Helenlea, 27 Hillhead, Lerwick, Shetland, ZE1 0EJ

Reference - KA0673

Helenlea offers an exceptional and rarely available opportunity to acquire a beautifully presented four/five-bedroom end-terraced home in true walk-in condition, set within one of Lerwick’s most sought-after locations. Positioned on the Hillhead, just moments from Commercial Street via Lerwick’s historic lanes, the property enjoys close proximity to an array of quality amenities. These include a range of shops, cafés, restaurants, bars, the library, the Mareel Cinema, Arts and Music venue, the Shetland Museum, Isleburgh Community Centre, the flower park, Lerwick Bowling Club, tennis court, Clickimin Leisure Complex, local healthcare, and beautiful walks, including the stunning coastal walk around the Knab headland. Local schooling options are excellent, with Bell’s Brae Primary School, Anderson High School, and two nurseries all nearby within walking distance.

This characterful Edwardian home has undergone tasteful improvements in recent years, including the creation of the versatile garden-level room, the installation of Karndean flooring throughout, new carpets, and stylish, considered décor, fixtures, and fittings. It also benefits from a connection to Lerwick’s District Heating Scheme.

Approaching the property, a charming paved front garden with a seating area provides a welcoming first impression. Upon entry, a bright entrance porch with original tiling and an internal stained glass door leads into a spacious hallway featuring high ceilings, intricate cornicing, and the original pitch pine staircase—just one of the many traditional features of the home.

The generously proportioned lounge boasts a beautiful bay window with original wooden panelling that floods the room with natural light, alongside a striking feature fireplace with a wood-burning stove on a black slate hearth. To the rear, the open-plan kitchen and dining room offers an ideal layout for modern family life. The contemporary kitchen includes a mix of wall and base units and integrated appliances, including a dishwasher, full-length fridge, under-counter freezer, and an additional under-counter freezer. There is ample space for a large dining table, as well as a cosy ‘reading nook’ by one of the two large windows that frame scenic harbour views.

Upstairs, leading off the first-floor landing is the principal bedroom of impressive proportions, featuring a bay window with original wooden panelling looking out over Lerwick New Town towards Sound and Breiwick Bay. The room also boasts an original glass-door cabinet/cupboard. This room is currently being used as the formal dining room. A second spacious double bedroom with stunning views over the Lerwick Lanes to the harbour and the Island of Bressay, and built-in storage, sits adjacent. Also on this level is a modern shower room comprising a large shower unit with a rainfall showerhead, WC, hand basin with built-in storage, and heated towel rail. A further room, currently used as a home office, could easily serve as a single bedroom, and a large hallway cupboard with a radiator offers excellent storage and an airing cupboard.

On the top floor, two further double bedrooms both feature dormer windows, each offering spectacular views—one across the town and great views of Breiwick Bay, the other over the harbour towards Bressay. Both rooms include two built-in eaves storage cupboards. A bathroom on this floor includes a freestanding bath, hand basin, and heated towel rail. A substantial storage cupboard is also located off the landing.

Accessed via the main hallway on the ground floor, stairs lead down to a spacious and versatile garden-level room, ideal as a family or dining room. This space also features Karndean flooring, a utility area with sink and integrated washer/dryer, a WC, and a fully glazed door leading to the substantial garden. Adjacent is a generous workroom with excellent built-in storage and housing for the newly replaced district heating exchanger.

Outside, the large mature garden is immaculately maintained and begins with space for a seating area from which to enjoy the morning sun. From there, paving leads down to the lawn area, surrounded by a wide variety of mature planting. There is a large lean-to greenhouse with both power and water connections. At the far end of the garden, steps lead to a peaceful and secluded sunken seating area—a sun trap that also offers excellent protection from the Shetland wind. There is also access to the garden and house via a gate off Reform Lane.

Extensively upgraded and maintained to a high standard throughout, Helenlea represents a unique opportunity to secure a large, spacious, flexible, and beautifully finished family home in an outstanding central Lerwick location. The house has amazing views of the Lerwick Up Helly Aa light-up and procession, which takes place directly outside on Lower Hillhead. Early viewing is strongly recommended to appreciate all that this exceptional property has to offer.