Blackwood Estate, Blackwood, Lesmahagow, Lanark

A sizeable building plot with planning permission allowing for the creation of a wonderful family home within a historical and especially beautiful setting.

This level plot of ground enjoys an enviable semi-rural position and benefits from spectacular views over scenic open countryside within the locally admired Blackwood Estate.

The plot lies on the outskirts of Kirkmuirhill with buyers sure to be impressed by both the rolling Lanarkshire countryside and convenient position only minutes from the M74. In short, all the benefits of much desired country living yet with city centre amenities within a short commute.

This plot represents a fabulous opportunity for purchasers to design and build their dream property in a select hamlet of traditional detached residences and further self-build eco homes.

This parcel of land was originally used as the tennis court for Blackwood House which was demolished around 1935.

This uber exclusive estate has a wide variety of wildlife including owls, birds of prey, badgers, deer, herons, kingfishers and bats.

Blackwood Estate is located between junction 8 & 9 of the M74 motorway. The village provides everyday shopping facilities and good schooling. Nearby is the Clyde Valley which is renowned for its variety of garden centres and scenic walks. The surrounding area offers a wide variety of parks, sports facilities and several pubs and restaurants. The surrounding towns of Lanark and Hamilton offer a wide range of shopping facilities including retail parks, regular public transport by bus or train to Glasgow, Edinburgh and the surrounding towns. For those commuting by car the road network links with the M74 motorway both north and southbound and to the M8 motorway linking Glasgow and Edinburgh. Glasgow airport is easily accessible with the recently opened extension to the M74.

Full details of the Planning Permission in Principle by South Lanarkshire Council can be found under Application Reference Number P/22/0511, full address Land 50M Southeast Of The Latches, Blackwood Estate, Blackwood, Lesmahagow, South Lanarkshire.

In recent years families have gravitated to the area with a brief history of the estate documented as follows.

The Blackwood Estate was the head seat of the prominent Weir / Vere family from medieval times until the 1930s. Lord Thomas Macaulay, Victorian historian supreme, describes this family as ‘the longest and most illustrious line of nobles that England has seen’. The de Veres were originally of French descent and have been linked to the Merovingian bloodline.

The history of the estate dates back to the Norman Conquest at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 when the de Vere family arrived in Britain from France. Ralph De Vere rebelled against Henry II and was taken prisoner alongside Richard the Lionheart in 1174. He subsequently formed an allegiance with King William I of Scotland and was awarded vast tracts of land in Lanarkshire. This land became known as Blackwood Estate, the largest estate in Lanarkshire.

In the 1600s the Laird of Blackwood Estate was a supporter of the Covenanters and in May 1685 Covenanter John Broun was shot close to Blackwood House. The martyr’s grave is located within the estate.

In 1733 Catherine Weir, heiress of Blackwood Estate, married the Honourable Charles Hope and the family name was changed to Hope Vere. In 1810 the family employed John Begg as land steward and he lived on the estate with his wife Isabella, younger sister of Scotland’s national poet Robert Burns. The Bard is said to have been a regular visitor to the estate.

The policies to the front of the original house were enhanced by the renowned landscape gardener Capability Brown, who introduced a number of specimen trees to the site. The Hope Veres were a powerful family who entertained royalty and dignitaries with shooting, fishing and curling on the estate. The original Blackwood House was demolished around 1935 following flood damage.