The outline of Greensted is framed through the stone archway that leads into the garden. Dappled winter sunlight glances off its windows.
Greensted was built in 1910 in the Arts & Crafts style. With rounded, turret-like corners, stone lintels and every room’s windows a unique design, it’s a very handsome house indeed.
Lindsay Watson and Polly Leithead bought the house three years ago, moving up from England.
“We had a delightful time exploring the house and uncovering lots of original features,” Polly says. “Once we stripped back lots of thick layers of dark varnish we found the flooring was all original pitch pine. And a lot of the original window fittings are still the original copper and brass, as were the door handles.
Greensted was built in 1910 by the Orr family and was the childhood home of Robin Orr (1909-2006), professor of music at Cambridge University and the first chairman of Scottish Opera.
Indeed, Greensted once housed an organ and there is still an ac/dc convertor under the stairs that formed part of its workings.
The house is entered through a large timber door set into an arched stone doorway. The dining room has two large windows looking into the garden and a pair of charming little windows set into the gable end to either side of a beautiful stone fireplace.
The living room is another special space, with a large corner window, glazed doors to the garden and a wood burning stove.
The dining kitchen is warmed by a large AGA which is set into a brick surround. Off this room is a utility room, pantry and downstairs WC.
Almost every room has rounded corners and is uniquely shaped, making the house a delight to explore.
Up a handsome timber staircase, on the first floor are three double bedrooms, the master having an en suite shower room and walk-in wardrobe.
At the attic level are two more rooms. Polly is a print maker and these rooms are used as her work space, though they are easily big enough to be another pair of double bedrooms. Velux windows have been added to throw in more light.
The couple have overhauled the garden during their time at the house. They removed a row of Cyprus trees to gain more light, added a new raised vegetable bed and converted two kennels into a potting shed. They also refurbished the detached stone garage and repointed one of the house’s chimneys.
Lindsay, 66, and Polly, 68, now feel Greensted is too big for them. “The house is in a great location between the Angus Glens and the coast,” Polly says. “Ideally we’d like to find somewhere smaller and remain in Angus.”
Greensted, Brechin, is on sale with Savills for o/o £365,000.