In a class of its own
Headmaster’s house brims with old-school charm, says Paul Drury
IF the thought of going back to school brings you out in a cold sweat and revives painful memories of waiting outside the headmaster’s office, then this wouldn’t seem the ideal property for you.
But the Old School House evokes a charm that could win over even the most nervous ‘old boy’.
Its location, the historic Royal Burgh of Culross, Fife, is a magnet for TV production companies seeking authentic backdrops for programmes such as Outlander.
Owner Mandy McCormack laughs as she recalls filming of the US drama taking place right on her doorstep. ‘We were hanging out of our bedroom window, filming them filming us,’ she said. ‘After stepping out of the front door you were hopping over cables, dodging big light units and steering clear of huge horses.
‘Outlander is such a great advert for the village. We now have gift shops opening up specifically for Outlander, and even get bus loads of fans turning up to view the place where it is filmed.’
Strictly speaking, her stone villa was never a school. It was the home of the headmaster and a date stone on the wall confirms part of it has been around since 1621. It was extended in Victorian times and Mrs McCormack added a large kitchen extension around ten years ago.
The result is a property that has evolved over the centuries to produce a comfortable family home.
Mrs McCormack added: ‘The rooms are big and the layout – particularly downstairs – has a nice, fluid feel to it as all the rooms run into each other.’
The drawing room retains intricate cornicing, a gorgeous ceiling rose and that vital ingredient for a cosy night in, a real fire.
There’s a wood-burning stove in the dining room and a living flame fire in the large sitting room, too.
Upstairs, there are four bedrooms and an attractive fully-tiled bathroom.
Perhaps it’s best to give Mrs McCormack the last word on her lovely home of 14 years.
‘I have always loved the location of the Old School House, in the heart of the Royal Burgh of Culross,’ she said.
‘There’s a strong community in the village, my children definitely benefited from that.’ And, referring to nearby Culross Palace, she added: ‘There’s the sense of history – it’s rare to have a stunning 16th century palace and garden as a neighbour.’ Not to mention Outlander’s Sam Heughan.