This place in the country has four paddocks and a henhouse
Summer Hill House, a postcard-pretty property in East Lothian, was bought in spring 2007 by owners with a love of all things Georgian.
In fact, so taken were they with the era that they embarked on a renovation that would see their home pay homage to its history — “country and Georgian, but not antiquated,” they explain.
Although the house’s interiors felt dated, its grounds, characterised by mature trees, seclusion and privacy, piqued their interest.
Undertaking the restoration work themselves, they reworked the kitchen to include unfitted, solid wood furniture and a low-maintenance Aga with an intelligent management system that cut running costs.
The rooms were painted in heritage colours and the window shutters and fireplaces were restored, as were the original flagstones in the hallway. Authentic light fittings, a copper roll-top bath and period-style sinks completed the revamp.
On the market with Rettie for offers of more than £1.25 million, Summer Hill House has six bedrooms, four bathrooms and two double-aspect rooms — the drawing room and kitchen. There is a wood-panelled dining room painted green-blue, a sitting room, studio, workshop, study, stables and a garage.
“The house is long and south-facing, with views across to the Lammermuirs and Saltoun Hall in the distance,” the owners say. “It gets an awful lot of light.”
In the walled garden there are plum, pear and apple trees, while raspberries and gooseberries grow in the kitchen garden. The owners, who are moving for professional reasons, have added to the climbing and rambling roses. There is also a hen house, four paddocks and seven acres of land.
Despite its country location, Summer Hill House is a few minutes’ drive from Longniddry rail station and the journey to Edinburgh takes less than 30 minutes. Haddington, which has good schools, is seven miles east.
