Hitting a high note
Home of a celebrated singer has star quality, discovers Paul Drury
Some properties simply insist that you make a song and dance about them. Step forward into the spotlight Glenardle House, near Blairgowrie in Perthshire. The detached country house was built more than a century ago by James Durward Lyall, one of the most celebrated Scottish tenors of the time. Few will know of this stonemason’s son from Arbroath, Angus, but in late Victorian times he was worshipped like a star.
Lyall, also known as Lely, created the role of Nanki-Poo in the Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera The mikado.
The singer graced the finest opera houses in London and milan, where he was trained, and embarked on tours of the US, Canada, Australia, South Africa and europe.
And when it was time to draw breath in 1896, Lyall used his extensive earnings to buy himself a three-acre estate at Glenardle, Bridge of Cally.
The Victorian country house he constructed on the site remains true to its origins today. The main door, with magnificent stained glass panels, opens into an impressive hallway.
This is the same entrance where invitations would be received from Queen Victoria, asking Lyall to sing for her at Balmoral.
The dimensions of Glenardle House, with its high ceilings, deep cornicing and ornate carved fireplaces in the drawing and dining rooms, suggest a pedigree of entertaining here as well.
The billiard room also enjoys impressive proportions, a beautifully carved fireplace and elegant wood panelling.
From here, a short walk takes you to the conservatory and swimming pool. Selling agent Savills notes that these areas have been well used by the present owners and some refurbishment is required.
The large family kitchen has a cream four-door Aga and traditional pine cabinets have been fitted along one wall.
Upstairs, a U-shaped landing provides access to the master bedroom suite and the main guest bedroom. There is also a smaller bedroom plus three further double bedrooms.
The top floor has three more rooms, currently used as an office, a craft room and for storage.
A separate cottage has an openplan dining kitchen and cosy sitting room on the ground floor, with two bedrooms above.
The gardens have matured beautifully since Lyall’s days. The front of the house has a large expanse of lawn while shrubs, rhododendrons and mature trees provide privacy. A private footpath leads to the village.
of particular note is the external gym, which has a wonderful wine cellar built into the spiral staircase and used to store wines of various vintage.
Offers over £570,000 to Stephanie Clark. Tel 01738 477525 or email stephanie.clark@savills.com.