The incredibly old Townhouse has undergone many sympathetic and thoughtful renovations aimed at keeping its character whilst providing modern accommodation needs and standards. The most recent of which was completed in July 2020.
This was a challenge as the origins of this house reach back through many centuries.
Indeed, some of its DNA, the dressed sandstone blocks used to build it, were "recycled" from the ruined 11th century cathedral just a few yards along the street. This, rightly or wrongly, was not an uncommon practice. A house has been on this site since the 13th Century - corroborated from its title deeds and the ancient street maps held by the University.
Despite its origins, the house has been fully and extensively modernised. It is deeply comfortable and makes a fabulous hub for exploring, or simply resting and relaxing.
One of its clear joys is its location. It is 3 minutes’ stroll from the Old Course and the gorgeous 4-mile West Sands - right in the heart of St Andrews.
Although quietly situated, it is also just a few minutes’ stroll from all of St Andrew's vibrant restaurants and shops. But its position on a street with the ruins of one of Europe’s largest medieval structures at one end; the Old Couse at the other; - with the main college of the world’s 3rd oldest English speaking University in the middle, is hard to surpass.
The house is on 3 levels. And features original pictures and objects' d'art throughout. All its facilities - from its German kitchen to Poltrona Frau furniture are of the highest quality. It has its own private garden - that can also be reached via a private walkway as well as directly from the house. The garden has been professionally landscaped by award winning Assist Architects and is well stocked with many plants and herbs – quite a few from the remarkable St Andrews Botanic Gardens’.
Its position means it captures the sun all day and often (this is Scotland after all) becomes a cosy sun trap.
Parking, metered at peak times, is available right outside the front door. Further along North Street parking is completely free always. It is central location in one of Europe's most attractive and appealing ancient towns is sublime.
The townhouse's outward appearance may seem slightly on the small side. This is deceptive.
Within, the house is a large, spacious and airy family home. Its lounge extends the full length of the house and adjoins the sunny and open kitchen extension at the rear. This room has an elegant Poltrona Frau dining table and chairs, coupled with a Poltrona Frau Cassiopeia sofa and chaise longue.
The house is fully connected; its broadband speed is the fastest currently available.
A large Sony LED intelligent TV compliments this room. It is connected by a digital link to the award winning Ruark Hi-Fi Panasonic hi-fi. This allows, for example, films from the complimentary Netflix service to be heard in rich full stereo sound throughout the room.
The first floor has an additional sitting room overlooking the University of St Andrews St Salvators college. It is equipped with a sofa and matching upholstered chair; great for unwinding with a glass whilst listening to a further Ruark sound system and seeing all the gentle activity on the medieval street below. This floor also has a recently modernised double bedroom; it overlooks the old town from a southerly direction and the many hidden gardens to the rear of the grand old houses in North and Market Streets, and Greyfriars gardens.
All have Hansgrohe Raindance shower heads, underfloor heating plus centrally heated towel rails. The other almost identical shower-room is on the third floor. Each are fed by a closed loop pressurised cylinder fed by a new Bosch system boiler. The system is designed to supply copious hot water at mains pressure to each tap (faucet), and for the flow to remain constant if the showers are used simultaneously.
The heating system also feeds the Red-Dot award winning radiators from Jaga. Also, on the first floor, are the laundry facilities with separate Miele washer and dryer. They are built into a specially designed laundry press - built to absorb extraneous acoustic noise and vibration. One shut, the ultra-thick doors with rebated acoustic and intumescent strips ensure that the operation of these machines - even when run simultaneously, is silent and imperceptible in the house.
On the top floor is the other two double bedrooms, each with twin 1.4 metre Velux windows to create a bright but restful space. Each have been recently modernised and equipped throughout with new Westex velvet carpets.
