Beauty bordering on the reclusive

By Andrea Watson
Posted: 2008/08/12

AUCHENCROW Mains farmhouse at Auchencrow in the Scottish Borders has a setting famed for its unspoilt beauty.

Set within about an acre of sheltered gardens, this Georgian farmhouse is up for sale through agents Knight Frank at offers over £575,000.

Perfectly placed to take full advantage of its secluded setting, there are, according to the agents, great views from its balcony and garden to the south.

Carefully renovated and upgraded, it boasts four reception rooms, five bedrooms, two bathrooms and a kitchen-breakfasting room.

There is also a range of outbuildings including a garage with an inspection pit.

For information, call 01578-722814 or visit the website on www. knightfrank. co. uk/lauder

HOUSEBUYERS in Fife should seize the benefits of the slowing property market. That is the message from estate agents Maloco + Associates, one of the leading names in the area's housing scene.

House price inflation in the area had been 15 per cent a year, more than doubling every five years. Many people could not afford to buy, but the present market is proving to have positive dimensions.

"There is no denying that the Fife market has been hit hard by the credit crunch, " said Michael Maloco, principal partner, "but this does not spell all doom and gloom.

"It was necessary that a levelling out of the property market was going to occur. It could not continue to perform as it had done. It had started to have a detrimental effect on groups such as first-time buyers and those on lower wages.

"We're now very much in a buyers' market, there are fewer competitors to bid against for properties and sellers are more willing to negotiate over price. As long as you can afford the asking price it makes sense to look to buy just now. There is less competition for properties and a wider choice - and therefore a chance to negotiate price or terms with sellers.

"This is a good time for first-time buyers with a bit of capital."