The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Home for horse and humans
An equestrian property in a Perthshire hamlet provides luxury for horses and humans alike, with a fantastic five-bedroom new build house, stunning views, fields, and plenty of stabling space.
The Perthshire hamlet of St Davids on a snowy afternoon is a fine place to enjoy the benefits of wood burning stoves and full-wall windows. Both of these things are keeping me happy at Marefield of Craigs: the former warming me up after a chilly journey and the latter treating my eyes to a snowy countryside vista, a handsome Clydesdale horse cheerfully stamping his hooves in the field next door.
The house was built 10 years ago by Peter and Sheila Keron, on land owned by Peter’s late father, who farmed the area.
Comrie architect Andrew Finlayson – who previously lived next to the couple – designed the house to Peter and Sheila’s specifications and the builders were Auchterarder construction firm Stephen Gardiner.
The couple have three daughters, Kayleigh, 17, Heather, 15, and Molly, 8, as well as two dogs – Yorkshire terrier Benji and a delightfully energetic sixmonth old whippet called Nova – and eight horses and ponies. As such, they needed plenty of space for two and four legged family members.
The living room has a lovely wood burning stove – Benji curls up in front of it the moment we walk into the room – and glazed doors onto a patio.
The kitchen is a striking space, with a vaulted ceiling and a full height window dominating the gable wall. It’s aligned towards the Perthshire countryside and there are views to Ben Vorlich, though its peak is obscured by snow clouds on the day I visit.
A Velux and windows facing both east and west ensure it’s a light-filled space at all hours of the day. Sitting enjoying a coffee and some home made pancakes and jam I feel as if I could happily settle in for the afternoon.
As befits a country house there’s a large utility doubling as a boot room where muddy gear is taken off before entering the house. A shower room off it lets people scrub clean as well.
A flexible downstairs room can be used as a family room, study or fifth bedroom. Upstairs are four bedrooms, including an en suite master, and a family bathroom.
The garden is a perfect size for children and dogs without being too unmanageable, and there are just shy of 6.4 acres of fields for horses, as well as a large stable, workshop and several store rooms.
There are additional fields available that any buyer who wants them can negotiate as part of the sale.
Having lived in the house for 10 years Peter, 51, and Sheila, 49, are ready for a new challenge.
They’ve caught the self-build bug and are keen to start a new project once Marefield of Craigs is sold.
“Peter’s father was a farmer and we have some land nearby that we would like to build a house on,” Sheila explains.
“Some people think we’re mad for selling but it’s not as if we’re moving far. We love it here and this is where we plan to stay.”
The kitchen is a striking space, with a vaulted ceiling and a full height window