Every Hogmanay the Howlett family have gathered on the steps of Number Nine, Marine Terrace, and listened to the ships sound their horns in unison as the clock chimes midnight.
The view towards the sea may have altered somewhat since Number Nine was built by renowned architect Archibald Simpson in 1837, but it is a tradition in which the entire street participates.
Aptly named, Marine Terrace was to be home to ships’ captains, and it is believed the front door to Number Nine was cut from the bulkhead of a ship.
The Howletts bought the stunning seven bedroom grade B listed family home complete with coach house nearly five years ago, and have continued with sympathetic renovations.
Dom, who is a helicopter pilot, and Sarah, a pharmacist, feel the time is now right to pass the history on to new owners – with the deeds consisting of the original 18th century scrolls!
Their two children, nine-year-old Sophia, and Ruaridh, seven, have loved exploring and racing around the garden – which Dom spent months re-landscaping.
“We had two viewings and pretty much knew straight away that this was the right home for us, I think you just get a feeling,” said Dom.
“I grew up in an old house and we love all the period features.
“We hope the new owners will be just as passionate, because a house like this needs continued maintenance and love.
“It doesn’t take a lot to make it shine, and we’ve found the past five years tremendously good fun with the changes we’ve made.”
The drawing room was Sarah and Dom’s final project and has now become their haven.
From the corniced ceiling to a sash and case window complete with shutters, this room is truly stunning.
A feature fireplace finishes the look perfectly.
“We weren’t quite sure what to do with the drawing room, I think we needed to get settled and actually start living in the house before it became clear,” said Sarah.
“This is where we have the Christmas tree and it’s perfect for entertaining.
“We are very lucky with our neighbours and we always have gatherings at each other’s houses – the drawing room is ideal when we have guests.
“It’s our sanctuary after the children have gone to bed and we love lighting the fire in here, it just makes it extra cosy.”
There’s an equally impressive dining room with imposing fireplaces, alongside a family room to the rear.
The family have enjoyed having so much space and have added a modern touch with a bespoke custom-built Neptune kitchen.
This room is every cook’s dream thanks to the Rangemaster dual fuel range alongside ample work unit space and an American style fridge freezer.
There is also space for informal dining.
“We’ve never had to compromise on space and we love having a choice of public rooms, with somewhere for the children to play,” said Sarah.
“We feel the kitchen adds a modern element but is still in keeping with the rest of the house.”
On the lower mezzanine is a utility room and toilet and a garden room.
The lower floor offers a further sitting room, kitchen, three double bedrooms, bathroom, and cellar, while there is a further bathroom on the upper mezzanine.
The layout has enabled Sarah and Dom to have friends to stay from across the country without struggling for space.
“Dom is from Norfolk and I’m from Belfast but we met at Bath university,” said Sarah.
“We’ve never struggled when putting up guests and everyone has been able to have their own space.”
On the top floor are the remaining four spacious bedrooms, but you’ll want to pause at the top of the grand staircase and admire a stunning stained glass window.
Head outside to the beautiful enclosed garden, which has been a labour of love for Dom.
“I enjoy gardening and there was a fair bit to do, including the removal of some cypress trees,” said Dom.
“We like to think this is now a beautiful space and it’s safe for the children to play.
“We’ve loved summer here and all the hard work was very much worth it.”
The couple have left the coach house, which has its own separate address, relatively untouched but it would make for a brilliant project.
It offers a sitting room, kitchen, shower room, and two bedrooms upstairs – meaning it would make the perfect granny annexe.
“It’s the one thing we haven’t had time to do, it has been a wonderful five years though,” said Sarah.
“Perhaps the hardest thing will be leaving our neighbours behind, because it’s a lovely little community here.
“It’s time to pass the house and the history which comes with it onto someone else though.
“We’re just one link in the chain of the many people who have lived here across the decades, and we hope someone will love Number Nine just as much as we have.”
Offers should be made of more than £925,000.
Contact Dom and Sarah on 07899 946047 or 07887 653807.
