Fine period house overlooking Mid Links, perhaps one of the finest properties in Montrose.

Description

Esk House is situated on the corner of Melville Gardens and Russell Street in Montrose, and overlooks the former Links Bowling Green and Pavilion close to an area known as Mid Links, so is located within a pleasant residential part of the town. The High Street and railway station are within walking distance, as is the sports centre, golf courses and beach. Esk House is an architecturally pleasing property. John Gifford in the Pevsner Architectural Guide, Buildings of Scotland, Dundee and Angus (Yale University Press 2012) describes it as “symmetrically Jacobean of a sort, the bay window parapets pierced by round-headed arcading.” He also indicates that “Mid Links, formerly a golfing area, was laid out in the 1870s”. Esk House is Listed Category B and is indicated as being “later 19th century, additions 1894, substantial 2 storey, 3 bay classically detailed villa, approximate L plan on a corner site.” The listing goes on to describe the interior as having “decorative plasterwork ceilings and cornices in principal rooms…” It is understood that the house was built in 1885 for the daughter of wealthy merchants who owned the neighbouring property. It was later used as a medical clinic for the town, and then as a guest house. With front and side wings which are interlinking but have independent entrances, it is a house with great flexibility for separate ancillary or letting accommodation, if desired, or other uses subject to any necessary consents. In the last two years the current owners have set about a renovation programme, which has included using the side wing as a gallery for showcasing art. Other recent works have included renewing floor coverings, other than in the hall and dining room, together with updating and replacing light fittings, redecorating throughout including repairing original plasterwork. Externally the windows and doors have been refurbished and the garden and off street parking area have been landscaped. As such it is now a lovely, well presented house.

At the front entrance, stone steps lead up to outer storm doors with an inner glazed door to an impressive hall with a pitch pine staircase and Karndean flooring. Arranged off this are the fine principal reception rooms which are ideal for entertaining. The dining room has an ornate cornice, picture rail, bay window with window shutters, shelved cupboard and a washbasin. The sitting room has an ornate ceiling and cornice, bay window with window shutters, and wooden flooring with inlaid carpet. A side passageway has an understair cupboard and connects to the dining room; snug with window shutters and recessed shelves; and a cloakroom with a back door to the garden, fitted units, clothes pulley, plumbing for a washing machine, and a separate WC with washbasin. The fully fitted kitchen has hi-gloss units with quartz worktops and splashbacks, sink, central island unit with breakfast bar, and underfloor heating. Fitted Hotpoint appliances include an induction hob with extractor, wine cooler, dishwasher, oven / grill and combination microwave, fridge and freezer. An office has window shutters, clothes pulley and along with the hall links through to the side wing.

The staircase leads up to a landing with an ornate cornice and shelved airing cupboard. There are eight bedrooms in this part of the house, most with cornices. Bedroom one has a bay window and tiled en suite with spa bath, shower cubicle, washbasin and WC. Bedrooms two and three are currently used as dressing rooms with the former having an en suite with shower, washbasin and WC. Bedroom four has an en suite with shower and washbasin. Bedroom five, which has been used as a yoga studio, has an ornate ceiling, bay window, carved wooden mantel, fitted units and a partially tiled en suite with shower, washbasin and WC. Bedrooms six and eight have en suites with shower, washbasin and WC. An office / bedroom seven has a washbasin.

A wooden entrance door from Russell Street opens to the hallway in the side wing with tiled floor. A shower room has a separate washbasin and WC, while an inner hallway has a door to the garden and stairs to the first floor and an understair cupboard. The kitchen has fitted wall and floor units with Hotpoint ceramic hob and oven with extractor, sink and plumbing for a dishwasher. A utility room has a Belfast sink, plumbing for washing machine, clothes pulley and tiled floor, while the integral garage has sliding doors, concrete floor, a store and a boiler room housing two Worcester boilers.

The stairs lead to first floor where there is a small shower room, four further bedrooms each with washbasins, and a WC with a washbasin.

To the rear of the property is a sheltered and enclosed garden with a south facing gravelled seating area with steps up to a pergola and a fire pit. An insulated container (5.9 m x 2.4 m) provides useful storage and a screen. There is access from Russell Street to parking areas and a studio with a double glazed conservatory.

Location

Montrose, which is an historic port, is located on the coast between Dundee and Aberdeen, and sits between Montrose Basin and the North Sea. The basin is a land-locked estuary at the mouth of the River South Esk, and is a renowned nature reserve and wildlife centre. Beyond the basin, the surrounding countryside is mainly rolling farmland. Away from the coast are the Angus Glens which form the foothills of the Grampian Mountains. The coastline around Montrose comprises sandy bays and red sandstone cliffs. As well as the beach at Montrose, there are popular beaches at St Cyrus and Lunan Bay.

Montrose offers primary and secondary education, a wide range of shopping and leisure facilities at the new sports centre and swimming pool. The new Montrose Playhouse is a cinema and art centre, while the nearby former Bowling Pavilion is now a renowned small café. Independent schools in the area include Lathallan (Johnshaven) with a dedicated bus service from Montrose; the High School of Dundee and others in Aberdeen, with pupils catching trains from the station to either city. Golf courses in the area include Montrose, Edzell and the championship course at Carnoustie. Fishing can be taken on the nearby rivers North and South Esk, while sea fishing is also available locally.

The A92 coast road runs from Stonehaven to Dundee via Montrose and Arbroath, while inland the A90 dual carriageway runs north from Dundee to Aberdeen. The cities of Aberdeen and Dundee are easily reached, and provide all the services expected of major centres. Montrose station regular services to Aberdeen and to the south, including a sleeper service. Aberdeen Airport has a range of domestic and European flights and there are services from Dundee to London.




Acreage: 0.28 Acres

Directions

If coming from Montrose from the north proceed towards the town centre and immediately before the second roundabout turn left in to Rosehill Road. At the crossroads continue straight over, on Rosehill Road and at the Links turn right on to Provost Scott Road / Dorward Place. Continue past the Park and Links hotels, and Panmure Terrace. After passing the school turn left on to Russell Street and the house will be seen on the right.

If coming from the south proceed over the bridge in to Montrose and then bear right on to Bridge Street, following signs for town centre. Then bear left on to the High Street. At the Bank of Scotland turn right on to John Street, and at the Park Hotel turn right on to Provost Scott Road and proceed as above.