The write move?
Robert Louis Stevenson is said to have penned one of his most famous works in this fine 18th century home
This imposing property with its sprawling gardens would not be out of place in a work of classic literature. Now househunters can snap up the home where Robert Louis Stevenson is thought to have written The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
Although it is not the most uplifting of stories with which to be associated, Kirkside House has all the makings of a happy family home in a stunning location on the Kincardineshire coast.
On sale for offers over £995,000 it is perhaps not one for bargain hunters, but this B-listed building comes with a wealth of history and luxury.
The site has been home to lairds since the 17th century, the land originally granted to the Stratons of Lauriston in 1582. The original house was completed in 1764 and has been slowly added to ever since, with the latest improvements completed in 2018.
Lieutenant General Joseph Muter, a hero of the Battle of Waterloo, once resided here, as later did Alan Stevenson, the lighthouse builder and uncle of Robert Louis Stevenson, who is said to have written part of his famous horror novella within its walls. The Bell Rock Lighthouse can be seen from the house.
Divided into a more manageable two homes in 1980, the half known as Kirkside faces south-east, enjoying views over Montrose Bay and to the Lammermuir Hills on a clear day.
Retaining much of its old-world grandeur, the house is awash with original features including restored cornices and brass door furnishings. However, it has been modernised with rewiring, replumbing, steel beams, a security system and a wifi system. The ground floor boasts a drawing room, a dining hall and a bespoke country housestyle kitchen.
Upstairs is a library, family bathroom and three large bedrooms. The sprawling master suite includes both a dressing room and en-suite bathroom.
At lower ground floor level is a study, boot room, log store and larders. Outside, the garden sits above the cliffs at St Cyrus beach and nature reserve.
The estate includes a spacious front lawn, woods, walled gardens, dovecot and paddock. It lies less than an hour’s drive from both Aberdeen and Dundee. Alternatively, Montrose railway station is around ten minutes away by car.
For golfers, Carnoustie is 40 minutes away, while sea fishing is available at Johnshaven, a few miles north. For those looking for a slice of romantic country life, this could be the ideal property.