High living for kings of the hill
Mansion is a monument to the economic boom which put Dundee on the map
EVERY big city has a Nob Hill, an elevated enclave where the captains of industry built their lofty mansions. In San Francisco, Nob Hill was constructed by the railroad barons who connected the United States in the 19th Century.
Above Dundee, the superior villas belonged to the giants of jute, the industry which helped forge the city’s economic legend of Jute, Jam and Journalism.
The area’s status was acknowledged by Charles McKean and David Walker in their 1984 work Dundee, An Illustrated Architectural Guide.
The authors describe it as ‘once one of the richest suburbs in Europe, it was here, and to the slopes above Broughty Ferry, that the merchant princes and jute barons of Dundee came to construct their palatial mansions.
‘This mid to late-Victorian suburb remains private on its plateau high above the shore: few main roads, minor ones framed by stone walls and mature trees.’
Aystree House was one of these ‘palatial mansions’. It was constructed for Colonel Thomas H. Smith, a partner in a family jute firm, just into the Edwardian era in 1903.
Even today, it is clear that architect Charles Soutar was not constrained by budgetary matters when he set about creating this Arts and Crafts delight.
The Liberty of London wood panelling in the entrance hall looks as impressive today as it would have done when the Edwardian mansion was built 113 years ago.
Intricately-carved oak embraces the fireplace and forms a striking welcoming archway.
Economic constraints kicked in, however, in the 21st Century when the sheer scale of Aystree House made it unsustainable as a single family home.
Those who look askance at the conversion of grand manors need not worry, for Aystree was sympathetically divided into six prestigious apartments, one of which has now come to the market.
The building was reroofed and the electrics, plumbing and drainage were replaced. High-spec kitchens and bathrooms were installed, along with underfloor heating in the main public rooms.
Number Five is a luxurious apartment, arranged over the first and second floors. The sitting room and dining or family room each have impressive bay windows, while the latter has an archway that looks into the dining kitchen.
The kitchen is super-sleek, with white high-gloss cabinets and fitted Siemens appliances.
There are two bedrooms upstairs, both tastefully decorated and equipped with built-in wardrobes. The master bedroom has an impressive en suite bathroom, with a large shower enclosure and rain-drench shower head.
The property is set within landscaped grounds, surrounded by a substantial stone wall, while the pillars at the entrance to the driveway are nothing short of majestic.
Although Number Five constitutes only part of what was Aystree House, arriving home in such grand style must still evoke echoes of past grandeur.
Colonel Smith, the original owner, was not only a leading industrialist but served as a director of the High School of Dundee for 35 years.
In the past, you clearly had to be a king of industry to call this place home. Today it is within reach of those who certainly would not consider themselves rich.
Meanwhile, over in California, the cost of the average home in San Fransisco’s Nob Hill remains around £1million.
Savills director Ruaraidh Ogilvie says: ‘Five Aystree House is essentially two floors of Arts and Crafts architectural gold which has been converted into an truly outstanding home.
‘Perfect for a professional commuting couple or a downsizing buyer, this property warrants immediate viewing to really appreciate its many qualities.’
Offers over £340,000 to Ruaraidh Ogilvie at Savills. Tel 01356 628 628 or email rogilvie@savills.com