Blanerne House, Duns, Scottish Borders, TD11

The ‘Seclusion and Magic of Blanerne’ cannot be depicted by drawings, paintings or other art forms nor portrayed in Words. One must experience it for oneself!

Blanerne House is a handsome B-Listed country house situated in some of the prettiest countryside in the Scottish Borders. This nine bedroomed, five public room country manor offers about 38 acres of grounds, attractive rural views, double bank fishing rights over the Whiteadder river and a three bedroom self-contained apartment.

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION
Blanerne House, a magnificent B Listed country residence, is nestled in one of the most picturesque landscapes of the Scottish Borders.
Sitting on the banks of the Whiteadder River, a tributary to the River Tweed, Blanerne House boasts 560 yards of double-bank river frontage. This prime location offers excellent shooting and fishing opportunities for salmon, sea trout, and brown trout, enhancing the estate's appeal to field sports enthusiasts.

Approaching Blanerne House, you are greeted by a majestic tree-lined driveway that culminates in a spacious carriageway parking area in front of the house. The entrance sets the tone for the grandeur that lies within. Blanerne House exudes elegance and sophistication at every corner, a testament to its careful restoration and timeless design.

Upon stepping into the grand reception hall, guests are immediately enchanted by the property's beauty and opulence. The ground floor of Blanerne House offers a lavish sense of space, featuring three striking formal reception rooms that are ideal for hosting gatherings, special occasions and exceeds expectations for comfortable family life. For more intimate moments, the sitting room and breakfast room provide relaxed and inviting spaces.

Ascending the grand staircase of Blanerne House to the first floor, you are met with a magnificent landing that provides access to the bedroom accommodation. This level comprises of nine beautifully appointed bedrooms, eight of which are serviced by three exquisite bathrooms and two separate W.C.'s. The ninth bedroom in the west wing stands out with its own luxurious en-suite bathroom, offering privacy and comfort.
A stairway from the rear hall on the ground floor leads downstairs to the garden level or basement. This area is a treasure trove of utility and leisure, featuring numerous useful storerooms, a well-equipped gym, a craft room for creative pursuits, a workshop for DIY projects offering huge potential for redevelopment for the luxuries to fulfil your lifestyle. The impressive plant room feature state of the art Eta Hack Biomass.
Additionally, Blanerne House includes a charming three-bedroom self-contained apartment, offering further accommodation options such as for guests, staff, extended family or to generate an income from. This living space ensures comfort and privacy, complementing the main house's luxurious living quarters.

The grounds of Blanerne House are equally impressive, encompassing 38 acres of beautiful landscapes, ample space for a helipad if required. Highlights include a south-facing terrace, perfect for entertaining, meticulously maintained lawns, and an old tennis court currently used as a croquet lawn, which could be restored to its original purpose. The property also features number of areas of woodland, one of which has been felled and an arable field informally rented out to a neighbouring farmer. The ruins of Blanerne Castle within the garden grounds adds a touch of historical intrigue, while a stunning section of the garden, affectionately known as the wedding garden, provides a picturesque setting for special occasions. On the northern boundary of Blanerne House is an area of hard standing and a 43m x 10m barn which offers superb storage, rental potential and could developed subject to obtaining the relevant planning consents from the local authority.

Blanerne House is more than just a residence; it is a statement of timeless elegance and luxurious living, perfectly positioned in the heart of the stunning Scottish Borders landscape.

ACCOMODATION COMPRISES
Ground Floor – Drawing Room, Games Room, Dining Room, Breakfast Room, Family Sitting Room, Kitchen, Cloak Room / W.C, Utility Room, Reception Hall, Rear Hall.

First Floor – Principal Bedroom with Dressing Room (Bedroom Nine), Guest Suite, Six Further Double Bedrooms, Two Family Bathrooms, Family Shower Room, Two Separate W.C.

Garden Floor – Workshop Room, Craft Room, Garden Room, Gym, Numerous Storerooms, Cellars, Biomass Plantroom.

Blanerne Apartment – Sitting Room, Three Double Bedrooms, Dining Kitchen, Large Bathroom.

Garden Grounds – 37.86 Acres / 15.32 Hectares, Patio / Terracing, Double Bank Fishing Rights, Wedding Garden, Castle Ruins, Extensive Barn (43m x 10m), Ample Parking, Courtyard.

DISTANCES
Duns 5 miles, Berwick upon Tweed 12 miles, Melrose 28 miles, Dunbar 20 miles, Edinburgh 48 miles, Newcastle 75 miles, Glasgow 93 miles. (All distances are approximate)

AREA INSIGHTS
Blanerne House is situated in the heart of the Scottish Borders, located just off the A6105, accessed via a quiet single-track road, surrounded by beautiful countryside with stunning views over the Whiteadder River.
The nearby historic market town of Duns, just a short drive away, provides a range of local amenities, including shops and services. Duns boasts a vibrant community with several cafes, restaurants, and pubs. Closer to Blanerne House is the village of Chirnside, which features a local Co-op, a pub, a post office and a pharmacy. Berwick-upon-Tweed, which is approximately 12 miles from Blanerne House, offers extensive amenities such as major supermarket chains, local shopping, historical attractions, numerous restaurants and cafes, the Maltings Theatre, and a highly regarded leisure centre.

There are some great options for education in the area, with well-regarded primary schools in Duns and Chirnside, and Berwickshire High School or Eyemouth High School offering excellent secondary schooling options. Further education options include private schooling at Belhaven Hill School in Dunbar, and Longridge Towers School near Berwick and some of the most prestigious schools in Edinburgh. Scotland also offer a great selection of Universities.

For leisure and outdoor pursuits, the area is unparalleled. Coldingham Sands beach and St. Abb's Head National Nature Reserve are within easy reach, providing opportunities for coastal walks, surfing and wildlife watching. Sporting enthusiasts will appreciate various activities available in the area, including numerous golf courses. Cricket, football, and a well-regarded rugby club add to the rich sporting culture. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy excellent opportunities on the Tweed and the Whiteadder, while the surrounding countryside offers numerous trails for walking, cycling, and horse riding.

Blanerne House provides an ideal blend of rural serenity with excellent connectivity. The A1 trunk road offers easy access to Edinburgh and Newcastle, both cities offer international airports, making it convenient for commuting or exploring further afield. Berwick-upon-Tweed is home to a mainline train station offering regular services to London, with a journey time of just 3½ hours, and to Edinburgh in 40 minutes, and Newcastle in 45 minutes. The nearby village of Reston, 7 miles from Blanerne House, has the new Reston Train Station also on the East Coastline connecting London to Aberdeen.

This prime location in the Scottish Borders ensures that residents of Blanerne House enjoy the best of both worlds – the tranquillity of the countryside with easy access to urban amenities and excellent transport links.

GENERAL REMARK

Tenure
Freehold.

Agent’s Note
Please note, there is a pedestrian and vehicular right of access for The Owl House and The Walled Garden over a section of the driveway of Blanerne House. Blanerne Lodge has a pedestrian and vehicular right of access in front of the lodge including parking.

Council Tax
Blanerne House – Band H
Blanerne House Apartment – Rateable Value £3900 effective from the 7 April 2023.

Local Authority
Scottish Borders Council

Services
Blanerne House
• Mains electricity & water.
• Drainage to a private septic tank.
• Biomass boiler.
• Broadband services are available.

Blanerne House Apartment
• Mains electricity & water.
• Drainage to a private septic tank.
• Biomass heating off the main boiler.
• Broadband services are available.

Fixtures and Fittings
All fitted carpets, curtain poles, blinds, some light fittings and integrated appliances form part of the sale. There are other items of furniture, mirrors / chandeliers for example that could be made available through separate negotiation.

Listing and Conservation
Blanerne House – B Listed.
Blanerne Castle – Scheduled ancient monument.