4 bedroom detached house for sale

*CLOSING DATE WEDNESDAY 28TH AUGUST 2024 AT 12PM (NOON)*
Welcome to Balnagowan, a true hidden gem set within the town of Alva, nestled at the foot of the Ochil Hills. Enjoying a very private position, this timelessly attractive Victorian period home is situated in an idyllic green and leafy setting, moments away from Alva Glen, a stunning gateway to the mountainous terrain beyond, yet still close to town centre amenities and local schooling. Harper & Stone are delighted to introduce this spectacular and characterful four/five bedroom home to the open market.

The current owners have extensively, sympathetically and meticulously restored and upgraded the property to a significantly high standard. A plethora of original features typify the house’s historical and aesthetic worth, serving as a tangible link to the home’s past. High ceilings typical of the Victorian era create a sense of grandeur and spaciousness, amplifying Balnagowan’s regal ambience. Most rooms, including the bedrooms, feature press cupboards for additional storage. Original marble fireplaces feature in the reception rooms and bedrooms, a nod to an era before central heating, each with its own individual style and detail. The Minton tiled floor in the entrance vestibule and main hallway is typical of the period, with its bold pattern and colours; a 19th century staple as wealth flooded in to the Victorian middle and upper classes. The ornate cornicing and ceiling roses present throughout feature motifs such as thistles, fleur de lis, ferns and acanthus leaves. Each unique design in the various rooms brings its own individual sense of style and elegance.

The vendors have also carefully addressed the practical side of living in a period property. For example, the boiler was replaced and the heating system renewed 3 years ago, with new cast iron radiators installed downstairs. All the original windows have been painstakingly restored and upgraded, with double glazing now present throughout, complimented by high quality Origin aluminium glazing in a number of new openings towards the rear of the property. There are a newly created spacious open plan kitchen, dining and living spaces, and both bathrooms were replaced to a very high standard. The roof has been overhauled and is regularly checked and maintained, and features solar panels, significantly reducing energy costs. The property has been completely re-wired.

The accommodation presents as follows:
Ground Floor: Entrance Vestibule, Reception Hall, Drawing Room, Lounge, Study/Office, Shower Room, Utility Room and Open Plan Kitchen/Living/Dining Room.
First Floor: Landing, Four Bedrooms and Bathroom.

Entry to the property is via a solid wood storm door into the entrance vestibule, which in turn opens to the main hallway, a prelude to the splendour that awaits in the rest of the house. The stained glass window halfway up the staircase allows natural light to flood this space and adds a vibrant splash of colour and sophistication, emblematic of the era.
To the right is the drawing room, usually the main public room of a Victorian home. This south-facing space has a log burner, with an enormous and imposing bow window maximising the view over the well established front garden. There are glazed double doors providing direct access to the kitchen beyond. To the left is the front facing lounge, with dual aspect windows and open fireplace offering an extremely versatile space.

At the far end of the hallway is the stunning kitchen/dining room, a fantastic all-round living area. The bespoke kitchen was made by Handmade Kitchens of Christchurch, with painted in frame Shaker style base and larder units providing ample storage and practicality. The complimentary Silestone Quartz work surface is both beautiful and incredibly hardwearing. The large centre island affords further storage and seating in a contrasting earthy pink tone again topped with Silestone. Integrated appliances include a Neff multi zone induction hob, 2 ‘slide and hide’ ovens, and dishwasher. There is a full height Bosch fridge and freezer, as well as a wine fridge and a Villeroy & Boch Belfast sink with Quooker tap. The layout has been carefully and thoughtfully considered to create a functional and relaxed area for everyday family living and entertaining alike. A glass door opens to the garden at the side and allows the light to penetrate this end of the room. The dining area comfortably accommodates an 8 – 10 seat table offering a formal/informal choice of dining. Above the triple aluminium bi-fold doors are 3 Velux windows, allowing natural light to flood the space. The flooring is a neutral natural limestone, very much in keeping with the style and feel of the property.
To the far end of the dining area is the generous sized utility/boot room offering storage, a Belfast sink, freestanding burr oak laundry cupboard, pulley and space for two appliances. Returning to the hallway, there is a shower room with fixtures by Burlington including shower, wall mounted marble topped vanity unit and WC, with a period style radiator and towel rail. Completing the ground floor is a study/office ideal for remote working. There is also a large under stairs cupboard providing further storage.

Head upstairs via the half turn sweeping stone staircase with original wood and wrought iron balustrade and Unnatural Flooring herringbone stair runner to arrive on the first floor. This level offers 4 generous double bedrooms, with the principal bedroom again featuring an imposing bow window projection, mirroring the drawing room below. Do take a moment to look up in bedroom 2 to take in the beautifully revealed original ceiling echoing the varying finishes of the past; the array of colours is spectacular. The family bathroom completes the accommodation on this level, with a four piece suite and polished nickel hardware by the Cast Iron Bathroom Company. There is a Lusso Stone bath with freestanding taps, separate walk in shower, vintage oak drawer unit with countertop sink and WC.

Externally, extensive garden grounds surround the property amounting to almost an acre, bound by stone walls. The garden to the front of the property is stocked with an abundance of mature trees, plants and shrubs affording great privacy, with 2 large level lawn areas. Approaching Balnagowan from the road, a leafy private driveway winds down to the house with ample parking for multiple vehicles and an electric car charging point. At the rear of the house is a large outbuilding ripe for future development over two floors encompassing the former Coach House, stables and additional storage areas. At one end of the outbuilding the current owner has set up a home gym. This space also has an inspection pit which is currently capped but could be re-opened. The opportunities for converting this building are endless, with potential for further living accommodation, a studio, home office or workshop.

This exquisite home exudes timeless appeal and offers a unique blend of classic elegance and distinctive personality. Balnagowan not only welcomes you but also creates a sense of warmth and belonging. Once seen, it will leave a lasting impression. It has been and will continue to be a happy family home. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make this house your own and create lasting memories in this beautiful property.
The sale will include all fitted floor coverings, light fittings excluding the black triple armed fitting in the lounge, window coverings excluding navy curtains in bedroom 3, and integrated appliances where applicable (excluding coffee machine and washing appliances in utility). Any other items are to be by separate negotiation with the seller.

Viewings are strictly by appointment only via Harper & Stone.

Council Tax Band G
EER Band D
Water: Mains
Sewage: Mains
Heating: Mains
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Alva is a traditional Hillfoots village nestled beneath the vast Ochil Hills. Local amenities include a variety of shops, cafes and pubs, a library, health centre and busy community hall. Alva has both a Secondary and a Primary school, with Dollar Academy a 10 minute drive away. Leisure options close by include a variety of Golf Courses, endless walking, hiking and cycle routes, and the Sterling Mills Retail Outlet Centre is located just a short drive along the road. For commuters Alloa and Stirling train stations provides links to Glasgow and Edinburgh, while the motorways are only a short distance away.

IMPORTANT NOTE TO PURCHASERS: We endeavour to make our sales particulars accurate and reliable, however, they do not constitute or form part of an offer or any contract and none is to be relied upon as statements of representation or fact. Any services, systems and appliances listed in this specification have not been tested by us and no guarantee as to their operating ability or efficiency is given. All measurements have been taken as a guide to prospective buyers only and are not precise. If you require clarification or further information on any points, please contact us, especially if you are traveling some distance to view. Fixtures and fittings other than those mentioned are to be agreed with the seller.