Copperline

THE LAUNDRY

17th March 2015

I’ve long had a soft spot for Georgian houses. Their simplicity and understated elegance; their sense of balance and great proportions. Stating the obvious really, but there’s a lot to admire in Georgian architecture, and this B-listed house, The Laundry, is a fine example of the period.

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Located in the coastal village of Cullen in Banffshire, this three bedroom property was built in the 18th century as the laundry for Cullen House. The main house and its associated properties were converted back in the 1970s by the well-known architect and conservationist Kit Martin. A local architect, Douglas Forest, worked with Martin on the conversion and restoration of Cullen House and restored The Laundry for himself in the early 1980s.

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As always, I love the simple and gutsy period detailing, including beamed ceilings, working shutters and flagstone floors, not to mention that beautifully simple stone fireplace in the main living space. This backdrop has been complemented by the combination of antique and contemporary furniture – a mix that works particularly well in that main reception room – while the kitchen feels like a really practical and social space, and is definitely a kitchen I could imagine living in.

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The setting is also worth noting as the house sits within 0.83 acres of grounds. The owners of the properties at Cullen House also share the 16 acres of grounds that were laid out by the 18th century gardener and landscape architect Robert Robinson, creating a wonderful setting to explore, and there are two bridges over the Cullen Burn including one built by Robert Adam in 1740.

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The current owners have used The Laundry as a holiday home and, given the location, it’s easy to imagine the next buyer having the same intention. After all, this would be a fantastic place to escape to.

The Laundry is on the market with Strutt & Parker at offers over £325,000. Photography from Strutt & Parker.