19TH CENTURY GRANDEUR IN A ROYAL SEAT

KING’S Park is the address to impress in the historic city of Stirling but even within this prime residential conservation area, renowned for grand period mansion houses, Southwood’s Italianate influences and imposing four-storey centre tower distinguish it as one of the largest and finest properties in the city.

Built circa 1865 on a one-acre plot opposite well-maintained residents’ gardens on Southfield Crescent, the B-listed blonde sandstone villa cuts quite a dash with a flight of steps from the horseshoe driveway up to an imposing corinthian-esque entrance porch. Inside, the accommodation spans four floors and has been extensively upgraded in recent years without compromising any of the property’s original period features, which include ornate plasterwork, stained glass windows and working shutters.

Although substantial in size, Southwood’s layout is flexible and offers countless possibilities, particularly as the entire ground floor (basement) level – accessed both from the front and internally from the raised ground floor - is self-contained and beautifully presented and comprises sitting room, dining kitchen, two bedrooms (one with en suite bathroom) and dressing room, plus games room and office/bedroom seven.

The 31ft reception hall on the raised ground floor sets to impress and is worthy of a chandelier or two to complement its lavishly ornate cornicing and elegant staircase. This level houses three spacious reception rooms, kitchen, utility, 30ft family room and shower room – upstairs on the first floor is a luxuriously appointed dual aspect master bedroom with en suite bathroom and walk-in shower, plus three further double bedrooms and main bathroom. A secondary staircase on the landing leads up to a study/bedroom eight – and a square-shaped belvedere, or gallery, with windows on four sides that provide spectacular 360-degree views of King’s Park, the city and beyond.

All of it is impressive but some rooms exceed even millennial standards of luxury – the fully tiled en suite bathroom, with its oval free-standing bath, twin vanity basins and walk-in shower area; the kitchen, fitted with cream gloss units, granite worktops, integrated appliances and central island/ breakfast bar, has an open archway into a charming informal dining area overlooking the gardens; and the bay-windowed drawing room, which features an ornate cornice and ceiling.

The garden grounds include a horseshoe driveway, triple garage and a gate into a ‘secret’ garden on a grand scale, with raised vegetable beds, fruit trees and bushes, three lawns separated by tall bushes and trees and colourful, well-stocked borders. There is also a sizeable monobloc patio with sheltered barbecue area and outhouse – and planning permission for electric gates and fencing to the front of the property.

Southwood is close to city centre amenities, transport links and recreational opportunities available locally within King’s Park, an area that refers to part of what was the King’s Royal Park below Stirling Castle until 1506, when the Crown granted lands of the Royal Park to the Burgh of Stirling. Offers over £1,349,995 are invited by Paciitti Jones’ Stirling office.

Although substantial in size, Southwood’s layout is flexible and offers countless possibilities

Built circa 1865, Southwood’s Italianate influences and four-storey tower combine to make it one of the most imposing properties in Stirling