Pretty as a picture
...with a chance to get yourself in the frame,
In a village that can trace its history back to Robert the Bruce, a family home needs more than a view of one of Scotland’s best-known monuments to stand out in the marketplace.
With its link to celebrated artists ‘The Glasgow Boys’, Ferry Orchard House in north Street, Cambuskenneth, can boast that extra appeal.
In the late 19th century, the posse of painters travelled to Stirlingshire to capture the beauty of the fertile landscape in watercolours.
In particular, Arthur Melville was drawn to the orchards of Cambuskenneth, a village on the edge of Stirling.
Almost a century after his death, Melville’s works are prized around the world – a Cambuskenneth-set painting turned up at auction in Auckland, new Zealand last year.
Estate agent Rettie says there is evidence to link the Glasgow Boys’ works to this delightful home, sitting in more than two acres, including an orchard, in the settlement that had a rich history long before the artists visited.
King Robert the Bruce held a parliament in its abbey and the 13th century tower bell still brings a medieval character to the village on the banks of the Forth.
Rettie describes C-listed Ferry Orchard House as ‘a charismatic home of quintessential period charm... set within idyllic garden grounds’.
The garden is beautifully manicured and well-stocked with mature trees, shrubs and bushes including rowan, plum, cherry and apple, along with beech hedging.
Outbuildings include a tool shed, garage, summer house and a greenhouse.
Inside, the drawing room enjoys traditional features, such as an alcove, plus working fireplace with timber mantel and surround.
There are three tall, southfacing sash and case windows to the front and one with a charming outlook over the garden. The dining room has three windows, as well as timber flooring and an antique fireplace. There are doors leading to the garden.
A third reception room off the hall serves as a sitting room, again with garden views.
On the first floor, the staircase rises to a bright landing, which has a window behind the stairwell to the east and a dormer window with a view of the Wallace Monument. There are five bedrooms.
Rettie says the property – on offer for the price of a city semi – needs ‘a level of modernisation’.
If there is cash left over, a Melville masterpiece with views of your garden could be just the thing to hang above the fireplace.
Offers over £550,000 to Alastair Houlden on 07818 060837 or alastair.houlden@rettie.co.uk