Millionaire’s woah!
‘Breathtaking’ rural mansion is one of the finest homes in Scotland
WHEN a veteran of the luxury property market claims a home ‘takes your breath away’, then it is probably worth a look. And this is definitely the case at Bargany House, which has been described as one of the finest mansions in Britain.
Peter Gillespie of selling agents Savills has managed the disposal of castles, country estates and other fine property over the years.
So for him to wheel out superlatives means that Bargany, in Dailly, Ayrshire, is among the most spectacular pieces of real estate in the country.
‘It takes your breath away,’ he said. ‘I have seen many handsome houses over the years – this is up there with the best.
‘There is plasterwork and friezes here which have survived in their original state since the 1680s, which is an absolute joy.
‘The blend of extraordinary elegance and grandeur with contemporary style and comfort has been achieved with flair and authenticity, while the unspoilt and protected view is another reason why generations of owners have continued to invest in, love and enjoy this private jewel of a house.’
The condition of this A-listed country house is all the more remarkable when you discover it fell into disrepair in the 1970s.
It was rescued in the 1980s by owners who set about a detailed and sensitive renovation project.
There has also been significant investment over the past decade.
Dating from 1681, the house we see today is believed to be the first unfortified mansion house in Scotland. It sits upon the site of Bargany Castle, which had been owned by the Kennedy family in the 16th and 17th Centuries. The castle and lands had a bloody history, with Gilbert Kennedy of Bargany murdered by the Earl of Cassilis in one dispute.
The replacement for the castle was built for the Hamilton family, later the Dalrymple Hamiltons, and subsequently passed into the ownership of the Earls of Stair.
In keeping with the fashion of the time, the imposing reception rooms are to be found on the first floor, including the drawing room, music room, library and dining room.
Collectively, these grand apartments with elaborate plasterwork would be a sumptuous setting for a gathering of friends and family.
A modern 31ft kitchen boasts a family room alongside, with views down the drive and over the park.
More contemporary touches are to be found on the ground floor, such as the cinema room, study, games room, billiard room, library and another dining room.
The 14 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms are spread over the first, second and third floors, and include a majestic principal suite.
A network of cellars on the lower ground floor, coupled with a onebedroom annex flat, ensure that every part of Bargany House’s 18,705 sq ft is put to use. The seven acres of grounds have been beautifully maintained and – within sight – there are 1,200 neighbouring acres to look out on.
As such an eloquent fan of the property, the last word on it should go to Mr Gillespie.
He described it as ‘quite simply, one of the most perfect examples of a period mansion house not only in Scotland, but also the whole of the UK’.