THE BSPC PROPERTY GUIDE / FEATURE PROPERTY Page 13

Bigger than it looks, this red sandstone villain Melrose is a period gem

The Victorians knew a thing or two aboutbuilding houses and this detached redsandstone villa on Douglas Road inMelrose is a good example of a substantialfamily home of the period.

Appearances can sometimes be deceptiveand although this house looks quitecompact from the front, it opens out at theback and its elevated setting provides auseful beautifully fitted out and equippedadditional shower room in the basement,extending the accommodation over three levels.

Carol Sutherland bought the property sixyears ago. With three sons still at home atthe time the house promised to be an idealfamily home on a corner site surroundedby mature private gardens and withmagnificent views over Melrose, one of the most desirable towns in the Borders.

Among the many improvements made inthe course of the last six years is a smartnew kitchen, fitted out with classic white wall and base units, granite-effectworktops, Belfast sink, stone tiled floor,and a large dual-fuel five-ring range-stylecooker.

Harden, Douglas RoadMelrose

Guide Price £400,000Details on page 8

Carol also turned the existing bathroom intoa contemporary walk-in wet room/shower,while a box room now serves better use asa bathroom, fully-tiled and complete withwhite roll-top bath. Other projects includedremoving an old gas fire in the sitting roomand reinstating an open fire in a beautifulperiod-style fireplace – and outside, anexisting old garage has been removedentirely to create a much larger pavedparking area at the side of the house.

The house’s many original period featuresprovide added character, interest – andcolour, the latter a particular feature in thehuge arched window on the staircase halflanding, which has a distinctive stainedglass border. Other notable features includestripped pine doors, ornate stair banister,bay window with panelled architraves,picture rails, and an original glass-fronteddisplay cabinet.

Entered by a typically Victorian vestibulewith mosaic-tiled floor, the accommodationincludes a light and spacious reception hall, off which is a sitting room, family/TVroom (would also make a good study or fifth bedroom), formal dining room withvarnished floorboards and a connectingdoor to the newly re-fitted kitchen.

There is also a small ‘back lobby’ withplumbing for a washing machine, whileclever use of space below the staircaseenabled Carol to install a useful showerroom lit by a small window to the rear.

Upstairs – after pausing to admire thestained glass window halfway up and totake in the magnificent views - the toplanding is particularly spacious with thesame neutral carpeting extending into all thebedrooms for visual continuity. There arethree large double bedrooms (all with built-inwardrobes) and an above average-sizedsingle bedroom that still has an originalfireplace. There is also a recently refurbishedwet-room-style shower room, fully tiled and finished with a heated towel rail.

And last but not least is the tiled bathroom,previously a boxroom, which has a Veluxwindow, varnished floorboards and aperiod-style roll-top bath.

The gardens are an attractive feature- fully enclosed to the front by high hedgesand at the back to provide a safe playarea for children and pets, the latter mainlylawn with fruit trees. The paved area at theside of the house accommodates threecars, while a side door provides accessto a useful cellar easily large enough tocreate a hobby area, workshop or store.

Harden is a most attractive property andan ideal family home in a quiet street ofsimilar quality Victorian houses.