Poignant legacy of a caring laird
Join the country set in a beautiful mansion that was once a gift to a clan chief ’s wife upon his death
IT is rare to come across a property that scores top marks in every category of its Home Report. It is even more remarkable when you consider that this striking mansion has its origins in a 17th Century construction. Yet The Dowery House was designed as a secondary property, built to accommodate the lady of ‘the big house’ upon the death of her husband.
The ‘big house’ in question is Vogrie House, home of the ancient Clan Dewar.
In the early 20th Century, The Dowery House was given over to the wife of the clan chief on his demise.
In its superb drawing room, the clan motto is inscribed in Latin in the magnificent open fireplace: Quid non pro patria, or What would one not do for his country?
The Dowery House sits in a secluded position above Ford, a charming conservation village through which the River Tyne flows. The Midlothian community of Pathhead, half a mile distant, enjoys local facilities including a health centre, pharmacy, post office and bakery.
Yet for all its rural idyll, The Dowery House is only 12 miles from Edinburgh city centre, which makes it a perfect property for busy commuters.
From the internal finish it is clear that the owners have spared no expense in refurbishing the historic B-listed mansion. They have also built on the attention to detail bestowed by previous owners going back 100 years. The panelled interiors date from the early 1900s and the reception hall shows these off with a cornice bearing thistle, rose and shamrock motifs.
Reception rooms lie off the hallway, the most striking of which is the drawing room. This is the perfect apartment for grand entertaining, with the imposing fireplace and a bow-fronted wall which has a door that leads to the patio.
The sitting room has its own charm, with magnificent plasterwork, cornicing and an open fireplace. This leads to the spiral staircase, hall, bar and billiard room.
The kitchen may contain a Belfast sink but that is the sole nod to the period property’s historic roots. It has modern appliances, an island with hob, barbecue and a Tepan plate. Refrigeration devices include two fridges, three freezers and a wine cooler.
The dining room is accessed directly from the kitchen. The first floor has a lovely morning room complete with intricate plasterwork ceiling, impressive open fireplace and views on two aspects.
Between the first and second floors there are no fewer than seven bedrooms, including the master, which has an en suite fitted with a double bath.
The Dowery House is approached by a private road and is protected by substantial wrought iron electrically operated gates.
There is also an enclosed paddock and stable with four loose boxes. The seven acres of garden have been landscaped with colourful shrubs, plants and trees and the drive is lined by heather borders, rhododendrons, hollies and laurels.
The garage block, which mimics the house’s castellated frontage, was built by the present owners, with space for six cars.
The Dowery House even has a floodlit tennis court, with a pavilion fitted with power and a drinks fridge. Anyone for tennis – and a glass of Pimm’s?
O/o £2,550,000 to John Mackay of Gilson Gray. Tel 01578 722 703 or email jmackay@gilson gray. co.uk