Inside beautiful Broughty Ferry Arts and Crafts house – with an extension to remember.

Nicoll Russell Studios created an exquisite expansion that enhances and complements Ferncroft’s historic appeal.

Ferncroft is a stunning Arts and Crafts-style home in one of Broughty Ferry’s most prestigious neighbourhoods, with an extension by Nicoll Russell Studios. Ian and Sue Mathers have lived here for the past 20 years.

The pair remained in Broughty Ferry until the late 1980s, when Ian relocated to Aberdeen to pursue a career in finance. When they retired in 2005, they decided to return to Broughty Ferry.

“We didn’t have any connection to Aberdeen apart from Ian’s work and we’d always enjoyed Broughty Ferry,” Sue tells me. “We adore the location.

Barnhill Rock Garden is only a short distance away, and I frequently meet friends there. Central Broughty Ferry is also easily accessible on foot.”

Ferncroft, which was built in 1913, began as one enormous house and was later divided in two. “It was owned by Mr and Mrs Scott,” Ian says.

“Mr Scott died, and their daughter married. Mrs Scott divided Ferncroft in two so she could reside on our side while her daughter lived next door.

The house is tucked away in a quiet private neighbourhood just two streets from the Esplanade.

Exploring Ferncroft

Ornate gates lead into a monobloc courtyard parking area with a detached garage.

A pair of original solid timber doors opens into a vestibule that leads to a spacious reception hallway.

With its exquisite oak panelling, hand-crafted staircase, arched brick fireplace, and exposed ceiling beams, this stunning room sets the tone for the rest of the house.

“The hallway looks lovely at Christmas,” Sue says, smiling. “We always put a big tree in the corner by the staircase.”

In the 1980s, Broughty Ferry firm Nicoll Russell Studios created an expansion that houses the dining kitchen.

While many expansions to ancient homes produce a sharp modern contrast, Ferncroft’s blends in so well with the existing building that it could be mistaken for part of the original design.

The kitchen and dining area are separated by stone archways, which are echoed on the outside wall, where arched stone columns frame windows that face out onto the garden.

Meanwhile, a circular skylight in the kitchen provides natural light.

The living room includes a fireplace and a south-facing bay window with a lovely view of the garden. A glass door leads into a solarium. Next to the living room is a light dining area with glazed doors leading to the sunroom.

An elegant timber fireplace surround features delicate hand carvings that highlight the artistry of the Arts and Crafts movement.

Amazing workmanship

“The workmanship is incredible,” Ian remarks. “This house was erected in 1913, and after 1915, this kind of construction was no longer possible. A generation of skilled craftsmen went to war and were lost.”

The sunroom includes a pair of comfortable chairs and is one of Ian’s favourite places to sit and read the Sunday paper. It has two glass doors that lead onto a patio. The staircase leads up to a large landing.

There are three bedrooms up here, one of which serves as a home office. The master bedroom and office both have doors that lead to a balcony with stunning views of the Tay Estuary.

“We had composite decking installed on the balcony a couple of years ago,” Ian tells me. “We enjoy it out here.

It receives the most of the day’s sunlight and is an excellent spot to relax with a coffee in the morning or a glass of wine in the afternoon.”

The attic was converted into additional living space probably in the 1970s. There are two interconnected rooms, the first of which serves as both a craft studio and a home gym. The second room is set up as a guest bedroom with a shower room off it.

A small sauna is nestled beneath the building’s eaves, adjacent to the shower area.

Storybook gardens

Ferncroft’s gardens are as special as the home itself. They are a riot of colour year-round, spread across three terraces.

Ian and Sue had a set of stone stairs onto the lower terrace relocated to improve the flow across the garden’s levels.

“We’re both green-fingered and enjoy gardening,” Ian replies. “Although it is a large garden, it is relatively simple to maintain.

It just takes me 40 minutes to mow my yard.” Mature trees installed when the home was built offer cover and solitude. At its base sits a charming tiny timber summerhouse.

“This summerhouse is original,” Ian comments. “It’s as ancient as the house, which is impressive given that it’s built of wood. All we have done is paint it.

“The old lady must have really wanted to keep it when she divided the house with her daughter because the garden doglegs out to grab the summerhouse.”

Ian and Sue have had a fantastic 20 years at Ferncroft. Both are 77 and have decided it’s time to downsize.

“We really love it in Broughty Ferry and we have lots of friends here so we’re not going far,” Sue tells me. “Our new home is less than a mile away.

It’s smaller, but it still faces south and has a lovely sunny yard.

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