St. Ronans Cottage, Mavis Bank, Selkirk, TD7 4EA

The property

Possibly named after Sir Walter Scott's St Ronan in the Waverley novels (and the patron saint of the Border town of Innerleithen where the book is set), this charming period villa dates from circa 1890 when it was configured back-to-front - accessed from Mavis Bank via what is, in fact, the rear garden and back door - to enable the front of the property to maximise the views and afternoon/evening sun, while the rear basks in morning sun. Internally, this is an ideal family home with accommodation in triplicate - three bedrooms, three public rooms and three bathrooms arranged over two main levels - all beautifully presented in an aesthetically pleasing merger of original period features and more recently added modern comforts. The entrance vestibule is a key feature, retaining both the original decorative tiled floor and coloured/leaded glass top and side panels. Off the hall is a bay-windowed lounge with feature fireplace and inset Living Flame gas fire, sitting room with original fireplace (tiled insert and open fire), and a formal dining room with a quirky corner fire recess housing an electric stove under a hefty wooden mantel. The kitchen is well equipped and fitted with modern cream units, contrasting work surfaces/splashback tiling, integrated oven/hob/extractor, and plenty of space for freestanding and under-unit appliances. There is also a pantry, utility, cloakroom, and rear hall. A carpeted staircase leads up a contemporary shower room off the half-landing (the landings are all bright and well-lit by skylights), while the first floor reveals a modern bathroom and three spacious double bedrooms - one with extensive built-in storage on one wall and houses an original fireplace as a purely decorative feature. Externally, the rear (south-facing) garden has mature shrubs, plants, and a large, decked seating/dining area. The 'front' garden has a lawn, shrubs, planted borders and a good-sized timber shed.

Energy rating

E