Off-grid living can be perceived as compromising home comforts to benefit the planet.
But in the case of a seven-bedroomed country home in the scenic and historic Yarrow Valley, environmental credentials combined with a cleverly conceived renovation/extension, make off-grid synonymous with five-star luxury.
Blackhouse is set within 20 acres of garden ground and woodland on the northern edge of the Yarrow Valley, four miles from the nearest public road and 12 miles from Innerleithen in the Scottish Borders – spectacularly rural and far from the madding crowd, yet easily accessible for the Border towns of Selkirk, Peebles, and Galashiels. Where better for a glass-walled atrium to add pzazz to a vernacular, white rendered, one-and-a-half-storey house with views to die for?
Powering this impressive property, which has a B-rated EPC, is a hydro-electric turbine, solar photovoltaic array and battery storage, biomass heating, and backup diesel generator.
Inside, the accommodation spans 5,545 sq ft predominantly on the ground level to give a sitting room with fireplace/stove and double doors into a formal dining room. Both rooms feature raised ceilings and connect to the 30ft kitchen/dining room with south-facing windows and ancillary working/commercial kitchen off to one side. Both kitchens are fitted with high-end appliances, while the working kitchen links to the jaw-dropping 43ft atrium, a stunning glass-framed/roofed addition to the property – its simplistic style enhanced by a natural stone gable wall.
There is also a utility, five stylish en suite bedrooms (four with shower rooms and one with a freestanding bath and separate en suite shower room), and a self-contained, two-bedroomed annexe with open plan living room/kitchen, and bathroom with separate shower. Topped by a natural sedum green roof, the annexe is an ideal base for guests, business use or Airbnb – in recent times the house has been let for holiday purposes (see www.blackhouseforestestate.com).
The classic/country-themed interior is impeccably styled and presented throughout and includes exposed stone feature walls, wood floors, built-in storage, solid fuel stoves, electric blinds, and air conditioning. The property also has lovely gardens with seating areas, a pretty lochan, barbecue hut, and outbuildings – including a very large agricultural storage building.
Blackhouse Estate once formed part of the great Ettrick Forest and the area offers a wealth of wildlife and outdoor pursuits, including several golf courses within easy reach, while the surrounding farms and estates offer a range of sporting opportunities as well as hiking and cycling facilities. Originally a rustic, off-grid shepherd’s cottage, Blackhouse has come full circle as a remarkable eco home with income potential.
Offers over £975,000 to Rettie’s Melrose office.
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