Walston House, nr Dolphinton

When Gilly and Andrew Ligertwood bought Walston House near Dolphinton in September 2009 they were future proofing. Recently married, the couple both had successful jobs, Andrew in marketing and Gilly, her own business Gilly Nicolson Bespoke Bedlinen and they were looking for a house they could grow into. With six bedrooms over three storeys, several outbuildings, a paddock and a walled garden, this former Georgian manse had plenty of potential and an abundance of space. Six years on, the couple have certainly grown into it. Now home to Gilly, Andrew, their two sons Archie (3) and Sam (2) and their two dogs, the Ligertwoods have turned Walston House into a great family home. “When we moved in, the house was in good order,” Gilly recalls. “However, we still wanted to put our stamp on it and although we didn’t have to do anything structural, the décor wasn’t to our taste. There was a purple study and a peach sitting room and the bedrooms were quite dark so we’ve brightened everything up. We’ve lightened all the wall colours to reflect the natural light. We have a lot of antique furniture and we like fabrics like cowhide and tweed and I think a neutral, light backdrop works well with these.” “We’ve also changed the use of some of the rooms simply to suit the way we live. The open plan kitchen used to lead into a dining room but we found after children that the dining room worked better as a play room. The kitchen is a great size so there’s plenty of room to eat in there anyway. “We’ve also changed the two attic bedrooms – one into a games room and one into my study although we’ve still kept a double bed in it. It’s perfect for anyone working from home or running a small business because there’s a toilet on the same floor (in the shower room) so you’re self-contained but away from everyone. Externally, Andrew has been doing the hard graft in the garden as Gilly recalls: “There’s over two acres of land with the house, including a paddock at the front of the house, a manege and the walled garden, which is a brilliant space. When we moved in the nettles were at head height in the walled garden but Andrew has worked really hard, getting rid of the weeds, draining the ponds and planting more grass to make it more family-friendly. It’s also a great entertaining space. We’ve had barbecue after barbecue out there and once we even had a garden party with a marquee!” The entertaining space also incorporates the manege which whilst traditionally is known as a training academy for horses is according to Gilly: “a great place for playing petanque! The previous owners did use the outbuildings as stables and had an informal agreement with the local farmer to use his fields on occasion as well. We don’t have horses although the property is perfect for them. Whilst Walston House has realised its full potential for the Ligertwoods, it still has plenty to offer the next owners as Gilly explains: “I’ve realised I’m a true townie at heart and once the boys go to school (in Edinburgh), I’ll spend a lot more time travelling with my own business. Presently, I sell through my website gillynicolson.co.uk, notonthehighstreet.com and through individual interior designers so I think a move closer to the airport makes sense. Andrew already works in Edinburgh and commutes so a move is definitely on the cards. We’ve made a lot of happy memories at Walston House, it’s definitely been a lovely start to our family life.”