House For Sale £495,000
Overview
‘Wick House’ is a stunning, modern, and unique property set in a spectacular, 1.8 acre site, tree-lined setting, enjoying a fine view to the Bay of Gulberwick in the distance.
Built in large part to the owners’ design and specification in 1990, the property provides spacious, five bedroom family accommodation of around 225m² (excluding integral garage and loft) arranged over two floors, and centred on a large entrance hall and conservatory from which one can enjoy the garden and the view beyond.
The house contains many unusual features, including a spiral staircase of Brazilian mahogany, an oak-lined study, bespoke solid wood fitted kitchen and a large fireplace surround of Ronas Hill granite.
A 30m² loft room over the integral double garage may have potential for upgrading to further accommodation, perhaps for dependent, letting, etc. (subject to consents). The very extensive garden contains a wide variety of trees and shrubs, and includes a lovely small meandering woodland walk along the burn of Wick which runs through the site.
This is a spectacular, highly desirable property in an outstanding unique setting, and viewing is essential.
General Information
Wick House is situated in the popular area of Gulberwick, mainly rural yet only a few minutes’ drive from Lerwick’s many modern amenities, including schools (with available transport), supermarkets, hospital and large leisure centre / swimming pool complex. There is also a local hall, a church, and a beach, all a short walk away.
Built for the current owners in 1990, and designed to a high specification in conjunction with well-known local architect Alan McKay, a double garage with large loft space was added in 1996. It is of ‘Scandinavian’ style timber-frame, timber-clad construction below a concrete-tiled roof, the gross internal floor area extending to around 225m² plus 46m² garage and 30m² loft area above.
The house is fully insulated, double-glazed, and heated by electric panel heaters. Its south-east facing orientation and conservatory are key features. Heat generated naturally by sunlight in the conservatory is directed throughout the rest of the house by opening screens and doors, and makes a substantial contribution to reducing electricity bills.
The loft above the garage has been used as office, hobby and storage space, but could potentially be converted into separate living quarters, accessed privately from outside or through the house itself (subject to consents).
The sale will include all carpets and other fitted floor coverings, light fittings and some built-in furniture. Some additional furniture may be available by separate negotiation.
Accommodation
Access to the property is from a large decorative gravel parking / turning area to the rear of the house, via a sheltered paved area leading to a recessed front door, flanked by windows to either side. This opens into a large, bright and impressive hall, lit naturally by a double-height window through to the conservatory. The feature mahogany spiral staircase matches mahogany doors and finishings, which contrast with the light laminate flooring. To the right is the generously-proportioned, fully carpeted sittingroom, featuring a stone fireplace surround and large windows overlooking the garden and west side. The fireplace and internal chimney are as originally built, but the fire has not been used for many years and the external chimney stack itself removed (although relatively straightforward to return to use again). Adjacent to the living room is the carpeted study, with walls and shelving made of bespoke oak panelling and finishings, as is the large built-in desk.
A glass door leads from the sittingroom into the wood-lined integral conservatory, undoubtedly the central feature of the house. The roof is almost entirely of glass, rising up to double height at the inner side. Architecturally successful, it links all the main living areas of the house. Substantial roof beams allow hanging baskets of flowers to complement those on the generous window shelves. The floor has underfloor insulation, with concrete over, and is finished in terracotta tiles. An external glass door leads to the front patio area.
Another glass door on the other side of the conservatory allows access into the kitchen, a larger, bright open space incorporating a small sitting area and a good-sized dining area. The distinctive kitchen units and worktops are of maple and mahogany, and include an inset 1½ bowl sink, integral electric oven and gas hob (set in its own tiled, lowered section) plus dishwasher and fridge-freezer – all included in the sale. The dining area features bench seating below an east-facing window, which enjoys a delightful view of the secluded, tree-lined garden. A built-in shelved pantry provides further storage. Laminate flooring is laid to the kitchen / dining areas. A further door allows access to the main internal corridor.
Between the kitchen and hall, a short passage leads to a good-sized cloakroom alcove and a toilet with WC and wash-hand basin (with instant hot water). Also off the corridor is a utility room, with further fitted cupboard space, and sink (also with instant hot water) with clothes pulley over, plumbing for a washing machine and space for a tumble dryer. (Appliances not included in the sale, but may be discussed separately) A built-in cupboard provides additional storage, and houses the electric meters. An external door leads to outside sitting areas in a back garden, with provision for a clothes line.
Finally at the end of the passage is the door to a large integral double garage with twin “up-and-over”, electrically operated, garage doors. Two double-glazed windows provide light, and at the rear is a substantial workbench with vice, extensive shelving, power and lighting. A fixed ladder stair leads up to the large floored, insulated, decorated and carpeted “loft” room, with two opening Velux roof windows, built-in storage space in the eaves, panel heating, lighting, mains power sockets and even a telephone point. The carpeted space measures approx. 6.6m x 4.8m, over 30m².
Back in the main accommodation, upstairs the carpeted landing, which overlooks the conservatory and allows views out to the sea, gives on to short corridors leading to the bedrooms, bathroom etc. The sw corridor leads to two large double bedrooms and the family bathroom. One bedroom faces the sea with a fine view, is floored with laminate, contains a large eaves cupboard, and has a rather modern feel. The other is extensively finished in pine, as is the built-in bed, and has an arched window with window seat and underneath storage, looking out over fields. In between these is the spacious family bathroom, comprising bath, WC, wash hand basin, heated towel rail and separate shower enclosure with electric shower. The WC and bath are built-in with extensive green tiling surround, and an enormous mirror occupies most of the wall space behind the bath. There is an opening Velux roof light, and tile effect vinyl flooring.
The ne corridor leads to a further double bedroom at the back, fully carpeted, with one wall comprising a complete row or wardrobes and drawer units in pine. An arched window, with window seat, looks out over the back garden. The main, front-facing bedroom has dual aspect windows, one facing the sea with the best view in the house, the other overlooking the back garden. Sliding mirror doors conceal a built-in double wardrobe with further clothes space provided by a walk-in cupboard in the eaves opposite. The bed and all finishings are in cherry. Off is a modestly sized en-suite shower room, extensively tiled, with electric shower, WC and wash hand basin with built-in storage below.
Between the two wings, opposite the stair, is a small carpeted room suitable as a child’s bedroom, again with arched window and window seat. It is presently used as a hobby room, with desk, drawer unit and extensive shelving, and a door allowing access to an airing cupboard housing the ‘Megaflo’ hot water tank.
All upstairs accommodation features coombs, but the height is such that there is very little practical intrusion into the otherwise full-width floor space. Wardrobes in the bedrooms have been altered or made to fit neatly into the coombs, to make the most of the space available, and are all included in the sale.
Room Sizes (All approximate)
The main ground floor living rooms and hall feature angled walls, to accommodate the staircase, allow easy access to the conservatory, and also for architectural interest. However, that makes it less easy to state simply the dimensions of these rooms, and the following are approximate or average dimensions in these cases.
On the Ground Floor:-
Living Room 5.15m x 5m
Conservatory 4.2m x 3m
Kitchen / Dining Room 5.85m x 4.5m
Study 4.45m x 3.15m
Hall 5m x 4.5m at widest points including stair
Utility Room 2.25m x 1.9m at widest points
WC 1m x 1.9m (at longest)
Integral Double Garage 6.6m x 6.5m
On the First Floor:-
Bedroom 1 4.5m x 2.7m extending to 3.55m at widest points
Bedroom 2 4.5m x 2.65m extending to 3.55m at widest points
Bathroom 2.8m x 2.7m at widest points
Bedroom 3 (or Hobby Room) 3.8m x 1.75m
Bedroom 4 4.5m x 2.4m extending to 3.55m at widest points
Main Bedroom 5 4.5m x 3.55m
En-suite Shower Room 2.6m x 1.65m at widest points
External
The house is set in 1.8 acres of private and secluded land, well back from the public road through Gulberwick. Access is via a private metalled road, culminating in a tree-lined drive up to the rear of the house, very unusual for a property in Shetland. There is a large paved patio at the front of the house, and paved surrounding paths.
The owners of the property have put a huge effort into developing extensive surrounding woodland over the past 30 years, now a haven for migrant birds and other wildlife, yet the house still enjoys a lovely view to the sea. The perimeter tree planting is primarily for shelter, but inside that is a good variety of broadleaves, some uncommon in Shetland. There are also numerous flowering shrubs, including about 20 mature rhododendrons. A well-maintained front lawn of over 60m length gently slops down to a screen of large shrubs, behind which is a large vegetable garden, with raised beds and a polytunnel.
Stone steps from the parking area lead to a path which meanders through trees past a secluded garden area to the east side of the house with lawn and patio, and then alongside the Burn of Wick, which runs down the east side of the garden to a pond with a small waterfall. The path provides a very peaceful, woodland walk, again quite rare in Shetland.
Council Tax
Understood to currently be Band F. Prospective purchasers should however contact Shetland Islands Council directly for confirmation. Details of Council Tax rates can be found on Shetland Island Council’s website at:
‘Wick House’ is a stunning, modern, and unique property set in a spectacular, 1.8 acre site, tree-lined setting, enjoying a fine view to the Bay of Gulberwick in the distance.
Built in large part to the owners’ design and specification in 1990, the property provides spacious, five bedroom family accommodation of around 225m² (excluding integral garage and loft) arranged over two floors, and centred on a large entrance hall and conservatory from which one can enjoy the garden and the view beyond.
The house contains many unusual features, including a spiral staircase of Brazilian mahogany, an oak-lined study, bespoke solid wood fitted kitchen and a large fireplace surround of Ronas Hill granite.
A 30m² loft room over the integral double garage may have potential for upgrading to further accommodation, perhaps for dependent, letting, etc. (subject to consents). The very extensive garden contains a wide variety of trees and shrubs, and includes a lovely small meandering woodland walk along the burn of Wick which runs through the site.
This is a spectacular, highly desirable property in an outstanding unique setting, and viewing is essential.
General Information
Wick House is situated in the popular area of Gulberwick, mainly rural yet only a few minutes’ drive from Lerwick’s many modern amenities, including schools (with available transport), supermarkets, hospital and large leisure centre / swimming pool complex. There is also a local hall, a church, and a beach, all a short walk away.
Built for the current owners in 1990, and designed to a high specification in conjunction with well-known local architect Alan McKay, a double garage with large loft space was added in 1996. It is of ‘Scandinavian’ style timber-frame, timber-clad construction below a concrete-tiled roof, the gross internal floor area extending to around 225m² plus 46m² garage and 30m² loft area above.
The house is fully insulated, double-glazed, and heated by electric panel heaters. Its south-east facing orientation and conservatory are key features. Heat generated naturally by sunlight in the conservatory is directed throughout the rest of the house by opening screens and doors, and makes a substantial contribution to reducing electricity bills.
The loft above the garage has been used as office, hobby and storage space, but could potentially be converted into separate living quarters, accessed privately from outside or through the house itself (subject to consents).
The sale will include all carpets and other fitted floor coverings, light fittings and some built-in furniture. Some additional furniture may be available by separate negotiation.
Accommodation
Access to the property is from a large decorative gravel parking / turning area to the rear of the house, via a sheltered paved area leading to a recessed front door, flanked by windows to either side. This opens into a large, bright and impressive hall, lit naturally by a double-height window through to the conservatory. The feature mahogany spiral staircase matches mahogany doors and finishings, which contrast with the light laminate flooring. To the right is the generously-proportioned, fully carpeted sittingroom, featuring a stone fireplace surround and large windows overlooking the garden and west side. The fireplace and internal chimney are as originally built, but the fire has not been used for many years and the external chimney stack itself removed (although relatively straightforward to return to use again). Adjacent to the living room is the carpeted study, with walls and shelving made of bespoke oak panelling and finishings, as is the large built-in desk.
A glass door leads from the sittingroom into the wood-lined integral conservatory, undoubtedly the central feature of the house. The roof is almost entirely of glass, rising up to double height at the inner side. Architecturally successful, it links all the main living areas of the house. Substantial roof beams allow hanging baskets of flowers to complement those on the generous window shelves. The floor has underfloor insulation, with concrete over, and is finished in terracotta tiles. An external glass door leads to the front patio area.
Another glass door on the other side of the conservatory allows access into the kitchen, a larger, bright open space incorporating a small sitting area and a good-sized dining area. The distinctive kitchen units and worktops are of maple and mahogany, and include an inset 1½ bowl sink, integral electric oven and gas hob (set in its own tiled, lowered section) plus dishwasher and fridge-freezer – all included in the sale. The dining area features bench seating below an east-facing window, which enjoys a delightful view of the secluded, tree-lined garden. A built-in shelved pantry provides further storage. Laminate flooring is laid to the kitchen / dining areas. A further door allows access to the main internal corridor.
Between the kitchen and hall, a short passage leads to a good-sized cloakroom alcove and a toilet with WC and wash-hand basin (with instant hot water). Also off the corridor is a utility room, with further fitted cupboard space, and sink (also with instant hot water) with clothes pulley over, plumbing for a washing machine and space for a tumble dryer. (Appliances not included in the sale, but may be discussed separately) A built-in cupboard provides additional storage, and houses the electric meters. An external door leads to outside sitting areas in a back garden, with provision for a clothes line.
Finally at the end of the passage is the door to a large integral double garage with twin “up-and-over”, electrically operated, garage doors. Two double-glazed windows provide light, and at the rear is a substantial workbench with vice, extensive shelving, power and lighting. A fixed ladder stair leads up to the large floored, insulated, decorated and carpeted “loft” room, with two opening Velux roof windows, built-in storage space in the eaves, panel heating, lighting, mains power sockets and even a telephone point. The carpeted space measures approx. 6.6m x 4.8m, over 30m².
Back in the main accommodation, upstairs the carpeted landing, which overlooks the conservatory and allows views out to the sea, gives on to short corridors leading to the bedrooms, bathroom etc. The sw corridor leads to two large double bedrooms and the family bathroom. One bedroom faces the sea with a fine view, is floored with laminate, contains a large eaves cupboard, and has a rather modern feel. The other is extensively finished in pine, as is the built-in bed, and has an arched window with window seat and underneath storage, looking out over fields. In between these is the spacious family bathroom, comprising bath, WC, wash hand basin, heated towel rail and separate shower enclosure with electric shower. The WC and bath are built-in with extensive green tiling surround, and an enormous mirror occupies most of the wall space behind the bath. There is an opening Velux roof light, and tile effect vinyl flooring.
The ne corridor leads to a further double bedroom at the back, fully carpeted, with one wall comprising a complete row or wardrobes and drawer units in pine. An arched window, with window seat, looks out over the back garden. The main, front-facing bedroom has dual aspect windows, one facing the sea with the best view in the house, the other overlooking the back garden. Sliding mirror doors conceal a built-in double wardrobe with further clothes space provided by a walk-in cupboard in the eaves opposite. The bed and all finishings are in cherry. Off is a modestly sized en-suite shower room, extensively tiled, with electric shower, WC and wash hand basin with built-in storage below.
Between the two wings, opposite the stair, is a small carpeted room suitable as a child’s bedroom, again with arched window and window seat. It is presently used as a hobby room, with desk, drawer unit and extensive shelving, and a door allowing access to an airing cupboard housing the ‘Megaflo’ hot water tank.
All upstairs accommodation features coombs, but the height is such that there is very little practical intrusion into the otherwise full-width floor space. Wardrobes in the bedrooms have been altered or made to fit neatly into the coombs, to make the most of the space available, and are all included in the sale.
Room Sizes (All approximate)
The main ground floor living rooms and hall feature angled walls, to accommodate the staircase, allow easy access to the conservatory, and also for architectural interest. However, that makes it less easy to state simply the dimensions of these rooms, and the following are approximate or average dimensions in these cases.
On the Ground Floor:-
Living Room 5.15m x 5m
Conservatory 4.2m x 3m
Kitchen / Dining Room 5.85m x 4.5m
Study 4.45m x 3.15m
Hall 5m x 4.5m at widest points including stair
Utility Room 2.25m x 1.9m at widest points
WC 1m x 1.9m (at longest)
Integral Double Garage 6.6m x 6.5m
On the First Floor:-
Bedroom 1 4.5m x 2.7m extending to 3.55m at widest points
Bedroom 2 4.5m x 2.65m extending to 3.55m at widest points
Bathroom 2.8m x 2.7m at widest points
Bedroom 3 (or Hobby Room) 3.8m x 1.75m
Bedroom 4 4.5m x 2.4m extending to 3.55m at widest points
Main Bedroom 5 4.5m x 3.55m
En-suite Shower Room 2.6m x 1.65m at widest points
External
The house is set in 1.8 acres of private and secluded land, well back from the public road through Gulberwick. Access is via a private metalled road, culminating in a tree-lined drive up to the rear of the house, very unusual for a property in Shetland. There is a large paved patio at the front of the house, and paved surrounding paths.
The owners of the property have put a huge effort into developing extensive surrounding woodland over the past 30 years, now a haven for migrant birds and other wildlife, yet the house still enjoys a lovely view to the sea. The perimeter tree planting is primarily for shelter, but inside that is a good variety of broadleaves, some uncommon in Shetland. There are also numerous flowering shrubs, including about 20 mature rhododendrons. A well-maintained front lawn of over 60m length gently slops down to a screen of large shrubs, behind which is a large vegetable garden, with raised beds and a polytunnel.
Stone steps from the parking area lead to a path which meanders through trees past a secluded garden area to the east side of the house with lawn and patio, and then alongside the Burn of Wick, which runs down the east side of the garden to a pond with a small waterfall. The path provides a very peaceful, woodland walk, again quite rare in Shetland.
Council Tax
Understood to currently be Band F. Prospective purchasers should however contact Shetland Islands Council directly for confirmation. Details of Council Tax rates can be found on Shetland Island Council’s website at:
