Woodend House, Rothesay, Isle of Bute, Argyll and Bute, PA20

Historic Georgian villa with 38 acres in stunning island setting.

Description

Nestled within 38 acres of scenic woodlands on the western shore of Loch Fad, Woodend House offers a rare opportunity to acquire an historical residence amidst the stunning natural beauty of the Isle of Bute.

Built in 1824 by Shakespearean actor Edmund Kean, seeking privacy from the public eye following personal challenges, the property was acquired by the Marquis of Bute in 1833 and has since been known locally as 'Keans Cottage.'

The property is situated at the end of a private driveway, the grand entrance is marked by finely crafted gate piers crowned with original busts celebrating literary and theatrical legends, including Massinger, Shakespeare, Garrick, and Kean himself. The house is B-Listed and features a classic three-bay façade over two storeys, complemented by flanking wings, all crafted on an ample scale with large 12 over 12 pane sash windows.

The central entrance hall serves as a welcoming space adorned with a fine glazed screen and a decorative alcove, leading into an elegant dining room that features an exquisite white marble fireplace and access to the north wing.

The kitchen is positioned off the entrance hallway and is well-appointed with extensive worktop space, wraparound breakfast bar and a range of wall and floor mounted cabinetry. Adjacent is the sitting room, a versatile area with elegant marble fireplace, wood burning stove and lovely views over the gardens. In addition, the ground floor accommodation features four spacious, elegantly appointed bedrooms, all with ensuite.

On the first floor, the expansive drawing room boasts elevated dual aspects from three bright windows overlooking Loch Fad. Two tastefully designed bedrooms with characterful cast iron hob grates and a beautiful ensuite with dual sinks, standalone bath and a spectacular vista complete this level.Nestled within 38 acres of scenic woodlands on the western shore of Loch Fad, Woodend House offers a rare opportunity to acquire an historical residence amidst the stunning natural beauty of the Isle of Bute.

The property is situated at the end of a private driveway, the grand entrance is marked by finely crafted gate piers crowned with original busts celebrating literary and theatrical legends, including Massinger, Shakespeare, Garrick, and Kean himself. The house is B-Listed and features a classic three-bay façade over two storeys, complemented by flanking wings, all crafted on an ample scale with large 12 over 12 pane sash windows.

The central entrance hall serves as a welcoming space adorned with a fine glazed screen and a decorative alcove, leading into an elegant dining room that features an exquisite white marble fireplace and access to the north wing.

The kitchen is positioned off the entrance hallway and is well-appointed with extensive worktop space, wraparound breakfast bar and a range of wall and floor mounted cabinetry. Adjacent is the sitting room, a versatile area with elegant marble fireplace, wood burning stove and lovely views over the gardens. In addition, the ground floor accommodation features four spacious, elegantly appointed bedrooms, all with ensuite.

On the first floor, the expansive drawing room boasts elevated dual aspects from three bright windows overlooking Loch Fad. Two tastefully designed bedrooms with characterful cast iron hob grates and a beautiful ensuite with dual sinks, standalone bath and a spectacular vista complete this level.

The formal gardens are stunning and have been designed with symmetry in mind. The house faces onto a circular driveway which has been laid to lawn with stone pathway leading through the middle. The driveway is gravelled and leads down to the edge of Loch Fad.

Outbuildings and grounds:

A gothic coach house (C-Listed)
A walled garden
A selection of traditional cottages (C-Listed) - with potential for development
A timber shed / garage
A wood store with children’s play area

Location

Woodend House occupies a beautiful elevated position overlooking Loch Fad on the Isle of Bute. An outstandingly beautiful and historic island, Bute is situated at the heart of the Firth of Clyde, off Scotland’s verdant west coast. The island possesses areas of great scenic beauty and has been a popular holiday destination since Victorian times. Due to its proximity to the Gulf Stream, the island enjoys a particularly mild climate and has become known as the 'Madeira of Scotland.'

Rothesay has a population of approximately 5,000 and an extensive range of amenities including primary and secondary schooling, shopping, a hospital, swimming pool, sports centre, riding stables and three golf courses. Regular ferries (Caledonian MacBrayne) operate from Rothesay to Wemyss Bay (35 mins) and Glasgow city centre and the international airport can generally be reached in under an hour by car from Wemyss Bay which also has a direct train link to the city centre.

A second ferry from Rhubodach, in the north of the island, to Colintraive, allows easy access to Argyll and the West Highlands. The Isle of Bute offers wonderful hill and coastal walks, sea fishing and trout fishing. Owing to the island’s superb location in the Firth of Clyde, with Arran to the south and marinas at Troon, Gourock, Largs, Inverkip and Rhu on the mainland

Square Footage: 3,338 sq ft


Acreage: 38 Acres

Additional Info

Presently in use as a self-catering holiday let.