A house with history
After 500 years in one family, estate is a rare gem, writes Paul Drury
To someone living in cramped conditions in Chelsea, the sale of Balquhatstone House must bring a tear to the eye. For the same price as a onebedroom flat in the London borough, you could become the owner of a country estate.
With a sweeping gravel driveway and a handsome Georgian house at its heart, it also has 16 acres of woodland and gardens where grapes and figs are grown in abundance.
There is a Victorian gate house, dressed in original masonry, as part of the package too.
And that is before you visit the miniature golf course, croquet lawn and stone courtyard of outhouses, once featured in the TV drama outlander.
History comes as standard, too. The house has been in the same family for 500 years, as evidenced by the framed deed hanging in the hall, signed by James IV of Scotland in 1513.
Balquhatstone is in Slamannan, near Falkirk, Stirlingshire, and is almost equidistant between Edinburgh and Glasgow.
The area was famous for its coal mining in the 19th century, a relationship which at times proved explosive as impoverished miners battled the mine owners for better conditions.
Balquhatstone has also played host to some beautiful events, as reported in the Falkirk Herald in September 1902.
The report read: ‘Slamannan was agog with festive excitement on Thursday last… the wedding [of Margaret Peddie Waddell to her cousin] was fixed for 2 o’clock at Balquhatstone. By half past one, a railway saloon brought a bevy of guests from Edinburgh.
‘The house was lavishly decorated with beautiful plants and cut flowers from Balquhatstone gardens and greenhouses, and the entrance gateway was surmounted by an arch of heather and laurel with flags either side… [the bridesmaids] carried bouquets of pink carnations.’
The main public rooms still resonate with that grandeur, notable for generous proportions, elegant windows, bespoke carpentry and rarefied period features such as marble fireplaces, press cupboards and intricate cornicing.
How many homes do you know that have a vase room, model train room or a hobby room built to house a collection of birds?
A sumptuous 18th century addition to the property, the drawing room lies off the hall. It showcases a lofty ceiling embellished with intricate cornicing and an elaborate ceiling rose featuring a thistle motif. The kitchen has farmhousestyle units, a four-oven Aga and a Bosch dishwasher.
There are eight bedrooms – plus another bedroom with a fireplace over the coach house courtyard – a billiard room and a collection of garages, sheds and workshops ripe for redevelopment.
Those who enjoy making an entrance will appreciate the splendour of Balquhatstone.
For you arrive at the imposing property through the stonepillared entrance gates – protected by a stone gate lodge, which can be bought separately or as part of the package.
Offers over £730,000 (or £820,000 including gate lodge) to Joanna Tinson on 0131 624 9040 or email joanna.tinson@rettie.co.uk