Housebuilders have been in the news, one for sleeping rough to help the homeless, and another for winning a prestigious award.
STAFF of Taylor Wimpey in Scotland swapped the comfort of their own beds recently for a night in sleeping bags and cardboard boxes as part of the first nationwide Sleep Out, an event designed to raise awareness and funds for the Scottish youth homeless charity, The Rock Trust.
The stalwart team – Andy Wyles, Steve Fowler, Karen Armstrong, Pauline Mills, Caroline Proctor, Audrey Ross, David Steven, Stevie Laurie, Nicola Spencer, Willie Burns, Graeme Smith, Stephen Andrew and Susan McDonald – joined more than 50 others at Festival Square in Edinburgh for the night.
Andy Wyles, the housebuilder's divisional managing director, said: "We're in the business of building houses, and having a safe and warm place to go home to at the end of the day is something most of us take for granted. We only had to spend one night sleeping rough. But that is the reality thousands of young homeless people face on a regular basis, which makes the work that charities such as The Rock Trust and Centrepoint does to help them crucial."
He added: "Centrepoint is Taylor Wimpey's chosen national charity and we work closely with The Rock Trust, its partnership charity in Scotland."
Eight cities, including London and Edinburgh, hosted Sleep Out events this year, making it the first national event on this scale ever held. The organisations aim to raise £500,000 nationally. To make a donation, visit www.rocktrust.org.
Best of both worlds
East Malletsheugh benefits from being a traditional country house within minutes of the town – in this case only two minutes from Mearns Cross in the upmarket Glasgow suburb of Newton Mearns. It is situated in beautiful gardens extending to almost an acre with a fenced-off chicken run, fruit trees, heated greenhouse, water feature, flagstone terrace and vegetable garden.
There are also a number of outbuildings that could be developed subject to planning consent. The former farmhouse has been carefully maintained and modernised without detriment to its many original features.
The L-shaped two-storey layout includes three reception rooms, a music room, games room, study, conservatory, dining kitchen, five bedrooms and two bathrooms. It is for sale with Nicol Estate Agents at offers over £785,000.
Win for development
Well done also to luxury housebuilder Richmond Homes, for winning the Small Development of the Year category in the annual Premier Guarantee Excellence Awards.
According to the judges, out of the 35 companies shortlisted, Richmond Homes' Trynlaw development in Cupar won hands down for its attention to detail and high standards across the build, with special mention made of "the exemplary high-class joinery." While the award reflects the hard work, skill and expertise of all those who work for Richmond Homes, managing director Calum Stewart singled out construction manager, Bill Bonnar, who has been an integral member of the family business since he started as a joiner more than 30 years ago.
New year, new agency
The New Year will see a new, albeit still to be decided name, enter the Glasgow letting market as a result of a management buy-out of Strutt & Parker's Glasgow office.
While the name will be new, the team behind it comprises highly experienced property professionals headed up by Iain Robb, who has been in the business for 32 years and he is keen to bring other services, such as letting, into the business.
He says: "Glasgow is Strutt & Parker's only single discipline office in the UK as the rest of the network also provide land management and consultancy services in addition, which is why this is a mutually acceptable and happy outcome. I believe the rental market is set for long-term economic growth and will complement the core estate agency service. We will be looking to appoint an experienced letting professional to head up this new side of the business."
Well-kept secret
Another property that caught my eye this week is The Glebe House in Houston. This pretty Georgian property dates from 1790 and stands in 1.25 acres of glorious south-facing, walled gardens that include a stable block, "secret" woodland path and pond.
Accommodation, which is full of period features and over three floors, includes a formal drawing room, dining room, dining kitchen with Aga, family room, conservatory, five bedrooms (master with en-suite dressing room, sitting room and period-style bathroom) and two further bathrooms.
While this property enjoys peace and privacy, it is close to the village and in the catchment area for Gryffe High School.
Corum's Bridge of Weir office is marketing The Glebe House at offers over £720,000.
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