A Borders bolthole
This charming flat is in Scotland’s ‘best place to live’, says Paul Drury
IT is famous for rugby sevens and hosting the annual Borders Book Festival. And with its quirky shops, traditional red phone boxes and friendly atmosphere, it is easy to see why an address in this pretty town is hugely sought after by buyers.
Towns do not generally get rated on consumer review website Trustpilot, but when a location is regularly named the ‘best place to live in Scotland’ you can be sure it would probably earn five stars.
Melrose, in Roxburghshire, would appear to have it all, with handsome red sandstone properties pitched among the green of the surrounding countryside and dominated to the south by the Eildon Hills.
There is a town square with lovely independent shops, including a café that sells whisky.
Take a stroll down a quaint little lane from Buccleuch Street in the centre of the town and you will find The Wynd, a gorgeous period apartment which has recently been refurbished to a remarkably high standard.
The flat has been tastefully decorated in soothing powder blues and yellows, colours very much in keeping with the age of the property.
It is built over two floors and has the bonus of a basement, which could be used to store your less-than-vital possessions.
An original Victorian staircase links the floors.
The living area contains all the niche attractions you might expect in a property of this period – high ceiling, coving and big bay windows with traditional shutters.
A small electric stove sits in the fireplace but this area could feasibly be developed to give the room a more prominent focal point.
The living room is open-plan to the kitchen and makes full use of the available space.
There is a dishwasher, induction hob, wine fridge, Slide&Hide Neff oven, full- size fridge freezer and microwave. The space is decorated in warm greys and cool marble, set off by hand-forged brass handles.
Bedroom one, described by the selling agent as ‘the king- sized bedroom’ is filled with natural light from a roof light above. Those who value their sleep may opt for a blackout blind.
Bedroom two, to the rear of the property, overlooks The Wynd and has built-in cupboards. En route to the top floor you will find a small utility room which contains a washer-dryer.
The upstairs bathroom is decorated in neutral Farrow & Ball shades, with rich blue handpainted wooden cabinets and pretty encaustic tiles.
There is a large walk-in shower, heritage sink and taps, heated towel rail and LED illuminated bluetooth mirror.
Outside, the small garden border along The Wynd is planted with shrubs and lovingly maintained by volunteers from the award-winning Melrose in Bloom.
Offers over £160,000 to Alice Morgan on 01896 824073 or email alice.morgan@rettie.co.uk.