Period beauty worthy of its name

AN EYE-CATCHING country home with a decidedly unusual name is this week’s spectacular Hot Property.

Tillywhally House is impressive, inside and out, with beautiful gardens and lovely period features. However, the peculiar name had owners Iain and Sandra Gauld stumped until a friend enlightened them.

“We had no idea where it came from, and it did create some amusing conversations when we tried to order things over the telephone,” smiles Iain.

“A friend looked into it and believes it’s an old Scottish word meaning ‘wooded hill of beauty’ – so it is quite apt in a way.”

Tillywhally House is certainly beautiful, and its grounds are surrounded by wonderful woodlands. The property dates back to the 1850s, when it was part of a much larger estate belonging to well-known Kinross-shire landowners the Black family. Over time, the estate was sub-divided and Tillywhally retained gardens, woodlands and parkland grazing.

In recent years, the house has been extensively and sympathetically modernised – another strong selling point for the Gaulds, when they originally spotted it for sale.

“We had taken on houses before which needed renovation, and this time, we wanted one where the lion’s share had been done already,” says Iain.

“Tillywhally was perfect in that respect. We have done bits and pieces to it over the years, of course, to put our own stamp on the place.”

There are reminders of Tillywhally’s Victorian heritage throughout the property, from its imposing entrance façade and battlemented porch, to the large bay windows and incredible orangery.

This is a wonderful room, complete with blonde sandstone pillars and floor-to-ceiling windows, stylish terrazzo flooring and a fireplace with stone thistle emblems. It is full of character and charm – a far cry from many modern conservatories and the perfect spot in which to while away hours relaxing, reading or working.

“We spend most of our time here between April and October,” explains Iain. “Sandra restores rocking horses as a hobby, and she loves to work in here because the abundance of natural light means she can see every detail. If you sit quietly, nature will not notice you, and we often see red squirrels and birds come in to the garden from the woodland. It is very peaceful.” He adds: “It can also be a great party room, too – ideal for entertaining on a summer’s night.”

The ground floor also includes an elegant drawing room and a beautiful dining room, with exquisite decorative ceiling plasterwork and cornicing, wood-panelled walls and