The Herald - The Herald Magazine
VILLAGE LIFE BY KINROSS
IT IS hard to believe this week’s lovely Hot Property is almost two decades old. Beautifully maintained exteriors, gorgeous gardens and stylish interior design make 2 Queen’s View in the village of Wester Balgedie near Kinross seem almost brand new. Current owner Effie Riddell laughs: “We have lived here for 17 years and it has been a well-loved, happy family home.
“I loved it because it was new, and we didn’t have to do anything to it. It’s part of a small site of six houses that used to be a chalet development, and it is surrounded by amazing countryside.
“It’s like a little village because there are so few of you, but it’s nice not to be too remote. You are so close to everything – the farm shop is two minutes’ walk away …”
The ‘farm shop’ is the legendary Loch Leven Larder, one of Kinross-shire’s most popular food halls and delis.
“There is always something going on there, and it’s fantastic for families,” adds Effie.
Family life has been at the heart of 2 Queen’s View since Effie fell in love with the place back in 1993. Her three children were at school when she moved in, and they have grown up in the house.
“I was talking about it the other day, as I realised all three of them have had their 18th and 21st birthday parties in this house,” she smiles.
“It’s an excellent family home, full of space and there is lots of flexibility to change things around.”
The modern, detached five-bedroomed house sits in beautiful gardens in Wester Balgedie, a stone’s throw from Loch Leven and all of its walking and cycling heritage trails around the shoreline.
The town of Kinross is close by and there are fantastic opportunities for outdoor pursuits such as golf, hillwalking and more on the doorstep in the Lomond Hills Regional Park.
Number 2 Queen’s View is impressive, with high quality fixtures throughout and generous and flexible space for family living and entertaining.
The entrance vestibule with its handy coat cupboard leads into the main hall. The bright sitting room has doors into the rear garden as well as the adjacent breakfasting kitchen, which has a range of well-designed units, integrated high quality appliances, granite work surfaces and a central island which incorporates space for sitting.
There is ample room for a dining table and there is access to the garden from here too.
The spacious utility room has fitted storage units which complement the kitchen, plumbing for a washing machine, space for a dryer and doors leading to the garden, double garage and a WC.
The dual aspect drawing room, with its attractive fireplace and views towards Loch Leven is one of Effie’s favourite rooms. Gentle colours and sweeping drapes frame the large windows and the whole space is full of natural light.
“It’s so peaceful,” she explains. “We decided not to have a television in here, and it has made the room so quiet and relaxing.”
She adds with a laugh: “I love the kitchen too, and it sounds weird, but I think the utility room might well be the place I spend
most time in – it’s so handy.”
The dining room has been designed to have an open, sociable feel for more formal entertaining and a study opposite with an integral cupboard provides office space without having to sacrifice a bedroom.
A few stairs lead up to the bedroom wing and family room.
“This is the ‘red room’ and we created it as a playroom, really, for when the children were young,” says Effie. “It’s lovely when the sun pours in – the colours are beautiful.”
All of the bedrooms are doubles and all have integral wardrobes. The luxurious master bedroom has an en-suite bathroom with a steam room shower and a Jacuzzi bath, and the second bedroom benefits from an en-suite shower room. A family bathroom with a jacuzzi bath and a separate steam shower serves the remaining bedrooms.
Outside, secluded gardens surround the house.
“You don’t really understand until you visit the house, but we are not overlooked by anyone, so the gardens are all very private and quiet,” says Effie.
A red bricked drive to the front provides ample parking and a lawn sweeps around to the northern boundary. The enclosed rear garden includes lawns, two raised decked seating areas, one with lighting, and there is a surprise waiting in the grounds – a detached, purpose-built gym.
“I think I must have lost the key to that place,” jokes Effie, adding that the space would be equally successful as an office, games room or studio.
“I don’t want to move away too far. It’s a friendly little village and the house will be fantastic for a family, just as it has been for ours.
“We are leaving with many happy memories.”