A belter on the banks o’ Doon

Be quick . . . . this won’t last long

This smashing old cottage has its own forest sloping down to the River Doon.

In fact it is the last house on the right of the Scaur O’Doon Road, and that alone makes it special.

‘ Alderbank’ is likely to have been the first property built on this wee cul- do- sac to the sea.

The gardens are vast, though mostly under a forest canopy.

There will certainly be enough wood to make you self sufficient in logs for the fire.

This four bedder went on the market last week at offers over £ 325,000 with Ayr based Black Hay.

Scaur is a Scots word meaning cliff or bank. And you will certainly have money in the bank once Alderbank is developed.

Black Hay’s valuer and director Graeme Lumsden said: “I live on the edge of the Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park, so I’m used to being surrounded by nature

“Alderbank is not miles away in the countryside, yet is a delightful, sheltered natural haven.”

The house and grounds need a right good going- over to bring it up to modern tastes and standards.

The current owners were there 30 years and there is gas central heating and double glazing.

A detached garage at the top of the driveway was demolished and the site offers scope.

There is also a small attached garage which also offers scope to turn into a room.

The main lounge opens onto a 14 ft 7in conservatory and the kitchen is open plan to another sunroom extension, this time of stone and traditional slate to mach the original cottage.

Two of the four bedrooms are downstairs, the upper two rather cute with coombed ceilings.

On the lower floor there is a shower room, and the upper the family bathroom. This has a now rather rare suite just a shade short of British Racing Green, rather than the typical avocado of the era.

Without doubt the setting is a cracker and the grounds could be transformed into something special, attracting all sorts of wildlife.

While you don’t have permission to put a rod in the water, you can watch the salmon pass by. Call Black Hay 01292 268988, offers over £ 325,000.

Cracking cottage Alderbank sits in its own wood, stretching to the river. Inset: Not many of these left - the green loo

Sun trap The conservatory lounge catches the rays

Upgrade required The new buyer may want to create a more cottagey feel

Unusual setting Alderbank is not your average abode

Lawn order Most of the rest of the land is wild