One of a kind
Victorian ‘greenhouse’ is truly unique
THOSE of us with a greenhouse are lucky if we can grow a few tomatoes each summer.
No such concerns at Jordanstone House in Perthshire, where there are all manner of fruit and vegetables being grown, including peaches, figs and even melons in a separate greenhouse. The beautifully-restored Victorian Glasshouse in the palatial home’s gardens interlinks eight greenhouses with a double height room at the centre, making it an enchanting place to sit.
New glazing, slate and cast iron flower tables and window-winding mechanisms have been added as part of the renovation.
It’s just a small part of the wonderful upgrading that the current owners have undertaken.
The mansion dates back to the late 18th Century.
Believed to have been built for Admiral Sir John Knight, best known for bringing Caroline of Brunswick to Britain for her ill-fated marriage to King George IV, the house was sold to the Duncan family in 1892 . They are known for having endowed the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art,
now part of the University of Dundee and one of the UK’s leading centres of art and design.
The house has benefited from 12 years of skilful upgrading by the present owners, who have created an impressive home rich with period detail and character – such as ornate marble and carved stone fireplaces and elaborate plasterwork relief ceilings.
An elegant 32ft drawing room has a pink marble and carved oak fireplace, while the former billiards room has been transformed into a kitchen and family room with a four-oven white Aga, bay window and carved stone fireplace.
On the lower ground floor is the current billiards room, while an ornate timber staircase leads to 12 bedrooms and seven bathrooms on the first floor.
Jordanstone House sits in 11.9 acres of its own grounds on the edge of the Vale of Strathmore and the gardens feature formal lawns, central fountain and ornamental canal and beautifully-planted borders. For sport enthusiasts there is a tennis court, while for those more into their cars there is a garage with room for 13 vehicles with a workshop and car lift.
Jamie Macnab, of selling agent Savills, said: “We are delighted to be marketing this distinctive and historically distinguished country house. It is one of a kind.”
Jordanstone House is on sale for offers over £1.85 million.