There’s an enchanting sense of simplicity to L’espine – a magnificently restored period property, boasting an all-embracing, south facing sunny garden.
With a backdrop of olive-cream walls and bare oak floorboards, the house itself manages to pull off that enviable trick of seeming perfectly poised yet beautifully welcoming. From the glazed entrance vestibule and feature tiled flooring to the vaulted ceilings, polished granite worktops and Georgian style windows, L’espine has endured a sympathetic transformation, offering the perfect mix of old and new – it’s a heavenly combination of spacious quality and period charm. Whilst parts of the house date back to the 19th century, the many modern-day fixtures and fittings – which include double glazed casement windows, oil-fired, water fed underfloor heating and automated gates – by no means overshadow L’espine’s traditional façade. With an emphasis on good materials, characteristic craftsmanship and timeless style, each and every element of this exquisite dynasty has been extremely well thought out. With its picture-perfect finish, it’s an ideal space in which to showcase a collection of iconic furnishings, contemporary lighting and unusual artworks Due to a plethora of glass windows and patio-style doors, natural light dominates almost every leeway. Yet despite its airy and spacious appeal, L’espine also showcases an abundance of private and intimate areas
The drawing room and possibly, the piéce de résistance of this perfectly poised family home is a cavernous space, brimming with natural sunlight and views of the verdant lawn. Traditional oak flooring flawlessly complements the functional period fireplace, whilst the four ample-sized patio doors make it an idyllic spot in which to indulge in an evening of alfresco entertainment. The drawing room leads through to the dining room, another space boasting huge areas of glass and through the ample windows is a picture-perfect view of the pretty Indian sandstone terrace.
With its multi-fuel stove and warm-hued floorboards, come winter, this is the perfect spot in which to enjoy a cosy evening meal. Further on is the bespoke David Hick kitchen – a vision of homeliness, fitted with high and low level wooden units, iconic AGA, a traditional double Belfast sink and stylish tiled flooring. The butler’s area, which is far too chic to be labelled a larder, plays host to an American-style fridge freezer and polished granite worktops – an area designed with maximum functionality in mind. From the kitchen, exposed brick steps lead up to a serene seating area come coffee hub, complete with picturesque vaulted roof and double doors leading out onto the idyllic courtyard – the perfect place in which to unwind and relax
The undoubted star of the kitchen however is the breakfast orangery – a revamped extension of the former house, which allows for easy access to the south facing garden and offers an unblemished view of the listed Magnolia tree in all of its star-shaped grandiflora glory. A distinctive oak staircase leads up to the first floor’s galleried landing, and to a handful of beautifully hand-finished bedrooms. The master bedroom not only boasts its very own hallway but also, a private ensuite with a Villeroy and Boch eggshell finish, old-style roll top bath and a spacious walk-in shower. This vast bedroom has been fitted with ample storage and comprises a range of handmade fitted wardrobes, and as with all of the bedrooms, distant views of the sea and beyond. Another of the bedrooms boasts a private dressing room, the perfect place in which to store a vast collection of fashion ensembles. The house bathroom comes in the shape of an ultra-chic suite, offering a combination of clean lines, timeless style and honey-hued tiles. It’s easy to imagine unwinding in the large sunken bath, surrounded by sweet smelling candles and the fragrant scents of aromatic bath salts.
Despite being circled by a scattering of picture-perfect houses, L’espine is unobserved by others. However, its prime location is only one of it’s many draws, it’s the external granite coach house that poses as another major lure. Planning permission is already in place to transform this uniquely quaint outbuilding into a one bedroom cottage, idyllic studio or working office. Potential owners may also wish to fashion the ample lawn into a fully-fledged pool area. Tailor-made to suit the needs of a modern-day family, this sympathetically restored and dramatically transformed property is home to a multitude of magnetisms. From the external façade with its arched sunken crevices brandishing classic Georgian mouldings, to its traditional detailing and intricate entrance way, L’espine is certain to appeal to even the most eagle-eyed of buyers.
