The Old Manse, Teviothead, Hawick

The Old Manse and its surrounding land forms a charming small, country estate set in approximately 6 acres. The house dates from circa 1844 and is built of stone (partially rendered) under a slate roof, with contrasting stone quoins and margins. The house, by virtue of this open aspect, benefits from a wonderfully light and bright atmosphere. It provides adaptable family accommodation together with well-proportioned reception rooms and retains a wealth of period features, not least the magnificent staircase leading from the reception hall to the first floor landing. More recently, the inclusion of the adjoining outbuilding as part of the house has added significantly to the available accommodation. Full planning permission is in place to convert these outbuildings into a self-contained annexe. The Old Manse is in excellent condition and has been maintained to an exceptionally high standard both inside and out; all the rooms throughout the house are beautifully presented. (See floor plans for room layout and dimensions).

Outbuildings

The back hall links the main house to the outbuildings. In addition to the existing domestic accommodation contained within the outbuildings (office/bedroom and WC) are the old stables, and groom's bothy, both of which are included in the planning permission to convert the outbuildings into additional accommodation. Adjoining the stable block are garden stores and a triple car port, in front of which there is a gravel yard and dog kennels; a passage way leads from this yard into the garden. A sliding door at the back of the car port opens onto another gravel courtyard and the garden beyond. Set apart from the house is a modern 5-bay steel portal frame/clad general purpose building measuring 22.56m x 10.26m with a concrete floor and apron. It has double sliding doors, power, water and light, and could be adapted to a number of different uses, adding stable partitions would be a straight forward process.

Services

Private water supply and mains electricity. Private drainage. Oil fi *red central heating and Aga. PV panels generating approximately, 1600 per annum through the Renewable Heat Incentive. These services have not been tested and therefore there is no warranty from the agents.

Gardens and Grounds

Stone gate piers lead to a gravel driveway which sweeps round to the front of the house and continues on to the general purpose shed. Surrounding The Old Manse are beautiful gardens/grounds. The house is centrally positioned with approximately half the land lying to the front and half at the back. Iron gates open into the back yard and which gives direct access through the car port to the garden at the back of the house. Most of the garden at the front of the house is lawn. It surrounds Johnnie Armstrong's grave which is fenced off from the property and accessed separately. At the back of the house is a lovely, sunny, terrace (also accessed from the sitting room kitchen) and a wonderful, sheltered walled garden with herbaceous borders, vegetable beds, fruit cage and greenhouse. Concealed behind a stone dyke are the PV panels; young trees separate an extensive grass area, which, along with part of the grass area at the front of the house, could be fenced with post and rail to create grazing paddocks with good access to the barn. Included in the sale are trout fi shing rights on the Frostlie Burn. Herbaceous borders, young trees, stone walls, shelter, sunny, gravel paths.

Situation

The Old Manse is situated in a lovely secluded setting, surrounded by fantastic Borders countryside, on the banks of the Frostlie Burn, a tributary of the Teviot. Carlisle is situated approximately 34 miles to the south, with access to the M6 and a full range of services, whilst Edinburgh, approximately 66 miles to the north, provides extensive services with its international airport. Both Edinburgh and Carlisle have east coast main line intercity rail links. Hawick provides a good range of local services including supermarkets, sports centre, schooling, other retail outlets and recreational facilities. The Old Manse is an ideal base for those wishing to take advantage of the wealth of recreational opportunities available in the Scottish Borders, an area renowned for its unspoilt beauty, strong equestrian/common riding tradition and a rich variety of sport as well as wonderful opportunity for walkers and cyclists.

Directions

From the north, follow the A7 through Hawick and proceed south for approximately 10 miles. In Teviothead, just after the Celtic Goldsmith, turn right for Carlenrig and MerrylawCaerlanrig. The drive to The Old Manse is on the left hand side after approximately 200 yards, just before the church on the right. If approaching from the south, turn left off the A7 and proceed as before.

Historical Note

John Armstrong, otherwise known as Johnnie (Laird) of Gilnockie, was a famous Scottish Border Reiver of the powerful Armstrong family. He gained notoriety as a plunderer and raider, operating along the lawless Anglo Scottish Border in the early 16th century and, like many of his fellow reivers, thought nothing of changing his allegiance as power shifted. Armstrong's romantic image was promoted by the writings of Sir Walter Scott. He operated with impunity until King James V took personal control of the situation. In 1530, Armstrong was captured having attended the King in response to a letter which he thought assured his safety. However, he was hanged with 36 of his men at Caerlanrig Chapel where a memorial to Armstrong and his men stands in the graveyard to this day. Armstrong's grave lies just to the north of The Old Manse.

Services

Private water supply and mains electricity. Private drainage. Oil fi *red central heating and Aga. PV panels generating approximately, 1600 per annum through the Renewable Heat Incentive. These services have not been tested and therefore there is no warranty from the agents.

Planning Permission

Full planning permission has been granted to convert the outbuildings to a self-contained, but interconnecting, annexe/dwelling house; Scottish Borders Planning Department reference number 13/012540FUL. Outline planning permission has also been granted for 2 new dwellings beyond the car port; planning reference number 13/01234/PPP. Both consents expired on 21/8/18