6 bed semi-detached house for sale

George Street, Helensburgh, Argyll And Bute G84

Extensively upgraded to modern standards whilst retaining much of the Victorian grandeur throughout its expansive and beautifully presented accommodation, Croft House extends to over 6200 sq ft and is a fine and imposing villa dating from approximately 1880 with an intriguing history.

Starting its life as a fairly modest villa, Croft House was then exposed to the influences of A N Paterson who is responsible of some of the Italianate flair and flavour to be seen within. At a later date another renowned local artist and architect, Robert Whyte, was commissioned to extend the property. Robert, ultimately went on to train with the nationally acclaimed, William Leiper who is a well-known name in the area and has tended works on many spectacular properties within the Helensburgh area. One would be hard pushed to notice however, the villa is attached to the former small west wing (old nursery) which is now a separate property with its own private access from East Montrose Street.

The extensive accommodation is, technically, laid out over three levels (ground floor/ mezzanine level and first floor) and, again, retains many exemplary original period features. Following the sympathetic upgrading by the current vendor over the last 5-6 years, the property now, more so than ever, still positions itself at the forefront of the statement homes in Helensburgh.

Throughout the property, period charm is on full display complemented by modern fittings / convenience / safety and technical upgrading which can be found throughout the stunning refitted dining kitchen, the majority of bathrooms / shower room facilities, new annexe (conversion from store rooms and original servants accommodation) to the rear and the external areas and now offers potential buyers with an expansive yet versatile layout with further scope for alternative accommodation or extensive storage facilities outside to be developed appropriately to suit a diverse, selection of needs, wants and tastes.

The Layout

Accessed from the front through the main entrance vestibule, with original marble floor, there is a sense of arrival when welcomed by the magnificent reception hallway which has original renovated wooden flooring, a superb open fireplace with decorative white marble surround, beautiful panelling and picture rails in place. When entertaining or inviting guests through, the principal reception rooms flow neatly from the central focal point hallway where, to the left, a morning room / library / office area can be found and, to the right, is the dining room which offers enviable proportions with ample space for a huge dining table and chairs, complete with bay window and beautiful ornate cornice work, along with an ornate mahogany fire surround.

The jewel in the crown of this villa, facing the front and set between the dining and sitting/TV room, is the utterly stunning drawing room which is, to a great extent, the defining feature of the house. Exquisite cornicing that was inspired by the place in the Palace of Versailles and is complimented by lush decoration and original parquet flooring running throughout with a magnificent focal point fire place with ornate marble surround and Corinthian columns to complete the grand design. With views across the landscaped gardens and further on to the Clyde, the window seats within the bay are a welcome vantage point, there are opposite the bay window double doors opening through to the sitting/TV room, the flow does continue seamlessly whether meandering through with a glass of wine or a cozy mug of coffee.

The beautifully appointed sitting/TV room again has an open fire with marble surround and wooden mantle, central ceiling rose, picture rails, an inset window seat and wooden floor.

Particular mention should be made to the completely extended and refitted kitchen which brings a confident, modern 'twist to the tale' with a plethora of wall and base units, plenty of worktop space, breakfast bar with inset extractors, power points and high-quality integrated appliances to be included. Access is also gained through to the utility area and, off to the rear of the hallway is the laundry room which can be closed away neither to be seen or heard if required! A boot room with a stained glass door takes care of storing the 'Scottish essentials' - coats / brollies / boots / dogs bowls etc and there is a traditionally style W.C located off here too.

An area at the rear has been re-discovered and cleverly cultivated by the vendors to create, what could be - with its own rear entrance if required - an annexe which has a shower room and two further rooms - possibly ideal for a business / treatment rooms or, of course, a potential Air b'n'b concern - viewers should satisfy themselves with regards to the utilisation of this fabulous facility which is finished to the same high standard as the rest if the house, in addition and ....ready to go ! Cat 6 cabling has also been installed around the house to ensure a strong Wi-Fi signal is available throughout easing connectivity within such a substantial property.

Upper accommodation

A decorative staircase with wonderful carved oak balustrade and decorative stained glass ceiling lights leads to the half landing and rises to the first floor. At the half landing, the upgrading has continued and with clever manipulation and a redesign has created again a flexible area currently offering a master bedroom suite with superb fully tiled shower room off with a three-piece suite, modern tiling and huge walk-in shower enclosure with deluxe shower within., There is further storage and snug / lounge and a dressing room.

On the first floor there is another stunning feature bedroom with a superb, re-fitted and extensive en-suite bathroom which must be viewed There are a further three bedrooms on the first floor, one with another en-suite – retaining as much of the original, traditional styled bathroom with marble clad bath, as well as a compact WC.

Outside

Despite being hidden away from public view within its own private grounds, Croft House is, and always has been, admired, cherished and highly regarded by all around the area, and indeed, the sentiment will surely remain this way for many years to come.

The sweeping tree lined gravel driveway leads up to Croft House having passed through remotely controlled electric gates. There is ample parking at the front of the house and stone steps lead to the front from the parking area. A well maintained, lush generously proportioned lawn sets the tone at the front with mature trees, plants and flowering shrubs forming the principal part of the garden. To the side there is a chipped area - ideal for al-fresco dining - also a small lily/fish pond has power and light within. A well maintained and upscaled chipped area is found surrounding and well screened, Astroturfed stretches can be found at the rear.

The outbuildings at the side are stone built and, again have been upscaled and renovated by the current vendors - ready for the next owners to decide what they may wish to be used for - home office / garden bar / gym / cozy further accommodation - the choice is yours. The vendor can also provide details of the lapsed planning to extend the stone building near to pond, which would have provided a Gym and home office with a kitchen/ pantry with a shower, WC and further storage to the basement area.

There is a gate to the side with access provided to the extensive timber garage which, in the past, has had planning for development creating a further 2 bedroomed house if required. Again - many diverse options and flexible facilities are provided.

The Location

Helensburgh Town Centre is found close at hand and a local schooling is provided at a premium. The highly revered, privately run Lomond School is also just a short walk. Morrison’s supermarket is a couple of minutes’ drive to the south. Additionally, Helensburgh has a multitude of convenient shops, restaurants and bars all based around the square and along the waterfront including a larger Co Op Store.

Glasgow Airport is easily accessible as is Helensburgh Central railway station, on the main train line between Helensburgh and Glasgow & Edinburgh City Centres which is again, surely within walking distance. Further regular services are provided via Helensburgh Upper offering access north to Oban and overnight Caledonian sleeper to London.

Spectacular countryside towards Loch Lomond, around the Peninsula and into Argyle and Bute, together with two sailing clubs and several golf courses are easily accessible via some of the finest driving roads in Scotland.

Square Footage: 6,216 sq ft

Travel Directions

On entering Helensburgh from the Loch Lomond side, proceed down Sinclair Street and turn left into Argyle Street East and follow the road until to the end of the road, it will veer sharply left onto George Street the property is located on the left with White Gates..

Summary

A superb opportunity to purchase a devilishly diverse, flexible and deliciously detailed property is now available which simply will not come along again....

Call any of the friendly team at our Helensburgh Office to avoid disappointment and arrange your visit to Croft House on .