Pringle Bank, 23 Bowmont Street, Kelso, Scottish Borders, TD5 7JH

Property Description
Pringle Bank is a fine, late eighteenth century, family home set in its own secluded garden grounds of about 0.60 of an acre, right in the heart of the historic Scottish Borders town of Kelso. The property is a stunning 4/5 bedroom semi-detached family home with a plethora of original features. Set back from Bowmont Street, Pringle Bank is accessed by a private driveway and offers ample parking for cars. The property has recently undergone extensive renovations and is brought to the market in excellent condition. The current owner has painstakingly restored this property with no expense spared. The project has involved a complete rewire, new plumbing, new central heating system, restoration of all architectural aspects of the property and a comprehensive redecoration program.
There are delightful private and secluded gardens to the front and side of Pringle Bank. The gardens are well laid out with different areas of lawn, shrubs, trees and borders. There is a large carport along with outbuildings with potential for conversion into several different uses.

Accommodation Comprises
Ground Floor - Reception Hallway, Dining / Drawing Room, Open Plan Sitting Room / Kitchen, Boot Room, WC / Utility Room, Cellar.
First Floor - Principle Bedroom (En-Suite Bathroom / Jack and Jill), 3 Further Double Bedrooms, 5 Bedroom / Potential Family Bathroom.
Garden Grounds - Lawned Grounds, Mature Beds, Car Port, Outbuildings, Gardner’s Loo.

Distances
Coldstream 10 Miles, Melrose 15 miles, Tweedbank Train Station 15 miles, Berwick upon Tweed Train Station 23 Miles, Edinburgh 43 Miles, Newcastle 68 Miles. (All distances are approximate).

Historical Notes
Pringle Bank was commissioned by Sir John Pringle (1707–1782) Baronet of Stichill, who had been President of the Royal Society (1772–8) and physician to King George III. An Adam designed or inspired house (we have not been able to determine which) but it’s been said that the great architect worked closely with Pringle and various other Scottish Borders gentry. The house still retains its eighteenth-century Adam fireplace in the master bedroom, though some of the chimney pieces in other rooms of the house were replaced in the mid-19th century.
Born at Stichill near Kelso, the first ‘Sir John Pringle Bart’ (1707-1782) had an extraordinarily distinguished military and medical career. He was a key figure in the ‘Scottish Enlightenment’ and a close friend of the American revolutionist Benjamin Franklin with whom he conducted two European tours. Painted by the artist Thomas Gainsborough and others, a bust of Sir John can be seen in Westminster Abbey. Franklins friendship with Pringle took him to Kelso regularly where they discussed many issues regarding the future of American politics, the civil war and military medicine.
Rumour has it that the essence of the Declaration of Independence was discussed and potentially drawn up in the grand rooms of Pringle Bank.
Samples of the ancient Virginia creeper which dons the facade, have been dated to over 200 years old. We may assume that the American plant was a gift from Franklin or did it give Pringle inspiration to source the plant in his friend’s honour.

Area Insights
Pringle Bank is situated in the sought-after Scottish Borders town of Kelso and only a short walk to the market square for amenities. Kelso is considered one of the most picturesque market towns in Scotland with cobbled streets and historical attractions such as Kelso Abbey and Floors Castle on the doorstep. Further afield the beautiful country homes of Bowhill, Paxton, Manderston, Mellerstain, and Abbotsford is also easily accessible. There is an excellent choice of local shopping with many independent retailers, a vibrant café culture, popular bars and restaurants. Kelso is home to family friendly Kelso racecourse and leisure facilities which include a swimming pool, fitness centre, a lively curling club and two fantastic golf courses including Kelso Golf Club and the championship course at the Schloss Roxburghe Hotel. Kelso has a bustling events scene including the renowned Border Union Agricultural Show, The Borders Art Fair, and numerous concerts/theatre productions at Floors Castle. There are excellent options for schooling nearby including the reputable Kelso High School, and private schooling is available at St Mary’s School in Melrose or Longridge Towers in Berwick-Upon-Tweed.
The picturesque town of Coldstream is also close. Coldstream is full of Scottish charm and is home to the Coldstream Guards, one of the oldest regiments in the British Army. Coldstream also offers a thriving art scene, local attractions such as the Hirsel Estate with its newly opened farm shop and café, the Coldstream Museum, and the well regarded Hirsel Golf Club.
The countryside surrounding Kelso offers access to a beautiful coastline around the towns of Berwick Upon Tweed, St Abbs and Coldingham. The Northumberland National Park, St Cuthberts Way, and the Cheviot Hills are close by. The popular historic towns of Melrose and Jedburgh are also easily accessible.
Kelso is in a quiet and peaceful part of the Scottish Borders, but offers excellent links to Edinburgh, Newcastle and London. The A68 provides easy, commutable access to Scotland’s capital city Edinburgh, Newcastle and Berwick upon Tweed. Tweedbank train station provides a direct link to Edinburgh Waverly, whilst Berwick-upon-Tweed offers a mainline train service to London Kings Cross in 3 ½ hours.