The Herald - The Herald Magazine
THREE OF A KIND: HISTORIC LODGES
MONIAIVE village near Thornhill in Dumfries and Galloway is notable for its high number of resident artists (including James Patterson, founding member of the Glasgow Boys), writers and musicians. Judging from some of the properties in this picturesque hamlet, architects were also inspired, hence Crawfordton Lodge, a B-listed Arts and Crafts villa from 1882, which displays beautifully carved timber pillars, fireplaces and other period gems alongside a wealth of refurbished modern installations.
In fact, every room is a work of art and there are plenty of them – sitting room, dining room, bathroom, fully fitted Shaker-style kitchen with range cooker and oak flooring, adjoining conservatory, and three upstairs bedrooms.
Set in around three-quarters of an acre of mature garden grounds, the property also has a matching carport with a pitched roof and storage space above. Savills is seeking offers over £330,000 for this painterly masterpiece.
SOME homes change considerably over the course of their existence as owners come and go – but the transformation of Tresta, an exceptional Edinburgh home with a price tag of almost £2m, is out of this world. Its origins date back to around 1900, when, according to the current owners, the notable preacher and philanthropist Dr Thomas Guthrie commissioned it for his daughter.
Old servant’s bells in the former kitchen were labelled ‘Miss Guthrie’s bedroom’ and ‘Miss Guthrie’s bathroom’, and so on, to ensure, no doubt, that calls from the lady of the house were never missed.
Several details about the family have come from a woman whose aunt used to be a maid at Tresta. According to her, Dr Guthrie was a supporter of the Ragged Schools, charities set up in the 19th Century to help destitute children.
He was said to have been appalled by the number of children living on the streets, turning to crime, and wanted to give them a chance to avoid taking that particular route in life. The first Ragged School in Edinburgh was established in 1847 in a small room on the Castle Hill – its main building is now part of Camera Obscura.
But fast forward 120 years, and Tresta is a triumph of modern, luxury living.
It combines high end ‘smart’ home technology – everything from a Comelit visual entry system and high speed broadband, to zoned lighting, heating and multi-room sound systems – with luxurious fixtures and fittings, such as a stunning Bulthaup and Gaggenau kitchen; Porcelanosa and Duravit bathroom suites; Porto Romana lighting; designer wall coverings; steel column radiators; custom designed furniture and bespoke soft furnishings.
There have only been a few custodians of Tresta since Miss Guthrie ruled the roost, with the current owner’s parents having lived in the house before her.
It has been extensively refurbished in recent years, including the addition of a large extension complete with children’s playroom, boot room and even an area exclusively for the dogs; other highlights of the modernisation include a spectacular master bedroom suite, with a large dressing room and bathroom.
Every detail, inside and out, has been considered, with contemporary family life very much in mind.
Televisions – in the master bedroom and in the main living room – are discreetly hidden, and the kitchen is a chef’s dream, with combination and steam ovens, a warming drawer, wine fridge and teppanyaki grill – handy for ‘indoor’ barbecues when the Scottish summer weather acts entirely predictably. This spacious and stylish open plan kitchen/dining/family area is a fantastic space, in fact, with bi-fold doors to the garden, marble flooring with underfloor heating, a contemporary wood-burner and a walnut dining table with built-in bench seating.
The ground floor also includes a formal sitting and dining room, and a utility room with WC. The master bedroom suite and two further double bedrooms are situated on the first floor, along with a family bathroom and a study, which could equally become a gym or sixth bedroom; and the remaining bedrooms are on the second floor.
Tresta sits in private, sheltered grounds and includes a separate studio which could be used for extra living accommodation – it has a kitchenette with bespoke handle-less
units, corian worktops and an integrated fridge freezer, plus a shower room with walkin shower, heated towel rail and Vitra wash hand basin and WC.
The attention to detail evident inside the house has also been applied to the beautifully manicured landscaped gardens, which feature a cleverly designed entertaining space, a decked dining area, a hot tub, separate children’s play area, complete with AstroTurf, and an enclosed dog area to allow beloved pets to run around in safety.
Tresta is located in Colinton, a charming and affluent conservation area lying to the south-west of Edinburgh. The house has views across to the Pentland Hills, and the Braid and Blackford Hills, Spylaw Park, Colinton Dell and the Water of Leith walkway are a short distance away. It is a great spot for families who love the outdoors and want to maintain a healthy lifestyle – there are wonderful opportunities for trail running, cycling, horse riding and fishing on the doorstep.
Colinton has a lovely village atmosphere, with local independent shops and restaurants, but the city centre, city bypass and Waverley Station are within easy reach.
From its beginnings as a turn-of-the century lady’s country house, to its present role as the epitome of high-tech, comfortable contemporary living, Tresta is a home that will tick many boxes for families looking for both style and substance.