Lodge your interest in Fife

It was bought two years ago by Sarah Doyle and her family. Since they moved in it has undergone a comprehensive refurbishment and upgrade to transform it into a fine country home.

Sarah, who is a dental nurse, enjoys redesigning the family’s homes and says that she was attracted to this latest project by the quality of the house. “It is a beautiful building and a perfect size for us, with good sized rooms and some wonderful original features.”

The location was a draw too. Within commuting distance of Edinburgh where Sarah works, the eight homes at Berryhill include the original farmhouse plus seven homes created from the Victorian steadings.

The small hamlet has wide, open views over farmland down to the picturesque Golden Loch in front.

The house was in good order when they took it on, having been converted just a few years before, but Sarah has a keen eye for interior design and wanted to put her own mark on it.

Taking inspiration from Scottish traditional hunting lodges but with a contemporary twist, the first task was to take up the carpets and sand the floorboards underneath.

The whole house was refitted and upgraded over a few weeks before the family took up residence.

Sarah says: “We used local trades for the skilled jobs as we didn’t want the refurbishment to drag on after we had moved in.”

On the ground floor, the sitting room has a feature stone chimney breast with an open fire and two arched windows, one of which has a door to the courtyard, giving the room a bright and airy feel.

In the breakfasting kitchen a tiled floor was installed to complement the timber beams and more wide arched windows with loch views.

The units in the kitchen were replaced with Shaker-style hand painted cabinets complete with a mix of timber and granite work tops and a large island unit provides extra storage and work space.

Next to the kitchen is the formal dining room, which could be used as a  further bedroom, if required, making the Hunting Lodge a five-bedroom home.

Sarah and her husband, plus two children, Leo, 11, and Ella, eight, have laid it out as a three bedroom, with the dining room and a large first floor study.

Also on the ground floor is a utility room, which the family has found invaluable for muddy wellies and the family pet.

Sarah says: “Because you can just open the door and be straight out into the countryside the children have really enjoyed living here, being able to explore – the dog goes everywhere with them – and they take themselves off on six or seven mile walks most days.”

The bedrooms upstairs include the spectacular master suite which takes up half of the floor and includes a dressing area, fitted wardrobes and its own walk-in shower room.

All the bedrooms are spacious and characterful, with coombed ceilings and big windows.

The family bathroom now has a spa bath and the feel is of an upmarket boutique hotel.

The garden has had a similar upgrade, with Sarah taking on most of the work.

At the front is a pretty terraced area with seating, ideal for relaxing and taking in the lovely view in the warmer weather.

On summer days Sarah has used this sunny spot to study for exams.

There is a further small area of garden to the side and rear along with a shared central courtyard and barbeque area, which looks out over the loch.

The Doyles have installed a spectacular log shed, complete with tiled roof which adds to the look of the garden as well as being practical.

The nearest village is Newburgh, with shops, a post office, tea room, bakery and a doctor’s surgery.

Perth is just a few miles away, with all the amenities of a city, as are the beaches and golf courses of St Andrews.

It is a beautiful spot, and Sarah’s talents have enhanced the property to make it worthy of the location.

She says: “It is very peaceful and safe and it is lovely to see the little boats on the loch in front and watch the fly fishermen.”

Offers over £370,000.

Contact Strutt and Parker on 0131 226 2500.