Art and Craft of a perfect property
THERE has been a house on the site since the 1600s, but Leithen Lodge was really a creation of the Victorian age,
writesJennyShields. In 1882, successful railway engineer John Miller bought and extended a rather unprepossessing building near Innerleithen, Peeblesshire – but it was his daughter and son-in-law who really went to town on the property. In 1885, they engaged architect Sydney Mitchell and under his direction the property was transformed into their interpretation of a 17th century laird’s house. A new wing was added and the whole place redecorated in the Scottish renaissance style, complete with Jacobean panelling and some exquisite plasterwork by local Peebles firm L Grandison and Son. The house has a lovely setting by the Moorfoot Hills, surrounded by 20 acres of woodland, parkland and a formal, walled garden. Now A-listed, it can best be described as romantic, with a highly decorative style. But it wasn’t always in such fine shape. It fell into near dereliction after the war and was not rescued and restored until the 1990s. Today it is very impressive, with ten reception rooms, a stunning kitchen with hand-painted units, six bedrooms and two self-contained apartments. WHY WOULD YOU WANT IT? It lies in a glorious, empty valley in the Borders, yet within easy reach of Edinburgh. The house is a perfect example of Arts and Crafts architecture. WHY WOULD YOU WALK AWAY? With houses of this size, it comes down to upkeep. In a word, pricey. WHO WOULD IT SUIT? It has a wide appeal. Three generations of one family have lived in the house for almost ten years – let’s face it, it’s big enough not to get in each other’s way – and they have offered it for use as a film location, wedding venue and boutique B&B. HOW MUCH? Savills is looking for offers over £1.65million.