The Herald - The Herald Magazine
Hidden gem reveals its secrets
SET in around an acre of mature garden grounds within Townend Estate near Symington village in Ayrshire, South Townend is a uniquely hidden home designed and built by architect/partner Jack Robertson, of Hay, Steel & Macfarlane, whose firm purchased the main house and associated land at Townend Estate in 1970.
Using the main house as the company’s Ayrshire office, Robertson designed his future family home on the site of the kitchen garden, which consisted of a long line of Victorian greenhouses built onto an original circa 1880s whinstone wall, which now runs through the house like a spine. This tactile exposed stone wall provides a focal point in many of the rooms and the architect, heavily influenced by the natural simplicity of Scandinavian design, constructed the accommodation on both sides of the wall using wood, brick and glass to create a remarkable home with full-length windows to maximise natural light and garden views.
South Townend’s seclusion and natural setting makes it feel remote when in fact it lies on the western edge of the picturesque conservation village of Symington and is only a short drive from access to the M77 and just three miles from railway stations in Kilmarnock, Prestwick, and Troon. As the village has a primary school, shop, and popular country pub/restaurant, it scores highly as well-balanced lifestyle location.
Internally, the house has a rustic charm and an intriguing and surprisingly spacious layout mainly over one level with a mezzanine gallery partially overlooking the 25ft-wide living space, the latter a few steps down from the even larger 30ft original greenhouse, which could be upgraded to make a stunning garden room, both of which have outdoor access and extensive glazing.
Off the living area an inner hall (with fitted storage) continues to two bedrooms, shower room, large dining room with picture windows and access to an adjoining and similarly spacious fitted kitchen and utility, both of which were created from the original potting shed. Off on the other side of the hall are two further bedrooms serviced by a bathroom, while accessed by a staircase, bedroom five occupies a sizable portion of the mezzanine gallery, which can also be reached from a metal ladder in the living area, one of the many items the architect sourced from ship sales and breakers yards.
Entered via a private road into an extended driveway with plenty of parking space, South Townend is fully surrounded by mature trees and gardens making it one of Ayrshire’s best kept secrets. From here it is only a short drive to world-class golf courses, beaches, equestrian facilities, and a marina and full chandlery service in nearby Troon. Whatever your passion, this unique character home has it covered. Offers over £405,000 are invited by Rettie’s Newton Mearns office.