The Herald - The Herald Magazine
Essence of elegant country living
QUADRANGLE. Orangery. Crow-stepped gables. The language of traditional Scottish property is rich and intriguing. The terms used to describe the interiors and exteriors of period homes conjure up images of old-fashioned country piles, with sprawling acres and grand interiors.
It is always a pleasant surprise, therefore, to find a beautiful, centuries-old property which still manages to be a stylish and elegant home, perfectly equipped to deal with modern family life.
Dunkinty House, set in stunning grounds on the outskirts of Elgin in Morayshire, is exactly this kind of surprise package.
Yes, there are servants’ bells and fancy ceiling cornices, and it is not hard to imagine the landed gentry, parasols aloft, strolling around the beautiful grounds, many hundreds of years before.
But, as local property expert Rod Christie explains, this house also comes with luxury en-suites, a home cinema, gym and games room, ensuring it will appeal to discerning guests and young children alike.
“Dunkinty House is an exemplary and truly elegant Scottish country house,” sums up Mr Christie.
“The location is very private and highly desirable – around one and a half miles from the centre of Elgin.
“But what is really appealing about this property is its flexibility. It has its own wine cellar, games rooms, gymnasium, home cinema and tennis court – as well as many period features.
“It is currently a wonderful family home, but it does offer the potential to be used as a boutique hotel or guest house subject to planning.
“Properties of this nature and in such excellent condition don’t change hands often.”
Dunkinty House, which stands within nine acres of private grounds, dates back to 1878, and some historical records refer to its associations with the Innes family, a well-known name in the area around that time and earlier.
It forms a quadrangle around an enclosed courtyard, with extensive accommodation over two storeys including five spacious public rooms and 10 bedrooms.
The exterior is charming, with crow- stepped gables and long sash and case windows, and inside there are many wellmaintained period features such as corniced ceilings, original open fireplaces, working timber shutters and servants’ bells.
The ground floor includes the elegant, bright drawing room, which has double doors leading to the dual aspect sitting room.
The dining room is large but cosy and welcoming, with an attractive open fireplace and stone surround.
A wonderful breakfasting kitchen and the recently added orangery provide fantastic, light-filled spaces at the heart of the house.
The kitchen, with its soft pastels and central island, leads through to the orangery, a comfortable spot for reading, relaxing and enjoying beautiful garden views.
The ground floor also includes a separate