What the doc ordered
Home with heritage is perfect prescription, discovers Paul Drury
Is there a doctor in the house?’ Remarkably, the answer to that question in this delightful seaside property has always been ‘yes’ – since it was built in 1907, the Arts and Crafts masterpiece in st Andrews has never not been home to someone with ‘Dr’ in their title.
The fact that it is located in the East Neuk of Fife university town suggests the occupants came from a background in medicine or academia, or both.
Number 16 Hepburn Gardens was one of only three properties constructed by the local firm of Gillespie & scott. The buildings earned the nickname ‘The Tartan Terrace’ due to the green Welsh slate on the roofs, red brick and white exterior.
The stand-out room has to be the traditional-style library on the first floor, with its beautifully crafted hand-built oak bookcases and big bay window.
For afternoons of quiet contemplation among your tomes, there’s a fine fireplace with log-burning stove set within.
The excellent Edwardian credentials of this property are evident as soon as you enter, the oak-floored hall leading to the handsome Arts and Crafts staircase. Off the hall lie the main reception rooms, including a large drawing room, formal dining room with a decorative plasterwork ceiling, and a sitting room.
All of these rooms boast fireplaces, two with multi-fuel stoves, and the sitting room has pretty French doors that open out to the terrace.
The kitchen is large and contemporary in style, designed by Italian brand Vismap, with Amtico flooring, multiple high-quality integrated appliances, two sinks and a boiling water tap. Also on the ground floor are two cloakroom/ WCs and a utility room.
The three main bedrooms are on the first floor, including the principal bedroom which has its own dressing room and bathroom.
The remaining two bedrooms are on the floor above, along with a small kitchen and shower room.
In the back garden, a glassfronted office offers the perfect working-from-home environment with a hard-wired internet connection.
In the old days, doctors would often use ancillary accommodation as their private surgery.
symmetry with its next-door semi is maintained by the retention of six high chimney stacks and a stylish Dutch window at each corner.
Conveniently, a garden gate opens to Cockshaugh Park and the Lade Braes Walk.
Jamie Macnab, of selling agent savills, said: ‘This most attractive property sits in one of st Andrews’s most distinctive residential terraces and its position couldn’t be better – with the famous golfing landmarks, beach and bustling town centre all just a short walk away.
‘The house has been skilfully upgraded and is an extremely well-presented and characterful family home.’
In a nod to past residents, he added: ‘Despite the medical and academic pedigree of former and current owners, non-doctors are welcome to view!’
■ Offers over £1,350,000 to Jamie Macnab on 0131 247 3711 or email jmacnab@savills.com