Estate of the nation
House on castle grounds is more than just a home, writes Dean Herbert
AT first glance, it may look like a grand mansion in its own right. But this impressive property was originally built as the dower house to an even larger stately home which has towered over the surrounding countryside since the 16th century.
Now househunters have the chance to become part of the Craufurdland Estate’s long and varied history by snapping up Borland House.
Built in 1905, the property is ‘one of the finest examples of an Edwardian mansion house’ to come to market for many years.
And at offers over £550,000, it guarantees an abundance of space, character and garden for the same price as many of its newbuild counterparts.
Built in the early 20th century as a dower house – a home provided for the widow of the previous owner of an estate – it sits within the grounds of Craufurdland Castle.
The estate has been home to the Craufurds of Craufurdland since 1245. The castle was built in the 16th century and, having been developed and extended over the years, it is still occupied today. A near-neighbour of new occupants of Borland House would be the 29th Laird of Craufurdland, who can trace his family’s roots back to the Danish chief Thorlongus, who married into Anglo-Saxon royalty in the 10th century.
The Laird holds the hereditary role of Washer of the Sovereign’s Hands in Scotland, a title bestowed upon one of his ancestors who chased off would-be murderers of James V. Borland House sits between the Craufurdland Estate and the nearby Dean Castle estate in some of Ayrshire’s most peaceful countryside.
Boasting five bedrooms, a huge dining kitchen, a cellar and impressive reception hallway, the property is adorned with period cornices, ornate fireplace surrounds, Georgian-style windows and original doorways.
Estate Agent Corum said: ‘Borland House, built in 1905 as the dower house for the nearby Craufurdland Castle, is one of the finest examples of an Edwardian mansion house to grace the market in many years and has varied gardens and gated fields bounded by the Fenwick Water.’
Outside, there are manicured lawns, mature trees, a field for equestrian use and a ‘garden house’ complete with its own wood burning stove.
In terms of transport links, the slip road to the M77 motorway is nearby, offering an easy half-hour drive into Glasgow.
The centre of Kilmarnock is less than ten minutes away and Troon, Ayr and Prestwick can be reached within half an hour. The smaller right wing of the property is not included in the sale, although it is available as a separate lot.
Offers over £550,000. Contact Corum on 01292 872321 or troon@ corumproperty.co.uk.