home
At
rettie & co. magazine
autumn | winter collection 2018
Glasgow & The Surrounding Areas
Balfron
Endrick House
£575,000
Offers over
A fabulous, modern detached country house with approximately 2.145 acres, situated between the villages of Killearn, Drymen and Balfron, including 350 yards riverbank of the Endrick Water with riparian rights. The home offers a large reception hall, fabulous main drawing room with slate fireplace and large open fire for logs, a family sitting room with stone fireplace and Scan multi-fuel stove, formal dining room, dining sized kitchen with “New England” style units, guest toilet, and small laundry. There is a very cleverly designed super study/library area with bookcases and large Velux window in the upper hallway. The property features five bedrooms, all of which are double, with the master particularly generous and featuring a renewed four-piece en-suite bathroom. Morning and afternoon sun terraces flank the home and there is a bank of ground leading down to the water’s edge and a fine red sandstone bridge. On this bank, three patios/terraces have been constructed for entertaining spaces or to enjoy the quiet waters of The Endrick.
3
5
4
0141 943 3150
bearsden@rettie.co.uk
website link
EPC=D
Glasgow Bearsden |
Bearsden
3 Hillneuk Avenue
£450,000
Situated within the Hillfoot district, this four-bedroom detached pre-war bungalow has been comprehensively upgraded, modernised, and extended by our clients to create a beautiful, high-end property. Great care, taste, and imagination has gone into the property, and considerable investment, to create this superbly equipped, exceedingly well finished and well sited home that is perfect for families but also one that will appeal to couples and downsizers too. The ground floor is comprised of reception hall, a bay windowed lounge, a large home/family room with French doors extending onto a sundeck, and a well-equipped kitchen set on an open plan basis to the dining room, which has patio doors onto the sundeck. The master bedroom suite has a double sized bedroom area with French doors onto the deck, a dressing corridor and an excellent en-suite shower room. Another double sized bedroom with fitted wardrobes and bay window and a family bathroom with spa bath and a thermostatic shower is on this level. Two further bedrooms are on the first floor.
2
Killearn
Stockiemuir Cottage
£498,000
Stockiemuir Cottage is a superb family home enjoying a fabulous rural location just past the Queens View and set in beautiful Scottish countryside, yet within an easy and striking distance of Milngavie, Bearsden, Glasgow, and Killearn. The property was rebuilt in 1994 from the ruins of two stone cottages. The main house sits within a large garden of more than 1 acre surrounded by deer fencing with mature shrubs and trees. In addition to the Cottage’s formal garden there are further grounds of six acres.The home itself offers bright and generously proportioned accommodation. A delightful feature sitting room with a vaulted ceiling and woodburning stove provides views across the enclosed well-stocked gardens. A formal dining room provides a very useful entertaining space and the generously sized dining kitchen offers abundant storage space. The upstairs accommodation is comprised of four bedrooms, with the guest bedroom offering an attractive en-suite shower room. The upstairs accommodation is completed by the family bathroom. In addition to a well-stocked mature gardens there is a lovely outdoor dining area. There is also a substantial detached double garage with loft space built to living standard.
Milngavie
3 Woodlands Grove
£610,000
One of only four exclusive detached villas on part of a private estate, this picturesque Neo-Georgian villa offers sizeable family accommodation and is set amongst landscaped and mature garden grounds. The home is comprised of a welcoming reception hallway, w/c cloakroom, spacious lounge with a bay window, feature fireplace, rear garden, study, dining room and kitchen with integrated storage and worktop space. The lower level benefits from a conservatory, attached garage with workshop and utility room. The master bedroom is of brilliant proportions and includes a dressing area with integrated storage wardrobes and a luxurious en-suite bathroom. Three further bedrooms and a contemporary main bathroom plus a floored and lined loft complete the upstairs accommodation.
Belmont West
West End, Glasgow
featured property
Israeli architect Moshe Safdie has said that “architecture should be rooted in the past and yet be part of our own time and forward looking.” The Belmont West development fulfils that vision as it elegantly marries stylish modern living with the divine character of nineteenth century Neo-Baroque architecture. Belmont West will breathe new life into Belmont Church, a Grade B listed building designed in 1893 by prominent Scottish architect James Miller, who also created the façade for Turnberry Hotel, Olympia House in Queen Street, and Peebles Hydropathic.
First known as Belmont and later as Lilybank Church, the church officially opened on October 5, 1894, and its soaring spaces punctuated by stained-glass windows served the community as a place of worship through two World Wars. Laurelbank School for Girls bought the church in 1950 and it was used more recently as the assembly hall for Hutchinson’s Grammar School. Belmont’s next chapter sees its rebirth as twenty-one unique luxury residences including grand studios, mezzanines, duplex and triplex one and two bedroom and penthouse apartments, and additionally featuring three urban homes—one detached and two semi-detached.
Belmont’s next chapter sees its rebirth as twenty-one unique luxury residences including grand studios, mezzanines, duplex and triplex one and two bedroom and penthouse apartments, and additionally featuring three urban homes—one detached and two semi-detached.
Belmont West’s architectural history and original envisioning roots the building in the past but also makes it groundbreaking and singular as a forward looking, modern residence. The iconic solid sandstone external walls have been restored and refreshed. The beautiful stained-glass windows were painstakingly protected and restored during refurbishment and they afford abundant light throughout the building while emphasising the traditional cruciform design. All of the original stone carvings have been left exposed and the old columns and timber trusses have been retained throughout. The original archway now serves as the private entrance with the stained-glass windows lighting the atrium. The stunning nineteenth century pews have been restored and utilized to create a communal seating area.
A great deal of emphasis was concentrated on maximizing the entrance, with the aim of it not merely being eye-catching but also enhancing and referencing the history of the building. The atrium is formed within the original altar and transept of the church, and soars six stories to the exposed, carved details of the roof. A glass elevator links the floors, rising through each individual level to the penthouses located on five and six. In combination with the offset bridges on each floor, this measured ascent further strengthens and maximises the sense of space and feeling of grandeur. Well-situated living is of paramount importance in the fast-paced, modern world. Belmont West is ideally located in Glasgow’s vibrant and desirable West End. The West End is perfectly positioned and boasts an eclectic mix of art, culture, and lush green space while also having independent boutique shops, vintage shops of Ashton Lane and Byres Road, local trade, and just the right amount of restaurants, bars, and quintessential pubs. It is an area both inspiring and relaxing in equal measure. The University of Glasgow, the fourth oldest university in the United Kingdom, makes its home in the West End, as do many other famous academic institutions. Direct transport links connect the West End with Glasgow’s bustling business district. Belmont is a quiet sanctuary in the city with the effortless convenience of complete connection to everything happening in Glasgow.
RH Contracts, the company behind this development, specialises in bespoke management to bring a thoughtful and considerate approach to each project in each individual neighbourhood. Their core beliefs in expert craftmanship, quality, and care are clearly visible in the luxurious, elegant, and comfortable apartments available at Belmont West. White décor with clean lines is set off by a choice of premier wood flooring and carpets. The interior is outfitted with Leicht kitchens installed by Kitchens International, Siemens integrated appliances, Hansgrohe taps and Porcelanosa tiling in bathrooms and en-suite, and underfloor heading in bathrooms and en-suite. Windows are triple glazed and the double height windows, in specific units, let natural light flood in while also affording views over Glasgow. All units come with superfast broadband, Wi-Fi, and prewired for satellite TV. Careful attention has also been paid to the outside and security. There is a secure video entry system, beautifully landscaped communal gardens, chrome ironmongery, and private allocated parking with an electric gate entrance.
There is a secure video entry system, beautifully landscaped communal gardens, chrome ironmongery, and private allocated parking with an electric gate entrance.
Demand for Belmont West has been high, with over 70% of units in this landmark development already reserved, but there are still apartments and residences available.
0141 341 6000
jamie.osbourne@rettie.co.uk
maitland.walker@rettie.co.uk
To discover more about owning a piece of nineteenth-century architecture with twenty-first century luxury, contact Rettie & Co., the exclusive agents, or the Belmont West management team.
Thorntonhall
5 Thorn Avenue
£795,000
This wonderful home is in a small, quiet cul-de-sac has been upgraded and extended to create a luxurious, executive villa with substantial garden grounds that enjoys a high degree of privacy. The property offers a high degree of flexibility with eleven principle apartments and an impressive swimming pool complex including a large conservatory. A reception hallway leads to all the lower apartments with a staircase leading to the upper level. The ground floor accommodation extends to formal dining room with French doors extending to the rear garden, sitting room, modern kitchen with black marble finishes, breakfasting room, utility room with pantry, formal lounge, swimming pool complex with a sauna, shower room, and hot tub. There is an elevated, mezzanine level conservatory overlooking the pool. The first-floor accommodation extends to upper landing with snug area, games room with access to the conservatory, master suite with his and her dressing rooms and en-suite bathroom with separate shower, and two further double size bedrooms with a jack and jill en-suite shower room.
0141 639 1999
alison.anderson@rettie.co.uk
Glasgow Southside |
Newton Mearns
17 Glamis Avenue
£385,000
This beautifully extended, enhanced, and reconfigured traditional semi-detached bungalow located in one of Newton Mearns’ most popular addresses is located close to local amenities, public transport links and the desired school catchments. The property itself has been beautifully upgraded by the current owner and provides modern family accommodation split over two levels. There are lovely modern touches that offers a desirable open plan kitchen, dining, and family room as well as a very useful utility room. There is a fully refitted downstairs bathroom with three-piece white contemporary suite and over bath thermostatic shower. The large double bedroom to the front of the property has an original fireplace as its focal point with the accommodation on this level completed by a further sitting room with original fireplace. The upper level accommodation has three excellent bedrooms and a recently refitted shower room with underfloor heating. To the outside of the property there is a lovely mature garden, with a great deal of privacy.
EPC=C
Barony House
£995,000
This is an impressive detached residence by Cala Homes. One of the largest styles within this exclusive development and sits in level grounds which are impressive in size and professionally landscaped over recent years.This is a beautiful family home with contemporary decorative finishes which sit tastefully with the original features of this home. This property has exceptional levels of accommodation and flexibility and has a square footage of approximately 4,500 square feet excluding the garaging and annex flat.
6
EPC=B
2 Kilkerran Way
£345,000
Situated within the popular Westacres development, this modern detached villa has a beautiful enclosed rear garden with a great deal of privacy. The property enjoys the prime position within this small residential cul-de-sac and offers excellent family accommodation formed over two levels. The home boasts a well-proportioned dining kitchen with a host of wall and floor mounted units and stainless steel integrated appliances plus a bay window. There is also a downstairs sitting room and a stunning formal lounge with double doors opening onto the back garden. A split-level staircase accesses the upper landing where there are four very good-sized double bedrooms. The master bedrooms has a dressing room with “his and hers” wardrobes and a generous en-suite bathroom. There are three further double bedrooms all of which feature integrated storage and a family bathroom with three piece suite and separate shower stall.
Windybraes
£495,000
Windybraes is a beautiful period bungalow that sits in a small and quiet crescent in a popular area of Newton Mearns that has catchment to some of the best schools within Scotland. The current owners have upgraded and extended this home to an exceptional standard and they have created a superb property that balances the period features with a contemporary look that families love. Sitting in substantial and landscape garden grounds, the property is beautifully decorated throughout with contemporary painted finishes on original panelling and there are excellent open plan living areas sitting to the rear with large bi-folding doors leading out to the rear deck and gardens. The rear garden enjoys a high degree of privacy due to mature trees and hedgerows surrounding the gardens.
At Home with Interior
Many people struggle to furnish a new flat or wonder how to best dress their home for sale, particularly individuals who do not have the time to decorate or landlords who do not live locally. Karen Livingstone Welstead’s expertise is furnishing properties across Glasgow for sale and providing full or partial furniture packs for rental properties. Each project and property are carefully assessed so that the décor enhances and works in synergy with the surroundings.
Her company is aptly called Interior and the business developed from work Karen was already doing for herself. Since moving back to Glasgow after ten years in London, Karen had been buying modest properties and renovating them herself. When the properties were finished, she’d put them on the market or rent them out. It was in the process of doing these renovations and property dressing that she discovered that for her, the absolute best part of the process was imagining who was going to call these spaces home and to furnish them with that in mind.
The starting points for a rental home or a property for sale are exactly the same: what kind of property is it and who is going to live there. Interior considers the period of the property, where it is situated, the views, and any features within the property and uses all that information to sketch out a design strategy. Everything that is put into the home should make the most of what the property already has to offer. Perhaps that is the gorgeous parquet floor, the huge windows overlooking the leafy park, or a fantastic location near the university and the charming corner restaurant, but Interior uses those key elements of an individual property to create comfortable, inhabitable, and aesthetically pleasing furnishing. Refined enhancement and thoughtful, practical space planning always garners the best results. Too much overcrowding and amassing of things can lead to overkill and diminish interest and enjoyment of a space. Then, Karen and her team think about who is going to live in the property or who is going to rent it. Location, price, and the size of the home or flat all contribute to this and, with a target market in mind, they start to pull together an overall vibe. Colour is extremely important to Interior, and they focus on pops of colour. A yellow lamp might perfectly accent a desk and find an echo with a cushion in the same tone. This approach is both eye catching in the flesh but also attention-grabbing in photo. One aspect of decorating that is most overlooked is wall art. Karen advises that posters from stationers or wrapping paper in Ikea frames are inexpensive ways of introducing interest to a property. Interior often makes gallery walls with flyers from local galleries or museums.
In the case of rental properties, Interior always considers practicality. Most rental flats are killed with Ikea items incongruous with each other or a collection of unloved items that are brought together not to create an attractive space but to tick boxes on an inventory list. The Scandinavian motto that everything must have a function stands true. If it can also be beautiful and withstand the gang of students who move into the property, then you have found the holy grail of Interior’s kind of decorating. Interior uses flat pack furniture but also intersperses these practical pieces with vintage; sideboards, chests of drawers, and fold-down dining tables can be sourced cheaply. More than that, these vintage pieces are usually good quality, sustainable, and add character to an interior.
The driving reason behind Interior is that they love to create something out of a blank space or to move things around and add in a few pieces that suddenly give a place character and charm. While Interior is a successful business, Karen and the team care deeply about the people who will inhabit the homes they decorate, and that makes the job a joyous one.
Tips for selling your property
* Get rid of all your junk! Box things up for photos and viewings; put them in cupboards, your car, or rent a storage unit if necessary! * If you have too much furniture try to thin it out to make the most of the space. * Ask for help. Ask a friend or a professional company like Interior to take a look. Often you can’t see your home after living there for a while. You need fresh eyes to start making it look its best.
Tips for renting out a property
* Make it look as good as possible. It is easy to put hand-me-downs and things you don’t like into a rental property but it’s a competitive market. If you want to rent your place quickly and reduce vacant periods it pays to make it look nice. * Changes in legislation mean renters are no longer tied into tenancy agreements for 6-12 months. If the shower doesn’t work or the chairs are all broken people will move on. Keep tenants happy with practical and stylish furnishings which still work! * Invest in good photos of your property. This will encourage more viewings and help get it rented. If you are not leaving linens in the property, make up the beds with your own just for the photos; it makes a huge difference. Photos may be pricey but if you do them when the place looks its best they will last you for any future required advertising.
You can find out more about Interior on their website: www.interior.scot and follow them on Instagram for inspiration @Interiordotscot
Botanics
35 Hamilton Drive
£315,000
An incredibly stylish and comprehensively upgraded two-bedroom conversion situated in the heart of the ‘Botanics’ area, the property is located on a small, unique, private road which is raised above the rest of Hamilton Drive. The property occupies the preferred first floor position within an ornate A listed sandstone building and features include; fabulous original “L” shaped drawing room with high ceilings, wonderful ornate cornice work, substantial windows, stylish fitted kitchen with additional large window, two double bedrooms, an amazing en-suite and a main bathroom. We would also highlight the general ease of private residents’ parking to the front of the property.
1
anne.sutherland@rettie.co.uk
Glasgow West End |
Hyndland
2 Hughenden Terrace
£439,000
A superb opportunity to live in a fabulous 1st floor conversion set within a traditional blonde sandstone townhouse built circa 1881 by H&D Barclay. Situated within a segment of the desirable Hyndland district, the property also has the benefit of a private back door from the kitchen with a stairway into the garden. The property has an abundance of traditional features from the ornate pillars in the communal hall to the cornicing and wooden floors within the flat itself. More modern features include the dining kitchen with Corian top and the unusually spacious four-piece bathroom suite.
EPC=E
Kelvinbridge
Mews, 12 Lansdowne Crescent Lane
£285,000
Fixed price
Located just off Great Western Road and behind Lansdowne Crescent, this striking modern detached mews with stylish accommodation over two levels enjoys excellent natural light complete with integral garage and glazed sun terrace. This newly built mews offers a versatile internal layout with a bedroom and shower room at ground floor and an impressive kitchen/living/dining, shower room at first floor together with studio area which could easily be adapted as another bedroom if required. There is a glazed terrace at first floor.
20 Westbourne Gardens
£645,000
This is an immediately impressive and very tastefully upgraded family home bursting with character and original features within one of the most prestigious West End addresses. 20 Westbourne Gardens offers 6/7 generous apartments over the first and second floors of this handsome end terrace townhouse and enjoys a pleasant and varied outlook and good natural light with aspect to three sides. Decorative cornice work, ornate architraves, and panelled doors further add to the appeal. A magnificent staircase and its stained glass throws wonderful light and colour throughout the upper, mid, and lower hallway.
Glasgow Lettings |
West End
39 Exeter Drive
£650 PCM
Price Prefix
Tastefully furnished one bedroom flat in a convenient West End location. The property has been recently refurbished and is presented to market in walk-in condition. Accommodation comprises open plan lounge/kitchen, double bedroom, and shower room.Thornwood is conveniently located for access to the city centre, motorway links, and Clyde Tunnel. Early viewing strongly recommended.
0141 248 4160
glasgowlettings@rettie.co.uk
Now Let
Merchant City
128 Ingram Street
£1,495 PCM
Immaculately presented two bedroom furnished flat with private parking in the heart of the Merchant City. The property is located within a highly desirable development and offers stylish contemporary living close to the City Centre. Occupying a prominent fourth floor position, the property has a private balcony with excellent views over Merchant City. The property has been freshly decorated throughout and accommodation comprises entrance hallway with storage, open plan living/dining/kitchen area attached balcony, master bedroom with en-suite shower room, second double bedroom, and family bathroom.
glasgow@rettie.co.uk
Glasgow’s prime areas seeing a resurgence
Market insight
Dr John Boyle, Director, Research & Strategy Andrew Meehan, Associate Director, Research & Strategy
In the past twelve months, Glasgow’s average house price has risen just over 3%, outperforming the Scottish market as a whole. While house prices have risen, transaction growth has not been equal across the whole Glasgow market, with a decrease in total transaction compared to the same time last year. Prime areas, however, have bucked this trend and upper price brackets of the Glasgow market have seen a resurgence from summer last year, with this activity continuing in 2018. In the Glasgow market area, the neighbourhoods achieving prime values and thus impacted by higher tax bills resulting from the introduction of LBTT, are geographically concentrated. Bearsden, Newton Mearns, and the West End comprise the prime areas of the Glasgow market and were most heavily affected by LBTT, and therefore have been the most subdued in the two years since its introduction. Reflecting a wider Scottish trend, from late 2017 through 2018 there has been a surge in prime activity stimulating wider market activity in certain market areas.
The attractiveness and vibrancy of Glasgow’s desirable West End has seen some of the strongest demand with competitive closing dates and shortened times for properties staying on the market. Of particular note has been the rise in sales over £500k, which are up on last year.
The attractiveness and vibrancy of Glasgow’s desirable West End has seen some of the strongest demand with competitive closing dates and shortened times for properties staying on the market.
Unsated demand and rising prices in the West End has led to demand spilling over into the neighbouring areas. With its vibrant bar and restaurant scene, Finnieston is fast becoming an affordable alternative to the West End. Also emerging is Glasgow’s City Centre and Merchant City. Long under-occupied for residential use, the combination of City Council policy and build to rent development is set to reinvigorate the heart of Glasgow as a place to both work and live. Rettie & Co. have been happy to welcome Lisa Pitchers to the Glasgow team to manage our city centre branch. To the south of the city centre, Shawlands is also experiencing a rise in market activity — mainly concentrated under £250k — but with substantial market activity increasing above this price point. Overall, the city centre’s flatted market has seen the buoyancy and demand move out from the prime streets and upper end of the market in 2018.
Unlike many other Scottish cities, Glasgow’s well-developed transport infrastructure means that the family commuter market extends in to the surrounding council areas. These areas have long been the destination for families looking to move on and up from flatted city living. In the north, Bearsden and Milngavie have proven perennially popular, and in a familiar pattern, it is the prime end of the market that has seen the strongest upturn in 2018. Life stage, rising house prices, and pent-up demand have encouraged families who had been hesitating or put off by the transaction costs under LBTT to re-enter the market and make the move. This pattern is also reflected in Newton Mearns, which like Bearsden, offers families strong commuter accessibility, desirable housing stock, and high-quality schooling. Whilst there has been an increase in transaction and supply in these prime family markets, including new build developments in these settlements, the desirability of attractive stone-built family housing in the historic hearts of these settlements is high. Looking forward, the demand in the most popular parts of the city and towns in the commuter belt, is set to outstrip supply at current transaction levels and this is likely to see continued competition in the market and rising values. For those who have been postponing, or frustrated by the lack of supply in Glasgow, 2018 has been offering the opportunity to re-enter a more active market than in many recent years.
with Lisa Pitchers
Q&A
We genuinely treat every seller as an individual and consider their situation and priorities as we offer them advice for their marketing. We place great importance on ensuring that we really understand our sellers’ motivations and fears as they consider their property sale. Getting important details right from the start is key to our success.
I joined Rettie & Co. in March 2018 as the Branch Manager of our new Glasgow City Sales office. I have worked in the property industry since 1995, predominantly within Glasgow City Centre, and have been a Glasgow Merchant City resident for over 14 years. As such, I have an extensive knowledge and interest in both the area and the property market in and around the city. My role at Rettie & Co. is far-ranging and encompasses new business development, valuing property, sales negotiations, staff management and mentoring.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and what you do at Rettie & Co.?
City living is highly desirable for a broad range of buyers. The city has a large number of educational institutions and associated research centres, many key offices for financial organisations, and other businesses, so the choice to live here is either a lifestyle choice or for investment as buy-to-let. Home movers buy here for proximity to work without needing a car, and, like many downsizers, want to be close to the extensive range of bars, restaurants and cultural venues; to be in amongst buzz and noise and busy streets but equally close to main transport links. There is a broad variance of styles and sizes of apartments that offers great choices for many budgets whether it is a studio crash pad or a 2000 square foot loft style apartment.
Why do people buy in Glasgow City?
A walk down Ingram Street, through Royal Exchange Square onto Buchanan Street on a sunny day demonstrates to visitors that Glasgow is a contender to many European cities. The architecture is interesting and varied, which attracts a broad range of buyers. Many home buyers have previously rented within the city and often rented within the building that they eventually buy in. Parents buy for student kids as investment while buy-to-let investors come from overseas and all over the UK, and expats with an emotional tie to Glasgow like to purchase a base here or invest in the city. The city centre has evolved over the last 15 to 20 years and is still going through regeneration that stretches its boundaries east towards Dennistoun and beyond.
Where do your buyers come from?
City Centre properties are largely apartments, usually warehouse conversions or modern new build developments. They vary in styles, sizes, and specifications. Many listed warehouse buildings were converted in mid 80’s have since undergone refurbishment in line with Historic Scotland Planning consents. There are also a fair amount of modern buildings, however it has been over five years since the last new build development, despite an appetite for investment and living in the city.
What kind of properties sell well in Glasgow City?
Tell us a little about the Rettie experience. What makes you stand out from other agents?
I enjoy the flexibility we can offer our clients with their marketing packages. I work with a great team of professionals who are all motivated to do our best for our clients and secure them the best sale with minimal stress. I love getting great feedback from our sellers for solving issues and providing a superb marketing and sales service and enjoy dealing with happy buyers who are excited with their purchase and for their move.
What do you find most enjoyable and rewarding within your role at Rettie?
