Balmaclellan, Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire, DG7

A picturesque smallholding within a desirable location

Description

Scroggie Hall was bought by the current owners in 2000 as part of their retirement plan. Over the following 2 decades, they have worked passionately to create a biodynamic farm with a flock of breeding ewes which lamb annually in the spring, and the fat / store lambs are sold through the local market. The now retired herd of belted Galloway cows once produced spring calves but now simply enjoy their own retirement on the hill. The farm extends to about 130.32 acres which is all down to grass, circa 44.82 acres is mowable for silage / hay.

Scroggie Hall was once part of nearby Troquain Estate which is understood to have been dispersed over the course of the 1990s. Our clients have painstakingly transformed the farm under their membership of the Biodynamic Association which has included rewilding of Scottish black bees, creation of woodland pastures, growing shiitake mushrooms, management of ancient woodland, management of their livestock in conjunction with the natural environment around and spreading nitrogen fixing plants instead of using fertilisers and sprays.

The Biodynamic Association is celebrating it’s centenary in 2024. A movement borne from the ethos of Rudolf Steiner, who sought to integrate farming with the natural world and cosmos. The principles are arguably ahead of their time, and especially relevant in today’s world where soil fertility, plant health and diversity and animal welfare are emerging as key drivers for the future of food production and agricultural support.

The farmhouse has been developed from the former dower house dating back to circa 1790 and is of traditional stone and slate construction with a brick built extension creating bedroom accommodation on the first floor (1850). The main access to the farmhouse is via a porch area with utility (including shower room) and boot cupboard off; beyond is the farmhouse kitchen with a Stanley cooker, separate electric cooker and a range of built in cupboards and worktops with space for a dining table / sitting area benefitting from views out to the garden. The hallway provides access to the reading room and living room, both with doors out to the garden. There is a staircase up to the first floor where there are three bedrooms (one currently used as an office) and a family bathroom.

To the south of the house is an attractive garden split into various areas, predominantly down to lawn.

Within close proximity to the farmhouse is a self-contained bothy of stone and slate construction. There is an entrance porch providing access into the bothy where there is a large room with small kitchenette, sitting and dining area, shower room and sun room off.

The farmland extends to about 128.20 acres (51.88 hectares), rising from 155m above sea level to 242m on top of the hill. The fields are currently all down to grass with the exception of approximately 9.66 acres (3.91 hectares) of woodland. The land is classified as a mixture between 4(2), 5(1) and 5(2) by the James Hutton Institute.

Location

Scroggie Hall is situated in Dumfries and Galloway, within close proximity to the village of Balmaclellan and the town of New Galloway, the smallest Royal Burgh in Scotland. The area is renowned for its natural beauty and active farming community, as well as country sporting and leisure opportunities.

The property enjoys an accessible position, just off the A712, with stunning views over the surrounding Galloway hills, rolling farmland and forestry. The village of Balmaclellan provides a local shop, whilst larger New Galloway provides a community-run local shop, the CatStrand, purpose-built arts venue and medical practice. Nearby St Johns Town of Dalry also has a shop and post office, a thriving local pub and a fuel station. Primary schooling is available in both New Galloway (Kells) and Dalry, which also provides secondary schooling up to S4.

The market town of Castle Douglas is 16 miles to the south and provides a wider range of high street shops including butchers and fruiterers, supermarkets, banking and professional services, a good selection of restaurants and sports facilities including local rugby club, swimming pool and gym. There is a well-established livestock market in Castle Douglas as well as one in Ayr, 38 miles to the north.

The nearest railway stations are in Dumfries and Ayr. The nearest airports are Glasgow Prestwick (45 miles) and Glasgow International (about 77 miles) providing flights to a number of European and worldwide destinations.




Acreage: 130.37 Acres

Directions

From Castle Douglas, head north on the A713 for New Galloway / St Johns Town of Dalry, passing through the villages of Crossmichael and Parton. After about 5 miles take the junction on the right hand side for the A712 (signposted for Balmaclellan, Corsock and Crocketford). Follow the A712 east, the road end for Scroggie Hall is just over 2 miles along this road on the left hand side. The postcode is DG7 3QH. what3words ///bothered.processes.marker

Additional Info

Viewing - Strictly by appointment with Savills .

Fixtures and Fittings - All fitted carpets, curtains and light fittings are included in the sale.

Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) - The BPS Entitlements are included in the sale. With the exception of 2 fields (which are Region 2), the remaining fields are Region 1. The Basic Payment and LFASS for 2023 amounted to approximately £9,000 in total. For the avoidance of doubt, the seller will keep the 2024 Basic Payment.

Services, Council Tax and Energy Performance Certificates - Mains water, private water supply capped off at the implement shed, mains electricity, oil fired Stanley providing central heating, German vacuum tubes for hot water (backed up by immersion heater), septic tank.