Exceptional space and light in a rurally convenient setting.
Sheldrake is the result of what many people dream of. A great plot of land, overlooking water meadows either side of the River Burn, on which sat a bungalow ripe for developing. The current owners duly took on that challenge, securing planning consent and building an exceptional home that optimises its setting and location, and fulfils modern day living styles. Crucially the design was sympathetic to the surroundings, with elevations of brick and flint, matching plenty of the local vernacular and providing a timelessness.
The ancient backdrop of the water meadows viewed from within this contemporary home is such a successful juxtaposition. None more so than in the incredible open plan kitchen/dining/family room, spanning the width of the house with three sets of floor to ceiling sliding glazed doors making sure you do not miss a barn owl gliding over the meadows, or a little Egret meandering along the river. This is a wonderfully vibrant, sociable, bright and airy room as adept at hosting supper parties as it is for lazy family Sunday lunches. The kitchen is by the well-known and admired team at ‘Kitchens Etc’, creating a functional and stylish area, with island unit including breakfast bar, Quooker tap, Quartz worktop and Neff appliances. The limestone floor leads to the rest of the space which provides an adaptability to fit in with your living style.
Further to the open plan hub, there are two further reception rooms including a spacious living room with glazed doors out to a west facing terrace, and with fireplace ready for your chosen woodburner. A TV room/snug is helpful as it could be used as a ground floor bedroom. These main rooms are off the impressive entrance hall, a great welcome to the house with striking cantilevered oak and glass staircase, as are the practical spaces of the utility room, complete with walk in shower for coming home from the coastline or muddy walks, and a boot room.
Upstairs, the space and light continue. This is epitomised by an amazing principal bedroom. With glazed gable end, vaulted ceiling and its own balcony there is a very luxurious feel to it all. This continues with the dressing room with fitted wardrobes, through to a stylish en suite bath/shower room. All bathrooms have Lusso fittings and push button rainfall showers.
The remaining three bedrooms are all double rooms, all with en suite shower rooms and built in wardrobes. One of the bedrooms has glazed doors out to the expansive balcony looking out over countryside, with a Juliet balcony to another of the rooms.
The house has underfloor heating to both the ground and first floor.
Outside
Electric panelled gates open to reveal the attractive front of the house, onto a gravelled parking and turning area with space for many vehicles and boats. This area is flanked on both sides by a high brick and flint wall, helping to enclose the entire grounds of the property, with a double bay car port providing excellent storage.
Steps down from the parking area lead on to a large paved space, with raised beds of lavender and olive trees, which frame the front of the house whilst also creating a lovely area to enjoy the south and west sun.
The main gardens are behind the house, with gravelled path from the front of the house to the back, with woven steel fencing. A paved terrace adjoins the house, onto which the sliding glazed doors open to, creating a brilliant setting for al fresco dining and relaxing whilst taking in the view. The lawns then sweep away from the house, a wide expanse of space to enjoy, down to the edge of the water meadows. At the end of the garden, a patio framed by low brick and flint wall gives the ultimate vantage point to watch wildlife and across to the windmill. Beside the patio is a garden shed/summer house.
View payable Stamp Duty for this property
I am hard to please when it comes to one off new builds, but this house has really impressed me. I can very easily imagine making this a home.
Ben RivettProperty agent