Sydserf House, North Berwick, East Lothian, EH39

Historic fortified Laird’s house dating from the 17th century with a commanding position overlooking the surrounding countryside to Edinburgh.

Description

Sydserf House is a T-plan late 17th century three storey Laird’s house. The site is thought to have been the seat of the Sydserf family from the late 15th century. Occupied as a residence until the Second World War, the house had fallen into disrepair by the mid 1990s and to save the building, a complete and sympathetic restoration was carried out around 2006 to plans by the award-winning architect Groves-Raines. This has created a wonderful home for modern living whilst still retaining the original character and atmosphere.

The house is entered through the northeast corner, opening into the hallway with traditional flagstone floor. The craftmanship and quality of the restoration are immediately apparent in the curved stone staircase. A doorway to the left leads into the generous open living and dining space with exposed wooden beams; the flagstone floor continues throughout the ground floor. A stone fire surround is fitted with a gas burning stove. The stonework of the old range in the warm family kitchen is stunning and houses a Westahl range cooker. The kitchen features attractive painted cabinets, a double butler’s sink and integrated dishwasher and fridge freezer; there is ample space for a table and chairs. A glass door gives access directly out to the garden. Completing the ground floor accommodation is a W.C. together with a utility room with a single butler’s sink, cupboard space, washing machine, tumble dryer and a door leading to the private courtyard garden.

An elegant drawing room and study along with a large double bedroom make up the first floor of the house. The light filled drawing room offers far reaching elevated views of the surrounding countryside. A grand stone fire surround with raised open hearth is a focal point of the room, complete with exposed ceiling beams and carpeted wooden floor. A semi-dividing wall creates a private study with room for a desk, accompanying chairs, generous storage and bookshelves. Across the landing is the first of the four double bedrooms. This lovely room benefits from a triple aspect and its own luxurious en suite shower room.

The second floor has a further three generous double bedrooms, two of which share a family bathroom with separate bath and shower; the third bedroom has its own immaculate en suite shower room. The spectacular views of the East Lothian countryside and beyond can be fully appreciated from this floor where all the rooms enjoy different aspects.

Sydserf is accessed via a private, shared road. The gravel area to the north of the house offers generous parking space and the substantial triple garage is ideally located approximately 100 metres from the house.

The garden extends to just under half an acre. The walled courtyard garden sits on the southerly side of the house and feels rather French in design, with a terraced seating area, gravel pathways and sunken parterre. The stone built potting shed and mini-pavilion offer storage. To the west a generous expanse of lawn can be accessed directly from the kitchen/sitting room. A hedge separates the working garden where there are raised vegetable beds and a particularly attractive orchard.

Location

Sydserf House sits in an enviable elevated position with uninterrupted views across the East Lothian countryside to Edinburgh. While enjoying a rural location, the house is just a short drive from the popular town of North Berwick. Unspoilt sandy beaches, shops, cafés, golf courses and a working harbour are all within easy reach of the property.

Recently crowned the overall winner of The Sunday Times Best Places to Live in the UK league table, North Berwick has become a thriving town with a reputation of having everything you need on the doorstep. The high street boasts a fantastic range of shops including a family-run butcher, deli, artisan bakery, independent wine merchant, two supermarkets, cafés, bars and a florist. In the summer it hosts Fringe by the Sea, its very own arts festival, bringing world-class performers and authors to the town.

With a local primary and high school in North Berwick, there are also good transport links to private schools further afield in East Lothian and Edinburgh. North Berwick train station provides rail services into Edinburgh, taking approximately 29 minutes, and in addition there are regular bus services to Edinburgh and Dunbar. The A1 is just a few miles away and is dual carriageway all the way to the Edinburgh City Bypass and also runs south to Berwick-Upon-Tweed and Newcastle.

North Berwick has two golf courses, West Links Golf Course and the Glen. Close by lies the renowned Muirfield golf club which regularly hosts the Open Championship and the Renaissance Club, Archerfield Links and Luffness courses are all just few miles away.

Square Footage: 3,115 sq ft



Additional Info

Services - Mains water and electricity. A communal individually metered LPG tank supplies the property. Solar panels fitted to the garage generate additional power to the house. Drainage to shared septic tank.

Fixtures & Fittings - All white goods, carpets and curtains are to be included in the sale.

Listing and Conservation area - Sydserf House is Category A Listed.

Solicitors - Gillespie Macandrew, 5 Atholl Crescent, Edinburgh, EH3 8EJ

Date produced - September 2024.