Victorian family home which boasts beautiful views and private access to local beach hits the market in North Berwick

St Aidans offers new owners the chance to enjoy wonderful views from a sought-after location.

North Berwick is consistently ranked among the top locations in which to live in the UK, for its coastal lifestyle and excellent access to Edinburgh for commuters.

The town’s Abbotsford Road is seen as one of the best addresses in the vicinity, but many of the large Victorian villas with sea and golf views which line it have been split into still sizeable apartments in recent decades.

It is thought that just three whole houses remain in their original detached state, and as two of those have sold within the last five years and are therefore unlikely to come back onto the market soon, you could say the third, St Aidans would certainly deserve a place among the best houses currently for sale in Scotland.

Picture: Savills

It is an impressive house, completed in 1899 and situated in a superb position overlooking the greens of the West Links golf course and the Firth of Forth.

It has been substantially renovated, upgraded and modernised to create open living spaces ideal for family life.

Picture: Savills

The sitting room links through to the family room and in turn to the dining room, which together form a fabulous flowing entertaining space, though each can also be divided by panelled doors.

The sea views from the full height windows are beautiful, with French doors opening onto the garden terrace.

Picture: Savills

St Aidans has a luxurious dining kitchen that includes sleek granite work surfaces, a central island and a four-oven cream Aga.

Picture: Savills

Period features abound, from the broad staircase with a large leaded window half way up to the original first floor drawing room with Adam-style fireplace.

It was the house which first attracted Kenny and Gayle Graham ten years ago who were relocating back to Scotland from London, where their careers on the stock market and in law had taken them.

The house had already been upgraded by a developer on behalf of the previous owners and was perfect for the couple, who have two sons.

Picture: Savills

Kenny says: “After ten years in London we were looking for a complete change of lifestyle.

“We were delighted to find a period property within walking distance to town with a great garden and flexible modern living space.

“Ultimately, for us it’s the elevated aspect and views of the sea, beach and golf course that makes St Aidans a special place to live.”

Picture: Savills

The master bedroom, the living room, dining room, upstairs sitting room and two guests room all have a sea view, so the house really makes the most of its position.

The view is over the West Links towards the West Beach and takes in Fidra Island, which inspired Stevenson when he was writing Treasure Island, so there is a touch of romance too.

Even the ensuite shower in the master bedroom takes advantage of the privacy afforded by the house’s position and has its own spectacular outlook.

Picture: Savills

The town centre is a 20-minute walk from the house, along the side of the golf course and is a big draw.

The area continues to improve its culinary offerings, drawing top chefs like Tom Kitchen who is due to open the Bonnie Badger in Gullane some time this year. In North Berwick, the Osteria Italian restaurant is rated as one of the best in Scotland.

Picture: Savills

The town’s High School is another amenity making North Berwick very desirable. It was recently named in Tatler’s list of 20 top state schools in the UK.

The garden has been great for the children and the family will miss it when they move to Edinburgh to be closer to family.

Protected by electric gates and the private drive, there are well-planted gardens front and back, with the back having a sun terrace and two tiered lawns, perfect for football with the children.

Perhaps the greatest luxury however is the private gate which opens onto the West Links, which gives the owners of St Aidans exclusive access to the beach.

For Savills, Peter Strang Steel says: “St Aidans is a rare jewel of a property, combining proportions of around 4888sq ft, a stylish updated magazine-worthy interior with period charm and a deeply enviable position in one of our loveliest and most sought-after East Coast towns, with everything Edinburgh has to offer within a 30-minute train ride.”

St Aidans is on the market for offers over £2.25m with Savills.