TWEED DREAMS
Stunning Victorian coach house is a Borders classic.
ATRIP to Dawyck Botanic Garden in Stobo was life-changing for retired London firefighter Robert Pringle and his wife Kay.
The couple had spent a year travelling the world and were ready to move out of the UK capital.
But they hadn’t bargained on finding their dream home just seven miles from Peebles.
Kay, who worked in public relations, recalls: “We were on holiday, heading for Skye, and decided to make a stop off in Peebles.
“We went for a drive and were heading to the botanic garden when we saw Bellspool Coach House from the road. It was for sale.
“It was the most beautiful piece of Victorian architecture and I was especially struck by the archway.
“I had to stop the car, turn around and have a better look.
“There was a plastic wallet on the gate containing particulars for the house, so I took it.”
By that Christmas the couple had bought and moved into the stunning converted five bedroom home which sits in about an acre of glorious grounds in Upper Tweeddale.
Originally built as the stabling and carriage quarters for Dawyck House around 1863, the Coach House was further developed in 1909 and was converted to a home in 1998.
Without any major structural work to do, Kay and Robert set about making improvements to increase light and space and to create an interior design that was more to their taste but in keeping with the property’s history.
The heart of the home is the splendid Victorian arched reception hall. Completely double glazed it is light, warm and welcoming, year round.
Set on two levels, and
separated by a cast iron balustrade, is a split-level sitting room with a Charnwood dual-fuel stove, handcrafted wooden shutters, and Gothic-style chandeliers.
The inviting stone-floored kitchen has space for a large table and a Rangemaster induction stove, and is separated from the rear door by the original cast iron stable post and grill.
The dining room is lined with Cole and Son wallpaper from an authentic Victorian design and boasts an original stable post and tie set into the wall.
It opens on to the snug; a cosy, wood-panelled room with Charnwood log-burning stove and wooden shutters.
The master bedroom is an impressive, brightly lit room with windows on three aspects, a large walk-in wardrobe and en suite shower room, while the family bathroom enjoys a cast iron, roll-top bath.
Despite 15 happy years in their home the couple have decided to move on as they want to spend more time travelling and visiting Robert’s sons and grandchildren and have put their cherished coach house on the market.
Says Kay: “We have felt like custodians of this fabulous property but it’s now time to pass it on to someone else to continue the journey.”
Bellspool Coach House is being marketed by Strutt & Parker, for offers over £650,000.