Shire perfection
This Lanarkshire home is a real country gem, as Jenny Shields reveals
WHEN it comes to locations, Lanarkshire can be overlooked. To many househunters, it simply doesn’t have the cachet of more scenic parts of the country. Bothwell, of course, has long been known for its desirable real estate but the rest of the county is well worth exploring, too.
In South Lanarkshire, just an hour from both Glasgow and Edinburgh, is the village of Symington. This is a rural community, close to the market town of Biggar, where you can get a lot for your cash.
A good example is Birkwood, a handsome Edwardian villa in three acres of gloriously landscaped gardens and woodland.
The property, which has been in the same family for half a century, is in need of some modernisation, but this will allow the new owners to put their stamp on this handsome old house.
Birkwood is full of such original features as the wood panelled hall and magnificent staircase, ceiling beams, cornices, picture rails and some impressive fireplaces.
On the ground f l oor i s the reception hall, drawing room, dining room, kitchen and butler’s pantry.
The former servants’ quarters, consisting of three large and three small rooms, could be converted into a self-contained flat with its own entrance. On the first floor is the master bedroom, three more double bedrooms and two bathrooms.
In the grounds, with its own garden, is Birkwood Cottage, a charming little house which could be used for dependent relatives or as a holiday let. It has a sitting room, dining room, kitchen, two bedrooms and a bathroom.
Another development opportunity exists in the form of a single storey outbuilding, currently a garage, workshop and wood store, which could be converted, subject to the necessary consents, into a stand-alone cottage.
The gardens, which have been meticulously kept and feature lawns and mature trees, have views over Tinto and Culter Fell.
Offers over £525,000 to selling agent Rettie & Co.