no fewer than three glazed doors out into the garden.

Dining room and kitchen both have exposed beams and wooden flooring.

Through from the kitchen is a family room with French doors facing south into the garden.

“This is a lovely sunny room in the summertime,” Sue explains. It’s her elder daughter Emma’s 23rd birthday: she and her sister Katie, 20, are sitting in a puddle of sunlight engrossed in an art project.

Beyond the staircase is the living room, which has an enormous wood burning stove that keeps much of the house toasty through the winter months.

Off the living room is a small study beside the front door.

Plenty of storage is built into this little room, including a bed that folds down from the wall.

There’s even a little shower room next door, making this corner of the house ideal for squeezing in an unexpected guest.

Upstairs are three large bedrooms, each well separated from the others to give privacy, and a family bathroom.

The master bedroom has one window looking out across Falkland Hill and another low level window that looks down onto the narrow lane along the side of the house.

Wellbrae House was originally two cottages that were joined together at some point long ago.

When Sue bought the house it was already well over 300 years old – indeed, it passed the 350-year mark in 2013.

The sunny front garden is laid to

Wellbrae House is on sale with Galbraith for o/o £385,000.

www.galbraithgroup.com lawn with a driveway, timber decked area, log store and a high hedge for privacy.

There’s also a delightful little “secret garden” to one side that still bears the imprint of what was once the gable end of a long-gone cottage.

“The nice thing is there’s always somewhere to sit,” Sue continues. “You get the sun at one end of the house in the morning and the other end in the evening.”

Wellbrae House sits close to the heart of Falkland – the town’s community library is round the corner and there are plenty of cafes within a short walk.

Sue works at St Andrews University and is looking to move to the town.

“Many of my friends are there so it makes sense for me to live in St Andrews,” she says.

“I’m fed up of not being able to have a glass of wine when we meet for drinks!”