Put yourself in the picture

GARVALD is one of those picturesque villages that, unless you knew where it was and had a reason to search it out, you could easily miss. Located south-east of Haddington in the foothills of the Lammermuirs and yet just 17 miles from Edinburgh, the village is characterised by the locally quarried rose-coloured stone that grants its period buildings their warm tone.

One of these buildings is Cappel Cottage: a traditional two-storey, stone-built cottage with a private garden to the rear. From the abundance of natural timber finishes internally, including timber floors in the living room and dining area, to the Shaker-style kitchen and stone-tiled bathroom, the interior of Cappel Cottage has been designed to reflect the character and age of the building. The highlight is arguably the open-plan kitchen and dining area, with French doors opening from the latter into the garden. The two bedrooms are upstairs, and there’s also an integral garage.

The property was bought last year by an investment fund that is managed by Scott Fraser. The cottage had been refurbished by previous owners. “Everything has been done in keeping with the cottage and the area, and with the right materials,” he says.

Scott imagines Cappel Cottage appealing to downsizers: “Perhaps an East Lothian local who knows the village and wants to downsize.” Likewise, ease of access into Edinburgh has to be a factor.

Scott says: “This might appeal as a holiday home for someone who lives and works in town but wants to escape on Friday afternoons and feel they’re away from the rat race.”