LIFE’S JUST BEACHY
Stunning apartment is moments from the sea.
RONNIE WHELLANS has been involved in the property industry for nearly 40 years, but he’d never lived in a house he built before.
That all changed with the stunning apartment he designed along with his two boys, Sam and Joe, in North Berwick.
“I thought I was building an apartment for myself and then the boys came to live with me, which was great,” said Ronnie.
“I worked alongside them and it was quite exciting going through the process together.
“Their bedrooms are the exact same size - down to the very millimetre – so there could be no dispute or arguments over who had the biggest room!”
The stunning threebedroom apartment is part of a four-home private development – two lower villas, two first-floor flats - on Dirleton Avenue, within easy walking distance of the east coast town’s beach.
“My youngest son and I would walk down to the beach most nights as it’s only a five or 10-minute walk,” Ronnie continued.
“The property is built on the old vegetable patch of the house I used to live in.
“I’d never lived in a house I’ve built before because I always preferred older houses, but I think I’ve been converted.
“I wanted it to be efficient, air-tight and cheap to run – it’s about getting a house to perform. There is under floor heating throughout the house. “It’s very airy and light.” That’s in part due to the vaulted ceilings and Velux skylight fittings, as well as the apartment facing due south, which allows plenty of sunlight to come right round the property during the day.
There is an open-plan kitchen and living space, while the master bedroom boasts not just a spectacular balcony overlooking the front of the building but also a dressing room and en-suite bathroom.
The four apartments were built in 2012 and Ronnie and his boys moved in soon after, but a change in their circumstances meant they had to move out after three years.
“I’ve met a lady who has two boys of her own, so we need a bigger house for the new family, which we’re in the process of working towards,” Ronnie added.
Kerry Wells, Property Manager for selling agents Boyd Property, said: “The interior of the apartment is immaculate, with modern fixtures and fittings mixed with more traditional furniture combining to give the property a really homely feel.
“There is generous space for dining and relaxing in this charming apartment, with glass doors leading out to the large decked balcony, looking out on to the beautiful shared garden ground.
“While the settings and amenities are first rate, it’s the house itself that is the star of the show.”
The apartment is on the market for offers over £555,000. Visit boydsolicitors.com for more information.