The Herald - The Herald Magazine
EAST, WEST, HOME’S BEST
INSPIRED BY THE LIGHT AND SPACE OF VIETNAM, THIS MODERN MARVEL EMBRACES THE GREAT OUTDOORS
TRAVELS in Vietnam inspired the current owners of this week’s Hot Property to fill their striking, modern home with beautiful things.
“We spent five years out there, and brought back different pieces of furniture, vases and artworks,” explains Brigid Doherty, who has lived at Easter Glasslie with her husband Campbell Macpherson for four years.
“We wanted a modern house, and when we found this place, everything we had picked up on our travels just seemed to work here. It was perfect.”
The soaring temperatures of Vietnam may seem a world away from the bracing fresh air of rural Fife, but there are some similarities between the couple’s former home and their current abode, says Brigid.
“The space and light here really appealed to us, and the feeling of being outside when you are inside is something we were used to in Vietnam,” she adds.
“I love the views – we can look out across to Edinburgh and right up the Forth. Campbell is a sailing fan, so we like watching the ships coming up the river. It’s a great location too because you are rural, but not too rural.
“We love to walk into Falkland over the hill, and Leslie and Glenrothes are not too far away.”
As Brigid points out, the location of Easter Glasslie is bound to appeal to buyers. Within a short drive of the house lie Leslie and Glenrothes, over the hill to the north is historic Falkland and Edinburgh and Dundee are handy for commuting.
Set within Lomond Hills Regional Park, Easter Glasslie is surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside with a lovely mix of farmland, coastline, hill and river all on the doorstep. Outdoor enthusiasts will be in their element, with plenty of opportunities for walking, cycling, riding, sailing and golf all readily available. There are railway stations in Cupar, Ladybank, Markinch and Kirkcaldy with Edinburgh airport about a forty-five minute drive to the south. The regional airport at Dundee offers a good selection of short-haul flights.
But the location is only half the story.
There is much to be charmed by at Easter
Glasslie. Built on the site of an old cottage, in a peaceful setting on the southern side of Fife’s landmark Lomond Hills, it boasts beautiful views, hi-tech contemporary living and brilliant outbuildings and equestrian facilities full of potential for new owners looking for something a little bit different.
This fascinating house also has a “living roof”, which Brigid says keeps the house very warm and requires little maintenance.
“The sedum roof is fantastic – we don’t have to do very much to it and it works extremely efficiently as insulation,” she adds.
“The house is quite high-tech – we can turn on heating remotely, and we have Lutron lighting and Sonos sound systems, with underfloor heating throughout.”
The house is laid out over two levels, with many bespoke features.
Brigid’s favourite room is the spectacular double height sitting room at the western end of the house, a beautiful space complete with soft couches, woodburning stove and giant windows offering fantastic views over the surrounding countryside. The cowhide on the wall came from Vietnam, and the
clever design touches are all down to Brigid. “I’m a graphic designer, so I am quite good at putting things together,” she smiles.
“I seem to have a good eye for this kind of thing. I can visualise how I want things to look and create something without drawing a picture.”
She adds: “I can spend hours in this sitting room, just looking out at the views!”
The attention to detail and high quality finishes throughout make Easter Glasslie a real find.
Kitchen and sanitaryware are by Vidaco, the flooring is a mix of Karndean, wood and tiling, and a magnificent wall of bifold doors leads from the kitchen to the terrace. The house is deceptively spacious, with a galleried study and office area above the sitting room and scope for up to five bedrooms – Brigid and Campbell currently use one as a cinema and family room, and another as a dressing room.
The main bedroom and the ground floor guest bedroom both have en suite bathrooms, and there is also a family shower room, a further ground floor wet room, a utility room and a rear vestibule.
The property has great potential outside too with a huge workshop a short distance from the house.
“It would be great for anyone thinking about taking on a project, or even running a business,” says Brigid.
“There are excellent stables and equestrian facilities here too.”
The couple – and their 35 nieces and nephews – will miss Easter Glasslie, says Brigid.
“We were never short of visitors,” she smiles. “The kids loved playing outside, watching the horses and just having fun.
“It’s been a great house to live in.”
I love the views – we can look out across to Edinburgh and right up the Forth