Castle with an interesting ‘tail’

Pet lovers have been known to go above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to making their four-legged friends feel special. But some may say the owners of one Scottish castle have got it purr-fectly right when it comes to making their home feline friendly.

Savills is marketing a splendidly situated baronial mansion on the western edge of Dumbarton, with the intriguing name of Cats Castle. It was built around 1888 for Robert Craig, a lawyer and Sheriff Clerk in Dumbarton. Originally called Hazelwood, it came to be known as Cats Castle because of Craig’s passion for cats, which is reflected in a selection of feline sculptures on the outside walls.

The cat theme has been continued by the present owners, whohave given the name of The Cats Whiskers to the self-contained north wing. Cats Castle offers wonderful views down the Firth of Clyde while the grounds, which stretch to around two acres, slope gently down towards the water and are mainly grassed and surrounded by mature trees and shrubs – perfect for cats and dogs!

Curved stone stairs from the parking area on the east side of the house lead up to the entrance vestibule. There are three reception rooms: a family sitting room, dining room and drawing room. The drawing room is of particular note with its corner turret window, exceptional ceiling plasterwork and fireplace. An inner hall leads to a modern breakfasting kitchen. Adjacent to the kitchen is a butler’s pantry and by the front door is a cloakroom. The first floor is accessed by a handsome staircase, lit by a tall window. Off the broad upper hallway are four double bedrooms and a family bathroom. One of the bedrooms has an en- suite shower room, the other a dressing room.

On the second floor is a further bedroom with access to the rooftop and turret with superb views. On the north side of the house is The Cat’s Whiskers, a two- bedroom self- contained apartment with its own access. The apartment comprises sitting room, breakfasting kitchen, bathroom and two first floor bedrooms. It has been used for holiday lets and could equally well be let on a longer-term basis.