The £400k manor house... standing in the middle of town
WITH a history stretching back 500 years, this ancient tower house is something you might expect to find in a Highland glen.
But ivy-clad Blackhall Manor is much closer to civilisation – in the middle of a housing estate.
The hidden gem is surrounded by newly built social housing in Paisley, Renfrewshire, just off the Barrhead Road. Dating back to the 14th century, it has three distinct gardens and its own private driveway.
Owner Rachel Stuart, 61, who is seeking offers over £399,000, said the manor had been put on the market after she and her husband, Leith, 65, decided to move to France. She added: ‘The property is unique. It’s very secluded but not isolated. You could say it’s a hidden gem. It’s just a very pretty house with lots of character.’
Former lecturer Mrs Stuart and her husband have lived at Blackhall for more than a quarter of a century.
They bought the manor from a couple who had carefully restored it after it fell into a state of severe disrepair.
The first Blackhall was built by Sir Walter Fitz-Alan, High Steward of the King’s Household to David I, who also founded Paisley Abbey in 1163. It is believed to have been a hunting lodge, surrounded by the Forest of Paisley. Sir Walter’s descendants, who took the name Stewart, were so powerful that the sixth High Steward, also called Walter, married Marjorie Bruce, daughter of King Robert the Bruce, in 1315.
Their son, born in March 1316, went on to become King Robert II in 1371 after his uncle King David II died.
He was also the founder of the Stewart/Stuart royal dynasty and upon his succession Blackhall became a royal property.
Today the four-bedroom, threebathroom, Category B listed building, on sale through Robb Residential, features crow-stepped gables, window yetts, intricate stone carvings, stone turnpike stairs and two painted ceilings in the Scottish Renaissance style.
Mrs Stuart said: ‘It’s very comfortable and spacious inside. I would not describe it as being in the middle of a council estate but there is social housing just in front of us.
‘It would make a great home for someone interested in old properties. I hope that whoever does buy it will enjoy the house as much as we have.
‘It’s been great living here and we’ll be very sorry to leave. It was our family home but the children have grown up and left home. We have lots of lovely memories.’