1950s midcentury modern house in Dollar, Clackmannanshire
On the market for the first time ever, this 1950s midcentury modern house in Dollar, Clackmannanshire, is a very appealing prospect.
Huge thanks to both the agent and the family for the background details of this one. It was designed by Alistair Milne, a good friend of the original owner. After a lengthy search for a suitable plot, the house was designed, and construction started around 1958.
Amazingly, the house has barely changed in about 66 years. According to the family, there is a new window design on the bedroom side, plus some replacement windows in the kitchen and dining room. Outside of that, nothing has changed structurally.
And that’s the enormous appeal here. A relatively untouched midcentury modern house in a lovely and historic part of the world. But without the hefty price tag of similar houses further south.
The architecture is typical of modernism of the era: a single-storey brick building on a sizeable plot with extensive full-height glazing to boost the natural light within. I suspect the plot has grown around the house over the years, too, adding an element of privacy but maintaining the views of Dollar and the surrounding countryside.
I say this is a lot, but this kind of architecture has aged well. Spacious, open-plan houses just don’t get built enough these days. Perhaps because it’s not easy to afford the plot to do that, not to mention the actual design and build. Getting one with a past for this price will be a dream for someone.
And you get something else that a modern build wouldn’t give you – original features. This one has plenty to go with the authentic 1950s modern architecture.
According to the family, the architect did all the woodwork, including the wardrobes, shelving, and cupboards, around the time they moved in.
You can probably spot the original furnishings just by looking at the images: the living room cabinetry, the room dividers, the matching doors, the window frames and rails, and much more. These are details you would want to maintain ideally if you want to retain the 1950s character. There are some lovely original light fittings, too.
Of course, there is work to do. Some updates have already been undertaken over the years, most obviously with the kitchen and bathroom. But you might want to put your own spin on those spaces.
Elsewhere, you probably want to book a viewing to get a good look at what you are looking at. The agent describes this as a ‘fantastic development opportunity’, and I can’t disagree with that. But for me, it would be more of a renovation, working with the house as-is, maintaining the 1950s details whilst adding a more contemporary spin on the other areas.
The house has amazing bones and midcentury modern touches that would adapt well to the 21st century. It doesn’t look like it needs radical surgery, although a closer inspection would be required to get an idea of what work will be involved.
As for the living space, the main entrance leads into the hallway, with the lounge to the left with a floor-to-ceiling picture window framing views over the countryside and beyond.
A shelving unit divides the lounge from the dining/kitchen. The dining space has a sliding door leading out to the back garden. The kitchen has been updated fairly recently but would adapt well as a more open living and eating space—but please keep that 1950s divider.
Heading back to the hallway, there is access to the three side-facing bedrooms. Bedrooms one and two are described as ‘good-sized double rooms’ with fitted wardrobes, while bedroom three should easily accommodate two single beds or a double. The shower room and WC complete the accommodation within.
But that’s only part of the appeal here. I have mentioned the location, but there’s also the sizeable plot.
There are mature garden grounds to the front, sides, and rear. The back garden slopes upwards and has a selection of various types of trees, including fruit-bearing apples. Note also that the retaining wall is constructed from cobblestones from Stirling Castle, which were advertised as available to purchase when the house was being built. There’s a talking point.
Also, a single detached garage and pedestrian access from the rear. There is plenty of private parking in front of the garage, too.
It is a wonderful opportunity for someone and, as I said earlier, with price on its side, too. The house is just up for sale at offers over £350,000.
Images and details courtesy of Harper & Stone. For more details and to make an enquiry, please visit the website.
