Wedding gift that was fit for a queen
IT is not hard to imagine yourself at the heart of a dashing costume drama in this splendid home. The B-listed Victorian mansion has such period ‘street cred’ that it could almost have been fashioned by set builders from the BBC to double up for some country house.
You would easily hear the butler approaching the morning room, his highly polished shoes clickclacking their way down the dark, wood-lined corridor.
But when you discover that one of the apartments is also known as the Queen’s Room, you realise Culgruff House, just outside the historic Kirkcudbrightshire market town of Castle Douglas, enjoys its own place in British royal history.
Her Majesty was a house guest here, shortly after becoming engaged to Prince Philip in 1947.
One of her ladies in waiting was a member of the family which owned Culgruff House at the time.
To commemorate the event, a magnificent portrait of the monarch was hung above the fireplace and the room renamed in her honour.
It is a wonderful chocolate box of styles, from the built-in wooden bookshelves to the stained glass windows and the timber-beamed ceiling.
It is Gothic meets Victorian, with a touch of ecclesiastical elegance thrown in for good measure.
Romance lies at the very heart of Culgruff House. Six years in the building, it was constructed as a wedding gift by Robert Stewart for his new wife, the daughter of the third Baronet of Cardoness.
This can often be a forgotten part of Scotland, pitched between Dumfries and Stranraer along the busy A75. But motorists whizzing by miss out on tranquil countryside, teeming rivers and skies filled with all manner of wildlife.
From the top of the tower of Culgruff House you can enjoy lovely views of the Ken Valley and Loch Ken, which offers fine fishing, water-skiing, sailing and a host of other attractions at the Galloway Activity Centre in Parton.
The property sits at Crossmichael, only a few miles away from Castle Douglas.
The market town is swiftly earning a reputation as a foodie heaven, with more than 50 local businesses involved in producing or selling food and drink, including quality butchers, delicatessens and grocers offering a sublime supply of locally produced fare.
A stroll along the town’s streets is a little like stepping back in time, with traditional shops standing side by side with superb cafes, restaurants, pubs, even a family-run brewery.
You reach Culgruff House via a private driveway which is half a mile long. There are 37 acres surrounding the property, mostly woodland which is home to deer.
The legend God’s Providence Is My Inheritance sits atop the stone arch at the building’s entrance, along with the Stewart coat of arms.
The Stewarts did not have children so ownership of Culgruff House passed to the lady’s niece, the Duchess of Grafton.
The original plans for the house are retained within the property, as well as correspondence from the first owner’s wife.
It has gone through several incarnations as a boutique hotel but in recent years it has been turned back into a grand family home.
Selling agent CKD Galbraith says the Delft-tiled fire surround and panelling in the hall ‘speak of a golden age of the country house’.
The drawing room is notable for its intricate interlocking cornicing on the ceiling, a style more associated with the 1930s. Art Deco lamps complete the look, suggesting this apartment was remodelled early last century.
The dining room can accommodate a number of tables and has played host to weddings.
There are no fewer than 18 bedrooms and six of the eight on the first floor have modern en suites.
A CKD Galbraith spokesman said: ‘There is an external fire escape covering all three floors, and both fire and intruder alarm systems in place, as well as emergency lighting and fire doors.
‘The kitchen has been professionally equipped.
‘Culgruff House is therefore well placed for a new owner to start running it commercially again very quickly while continuing to carry out renovations.’
Guide price is £800,000. Contact Marion Currie at CKD Galbraith – tel 01556 505346 or email marion.currie@ckdgalbraith.co.uk