Page 10 BSPC FEATURE PROPERTY

The new layout makes this a deceptively spacious aswell as aesthetically pleasing home.

Off the tiled entrance hallway is a sizeable living roomwith two windows overlooking the cobbled squareat the front, dining-size kitchen, large bathroom, utility,sunroom with views over the garden and patio doors toa pebbled patio, and a double bedroom with full-lengthfitted wardrobes.

Upstairs are two further double bedrooms, one of whichhas a rear-facing dormer window and a stylish en suiteshower room, the other also a double room, with goodstorage and a Velux window overlooking the garden.

Taste is always subjective, however, the design andpresentation in this instance is so attractive it seems hardto imagine a new owner would want to change anything.

In an exemplary merger of old and new, it features neutralwhite decoration throughout, panelled latch doors, areclaimed inglenook fireplace incorporating the remains of an ancient bread oven – and in contrast, an Italian log-burning stove and space for storing logs. The bathroomhas a traditional roll-top bath, chequered floor tiles andheritage fittings, while the piece de resistance is a stunningbespoke country-style kitchen with solid beech worktops,contrasting red subway tiled splashbacks, original exposedstone feature wall and stripped wooden floor.

A cottage in Langholm that has history, character,Scotland has many notable old and historic propertiesand Number 1 Parliament Square, although not ofbaronial proportions, is most definitely one of them.

One of the oldest buildings in the centre of Langholm, itdates from 1707 – ironically in light of the forthcomingreferendum the year Scotland and England became onecountry under the Act of Union – and is thought to haveoriginally been two sheep drover’s cottages.

Nowadays the interior looks very different, but the propertyhas retained a few gems of historic interest, including adate stone above the back door, original fireplace andthe remains of an ancient bread oven.

John and Carol Mills bought the cottage three years agowhen work brought them to the town from Glasgow.

“We just loved it instantly,” says Carol. “It has the mostfantastic hidden garden at the back. However, it did havea tiny bathroom, so we reconfigured the layout to create alarge downstairs bathroom with a roll-top bath and turnedthe original bathroom into a utility. We also turned thedownstairs dining room into a bright and spacious diningkitchen and opened up the back door, which had beenwalled up. That’s when we discovered the date stone,” she adds.

BSPC FEATURE PROPERTY Page 11

style . . . and a simply stunning secret gardenThe house is gorgeous and then just when you thinkyou’ve seen it all comes this home’s utterly unique sellingpoint – an extensive and very private rear garden, with asheltered patio and storeroom and steps leading up to thegarden proper, which incorporates a lawned terrace,productive vegetable plots, specimen shrubs and plantingdesigned to attract wildlife, an exquisite Japanese watergarden and pond, further patio seating area, and a toplawn with a summerhouse. There is also a side drivewayfor parking – and a flagpole.

Carol refers to the garden as ‘a wonderland.’ But thenthis property is in a league of its own in every respect.The layout has more space than could ever be imaginedlooking at it from the outside; the interior is immaculate andbeautifully designed/upgraded with quality fittings; and thegarden is completely unexpected in size and content.

The location is equally desirable. Langholm is a picturesquetown with the River Esk running through its centre.Historically, it was at the centre of the Border Reiverinsurrections and is also the birgh place of Thomas Telfordand the modern poet Hugh McDiarmid.

It offers an enviable lifestyle, combining excellent localfacilities and amenities – golf, theatre/concert venue,new primary school, high school, shops and services,with the south of Scotland’s most beautiful sceneryand countryside on the doorstep.

1 Parliament Square,

Langholm, DG13 0JG

Offers Around £190,000

Details on page 42