BISHOP’S DIGS
Stylishly converted, this Victorian property retains plenty of its period charm
The 18th Century property that was heaven sent.
PUBLICAN Jeff Stewart is accustomed to creating a little piece of heaven on earth.
His pub, The Anchor in Broughty Ferry, near Dundee, took the Pub of the Year title in 2016. Passionate about design, he had already transformed a previous home into a haven of luxury living.
So when he came across a semi-derelict Victorian property in the town that had been built in the mid-1800s by Alexander Forbes, the Bishop of Brechin, he knew it was the answer to his prayers.
The sprawling property, at 85, Forbes Court, on Dundee Road, had been converted into two expansive flats decades before.
And although Flat 4 was in a poor state Jeff, 50, and his partner Cheryl Richardson, 47, could immediately see its potential.
They bought it and moved into rented accommodation during a year-long programme of work.
The aim was to restore the flat’s period features while upgrading it to a bright, modern home with all the comforts of the 21st Century.
Jeff recalls: “I bought it three years ago and it wasn’t far off derelict. I had to strip it and start again. It needed everything – heating, electrics, windows and floors.
“I’m very interested in design, so decided the interior should reflect the period.
“We brought it back to what we thought it would have been, but we also wanted to create a modern feel in an old building.
“The flat originally had four bedrooms, but I sacrificed one to create a utility room.”
Jeff and Cheryl employed highly-skilled craftsmen to recreate period detailing such as panelling and cornices.
Underfloor heating was installed, along with luxury Karndean flooring and 100% wool carpets.
They also retained the property’s original sash and case window frames but fitted them with double glazed panes.
The lounge, with a large bay window and breathtaking river views, boasts an original pewter fireplace, which has been fully restored.
The chic, en suite master bedroom has a Parisian-feel with a Versailles-style bed and a spectacular raised platform housing a luxurious roll top bath with gold-plated fittings.
The family bathroom also evokes a bygone era with traditional panelling, periodstyle twin wash basins, a roll
top bath in silver, a sumptuous double shower and Porcelanosa tiles.
But the wow factor is in the kitchen.
Jeff and Cheryl restored its original ceiling and used it as the inspiration for the room’s design.
Created with the aid of the Classic Design Kitchen Company of Broughty Ferry, it features stylish grey cabinets, a striking faux fire breast housing a black Aga Rangemaster against quality aubergine tiles, and custommade solid marble worktops.
The couple chose Farrow & Ball for the paintwork throughout their home, with the walls in Elephant’s Breath and the doors in a period chalk white.
The look was completed with furniture imported from France, while five grand, statement chandeliers were sourced in London.
Says Jeff: “We spent more than £200,000 on the place.”
But the couple are on the move again and their dream home is on the market with local agents Hall Norrie Warden, for offers over £429,500.
“We had come from a house I had done a lot of work on before,” Jeff explains. “I like a project and now I’m looking for another one.”