The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Harbour living in Pittenweem
A restored townhouse on Pittenweem’s waterfront has outstanding views across the busy working harbour and out to sea. With a shop and artist’s studio on the ground floor and three levels of accommodation above, it’s ideal for a home business
Astroll along Pittenweem’s scenic harbour takes you past the door to number 4 Mid Shore.
It’s hard to imagine an address that could be more in the heart of the East Neuk town’s thriving waterfront, or have better views across to sea.
Of course, the problem with being on the harbour front’s streetside is it can feel like living in a goldfish bowl.
However, 4 Mid Shore has a shopfront and artist’s studio at ground level, with living accommodation above – so no one will be peeping into your living room.
The four-level property has been overhauled by Anstruther-based developer Alan Waugh, and has a thoroughly up-to-date interior behind its traditional facade.
Dating from the early 1800s, the home would originally have been a merchant’s house.
The exterior is of local stone under a red pantile roof that is typical of the East Neuk.
On the ground floor is an entrance hallway, a shop unit with toilet and shower, and artist’s studio with office, kitchen and WC/shower.
On the first floor is an open plan kitchen/dining/living room. Spanning the full width of the house with an exposed stone feature wall it’s a striking room. A wood burning stove keeps it cosy during winter storms .
Doors off the sitting room lead into a Jack ‘n’ Jill bathroom and a dressing room, which leads through to the third bedroom at the back of the house.
On the second floor are two bedrooms, both front facing to take full advantage of the sweeping views across Pittenweem’s harbour and over the water to the East Lothian coastline.
The larger of these two bedrooms has an en suite shower room while the other is beside the family bathroom.
On the attic level is another spacious open plan room. A large living area spans more than 27 by 16 feet, making a great space for entertaining, while a kitchenette at the back gives an area for food and drink preparation.
The beams have been exposed and the ceiling taken up to full roof height, increasing the feeling of space even further. Five Veluxes and a vertical window make it a light and airy space, even on an overcast winter’s day.
Although the ground floor is set up as an artist’s studio and a shop, both have bathrooms and there’s a kitchen. The ground floor could easily be converted into a self-contained holiday let that would bring in a pleasing income during the summer months.
The open plan attic floor also has the potential to be let out as an Airbnb.
All the bathrooms and kitchens are new, as are interior walls and ceilings – which are fitted with modern downlighters.
Stairs are fitted with glass balustrades and have nautical compasses carved into the newel caps in a nice nod to the village’s coastal heritage.
Located directly opposite the harbour, there are no shortages of cafes, pubs and – of course – fish and chip shops to choose from.
4 Mid Shore, Pittenweem is on sale with Galbraith for o/o £499,000. www.galbraithgroup.com