The Herald - The Herald Magazine
NEW TO MARKET
DATING from the late 1800s and extended at the rear in more recent times, Estate Cottage is an exemplary former farmhouse in a beautifully landscaped halfacre garden setting within the Scottish Borders village of Smailholm.
Best known for its historic 15th century Smailholm Tower and links to Sir Walter Scott, Smailholm is a win-win village – delightfully rural, yet central within the region and only a short drive from the Tweedbank rail link to Edinburgh city centre, the A68, and conveniently close to Kelso, Galashiels, and Melrose.
Adjacent to an historic church dating from 1632 (still with its original bell), externally Estate Cottage is a love-at-first-sight property, while the interior showcases a well-crafted fusion of Arts and Crafts meets Shaker to give a masterclass in presentation.
Laid out over two floors, the adaptable accommodation comprises three spacious reception rooms (front-facing sitting room, living room, and formal dining room), shower room, utility, and at the rear, a sizeable dining kitchen with glazed sliding doors into a charming garden room/ conservatory with garden access.
Upstairs, a landing with two Velux windows and usable space, leads to three double bedrooms, main bathroom, and an abundance of storage ranging from cupboards on the landing, to a wall of bespoke fitted wardrobes in one bedroom, and a very useful storeroom off another.
This home combines the character that comes with age, with contemporary lightness, pastel colour palette, and excellent
specification and finish – wood-burning stoves in the sitting and living rooms, built-in upholstered window seat, wood and tiled floors, and a very attractive family dining kitchen fitted with cream Shaker-style units, range cooker, Belfast sink, and plenty of space for dining furniture.
The very pretty conservatory is another key selling point – glazed on all sides and with a practical terracotta-tiled floor, it maximises the beautiful view of the garden and surrounding countryside beyond. The bedrooms have characteristic coombed ceilings and both the bathroom and ground floor shower room are partly tiled.
Outside, the level landscaped garden is planted for interest and colour and incorporates lawn, shrubs of many species, patio, seating areas, charming pergola and deck, plus outbuildings, log store, and to the front, a gravelled driveway and parking area.
Six miles from Kelso, Smailholm village straddles the B6397 linking Gordon and Kelso and is equidistant from both.
Despite its modest size, the village has wide-ranging activities, mostly centred on the village hall.
Estate Cottage offers a laid-back rural lifestyle and easy access throughout the Borders and to Edinburgh – dual living at its finest.
Offers over £470,000 are invited by Hastings Legal in Kelso.