THE BSPC PROPERTY GUIDE / FEATURE PROPERTY Page 13

Woodhurst, OatlandsTerrace, GalashielsFixed Price £199,500Details on page 32

Amazing views across Galashiels is just one of theunique selling points for a 1930s semi-detached home

When Marian Lees and her husband Ericfirst visited their semi-detached home inGalashiels 16 years ago it was with a viewto buying furniture and the actual propertywas not even on the market. Yet literallywithin the hour the couple had made theowner a verbal offer, which was promptlyaccepted and concluded a week later, inwhat must be one of the fastest housepurchases ever made.

“As soon as I walked through the front door I knew I had to have it,” recalls Marian. “Thehouse was built in the 1930s and had adistinctive Art Deco theme that I loved, withthree-step skirting boards, stained glasswindows, and original doors with Bakelitehandles.”

The Lees also loved the house’s elevatedsetting in a quiet residential area that fallswithin the catchment area for St Petersschool and Galashiels Academy. “Theviews at the front are quite spectacular andalthough we are able to walk to the towncentre, the house backs on to a field and ismuch more like living in the country – in fact,occasionally we wake up to find a stray cowor sheep in the back garden,’ Marianreveals.

Traditionally built, the Lees’ home has a spacious and adaptable layout – hall,dining room, living room, kitchen, threebedrooms and bathroom. while the interiorhas been comprehensively upgraded,nothing has been done to the detriment of the house’s character and charm andmany of its fine original features have beenretained, including the stained glasswindow panel in the vestibule and anotherlovely window on the half landing.

Decorated in neutral shades throughout,the living in this house is easy. Theunexpectedly spacious hall and kitchenboth have the same practical slate tile-effect laminate flooring – the kitchenhas been extremely well planned and isequipped with modern floor and wall unitsand contrasting worktops. Other featuresinclude a painted wood-lined ceiling, gashob and electric oven and space forwashing machine, dishwasher and fridgefreezer.

Upstairs, the main bedroom is even largerthan the dining room underneath, althoughthe views from the bay window are soamazing nothing else can possiblycompete.

“It feels like a different world and with theSouthern Upland Way close by, there’slittle likelihood this setting will be allowedto change.”

One of the first things the couple did wasinstall French doors in the public room atthe back of the house to provide directaccess to the secluded patio and garden.

“Although slightly smaller than the frontroom, we chose to make this the livingroom,” says Marian. “It’s cosier and has atiled fireplace and open fire, which makesit an especially lovely room in winter.” Thefront room, with its broad bay window and oak floor, became the dining room,although both uses are readilyinterchangeable.

Eric and Marion have completely upgradedthe property over the years, installinggas central heating, double-glazedreplacement windows, and a new kitchenand bathroom. They have also floored andlined the loft (an ideal playroom) andlandscaped the gardens – the rear gardennow has two patio areas, a greenhouseand two sheds, and there is also a singlegarage.

Bedroom three, currently used as acompact double room, also has front-facing views and would make an idealstudy, while the larger second bedroomhas the country aspect, with views overthe back garden and countrysidebeyond.

The bathroom has only recently beenrefurbished to a luxurious standard – fullytiled in shades of grey, it has both a bathand separate shower cabinet with mainssupply shower and includes qualityaccessories including a mirror with globewall-lights on either side.

Woodhurst is a delightful house thatepitomizes the style, size and standardof build of its time but with modernupgrading to suit the needs of presentday lifestyles. Best of all is the setting,which provides a taste of the countrywithout leaving the town.