Historic coastal home with exceptional character, picturesque views and private garden.

Description

Merchant’s House is a prominent A Listed terraced house situated at the head of Anstruther’s esplanade to the west of the village’s harbour where the Dreel Burn meets the Firth of Forth. As described by Historic Environment Scotland (HES), “The Merchant’s House. . . is an outstanding example of an 18th century coastal town house in Scotland”. The original house’s fascinating history of ownership is well documented by HES, and is thought to have roots back to the 17th century. The house today is one of a collection of three historic houses that previously linked together to create one private townhouse known as The White House. Having been subdivided and renovated in 2018, Merchant’s House now comprises a beautifully presented home with an abundance of traditional character including crowstepped gables, a stunning original timber-panelled first floor sitting room, ornate cornicing, and Robert Adam style fireplaces.

The front door to Merchant’s House opens up into the dining room. This has an Adam-inspired open fireplace with tiled surround, windows to the front and fitted storage including a cloak cupboard. The adjacent kitchen also faces the front, with a window with working shutters and a fitted window seat from which to enjoy the views over the bay towards the heart of Anstruther. It is well-equipped with a fitted range cooker with gas hob, freestanding dishwasher and fridge, Belfast sink, log burner set into a fireplace, and central island with breakfast bar.

The stairs approach a mid-landing where there is a door out to the rear garden, a store, linen cupboard, and a utility room which is plumbed for appliances and houses the hot water tank and mains gas boiler. The stairs continue to the first floor, home to the spectacular and characterful sitting room. This has windows to the north and east providing views over the bay back towards Anstruther, as well as across the Firth of Forth to East Lothian. The stunning timber panelling has been well preserved, as has the Adam-style fireplace. Across the landing is a bedroom which also has views across the bay, and store cupboards. A shower room has doors connecting to both the bedroom and the landing. On the top floor there are two further bedrooms with picturesque views and a bathroom with shower over the bath.

Outside

The south-facing rear garden is approached from a back door at the mid-level by the utility room. There is a sheltered lawned area with shrubs and plants, an ideal area for barbecues and al fresco dining. The garden extends in a dog-leg with a path passing between beds stocked with plants and shrubs. From here there are fabulous coastal views.

Included in the sale is an area of ground to the north of the house across the road. It is currently laid with grass but could be used as a private parking space. The property is close to the esplanade public carpark which offers free parking.

Location

Centrally located within the historic Fife coastal town of Anstruther, Merchant’s House occupies a prime waterfront position overlooking the convergence of the Dreel Burn and the Firth of Forth. The property is situated within close proximity to a range of services including shops, pubs, restaurants and the harbour. The vibrant community of Anstruther forms part of the popular East Neuk area in Fife, famous for its picturesque fishing villages, sandy unspoilt beaches and rich farmland. There is a strong artist and craft worker community in all the villages, with the nearby village of Pittenweem hosting one of Scotland’s most famous summer art festivals every year.

Anstruther has a working harbour and excellent facilities for pleasure boats. There is a good range of independent retailers, some fantastic restaurants including the Michelin-starred The Cellar, and a large supermarket. The village provides schooling at Anstruther Primary School and secondary education at Waid Academy which offers excellent modern facilities. Co-educational private schooling is available locally at St Andrews, and Dundee High School is also within easy reach.
There are many golf courses in the area including Kingsbarns, Elie, Crail and those in the world famous St Andrews, renowned worldwide as the ‘Home of Golf’, which is just 10 miles away. The Old Course is a regular host to the Open Championship which was staged there in July 2022. There are six further golf courses run by the St Andrews Links Trust, in addition to the many other golf courses in the area including the Duke’s Course, two courses at Fairmont, St Andrews Bay, Kingsbarns and Dumbarnie.

Railway stations at Markinch (21 miles), Leuchars (17 miles) or Cupar (18.5 miles) provide good access links. The reinstatement of the Levenmouth Rail Link is due to open by 2024 connecting Leven (16 miles) to the Fife Circle line. Edinburgh Airport is 49 miles away and offers a wide range of domestic and international flights. Dundee Airport (26 miles) flies to London City.

Square Footage: 1,763 sq ft



Directions

In Anstruther, from the A917 turn onto Shore Esplanade at the apex of the junction of High Street West and Elizabeth Place. Merchant’s House, 1B Shore Esplanade, is the last house on the right hand side. There is car parking available at the side of the house, at the end of Shore Esplanade.

Additional Info

GENERAL REMARKS

Services: Mains electricity, gas, drainage and water. Central heating provided by mains gas boiler.

Local Authority & tax band: Fife Council tax band E

Conservation Area and Listing: Merchant’s House is Category A Listed and is within the Anstruther Conservation Area.

Fixtures & Fittings: Standard fixtures and fittings are included. The fridge and dishwasher are also included. The tumble dryer, washing machine, electric fire in kitchen, and garden furniture are excluded.