Traditional home with sweeping river views goes on the market
Homebuyers are being offered a rare and unusual opportunity as one of the largest and most impressive houses in Limekilns, one of Scotland's most romantic, historic and picturesque villages, is brought to market by Baird Lumsden, one of the country’s leading rural property specialists.
The Knowe - it means a knoll, or a protuberance, in old Scots - stands in its own substantial grounds in Red Row, right on the shore and with an uninterrupted panorama of the Firth of Forth and the rolling landscapes beyond.
It was from Limekilns that David Balfour and Alan Breck made their desperate rowing boat dash across the Forth in Robert Louis Stevenson's Kidnapped and the oldest building in the village is called the King's Cellar, from the time Scots royalty ruled from Dunfermline and used the village as a port.
The conservation village dates from the 1300s, when it was called Galletts, and derived its current name from the important local sources of limestone. With its excellent amenities and safe yachting harbours, it has been a sought-after residential location for the past 100 years.
The Knowe is one of the most prominent homes in the village, set within attractive walled gardens and with a sweeping driveway to the rear. It extends to 3022 sq ft, with three principal public rooms, five bedrooms and a family kitchen with an Aga stove.
The current owners have carried out tasteful and sensitive improvements over the past five years including full redecoration, new carpeting, re-fitment of the kitchen, re-fitment of all bathrooms, replacement of the central heating system, installation of sash and case double glazed windows, upgrading works to the roof and conversion of the double garage to form a gym.
However, the Knowe retains all its traditional charm with feature fireplaces, alcoves, coving and a free-standing bath. There is also planning permission granted to add additional public room space to the east side of the property.
One of the reasons Limekilns has retained its long-term popularity is the range of amenities within the village, including primary schooling, shops, a Post Office, church, doctor's surgery and health care facilities, local bus services, a village park, tennis club and attractive walks along the coast and in the surrounding countryside.
The two excellent village hostelries reflect the village's history and traditions. The Bruce Inn is named after the Bruce family - the Earls of Elgin - whose enterprise in the coal and lime industries did so much to shape the area. The Ship Inn is a tribute to the importance of the sea trade on the Forth.
Limekilns is only a short distance from a full range of shopping and other amenities in Dunfermline and an easy commute across the Forth Road Bridge to Edinburgh, whose city centre is only 17 miles away. It is also within easy reach of Glasgow, St Andrews and Stirling
The Knowe will make a family home of distinction for a discerning buyer.
Offers over £590,000.
Viewing is strictly by appointment through the selling agents. For more information, visit bairdlumsden.co.uk.
