Craigengillan, Ayrshire, KA6

A magical and historic estate on the Kirkcudbrightshire border, peacefully situated in the hills above the valley of the River Doon, 16 miles from the sea.

Craigengillan House
Set peacefully amongst the hills above the River Doon, the main House belongs naturally within its Designed Landscape, assessed by Historic Environment Scotland as one of the top 4 in Scotland. Dating from the eighteenth century, the house is sunny and charming and of a good manageable size. It enjoys a quiet and private setting, reached along a 2¼ mile drive.

South Wing
Forming separate accommodation and comprising a large sitting room with beautiful open fireplace, 2 bedrooms, study/3rd bedroom and bathroom.

Gardens
Like a natural amphitheatre, the sheltered garden with its splendid trees and expansive lawns is at one with the house, and merges seamlessly into the woodland beyond. A series of ponds flows through a beautiful rock landscape and attracts a variety of wildlife.

Pine Cottage
Originally the head gardener's house and situated within a woodland glade, the accommodation includes a good sized kitchen, sitting room with open fireplace, 2 bedrooms and a bathroom.

Gate Lodge
A short distance along the entrance drive is the Gate Lodge. Built in 1804, re-roofed in 2004 and with charming gothic windows, the accommodation includes a small sitting room, kitchen, shower room, 2 bedrooms and a conservatory.

Home Farmhouse
An attractive 2 storey house, dating from the early nineteenth century. The accommodation includes a large farmhouse kitchen, sitting room, 4 bedrooms and a bathroom.

Mill Cottage
A charming, stone-built cottage with spacious living room/kitchen with wood burning stove, bedroom and shower room.

Dalcairnie Farmhouse and Outbuildings
Situated in the middle of the Estate close to Dalcairnie Falls, the stone Farmhouse includes a good sized kitchen, sitting room, dining room, 3 bedrooms and a bathroom.

Holiday Cottages
Known as 'Forget Me Not' and 'Find Me Out' and originally built for members of the main household, these cottages are licensed to let and enjoy a lovely setting in a woodland glade by the banks of a stream.

Glamping Pods
Four years ago the seller established a small glamping operation in a private setting with lovely views. The two pods each sleep 4 and have a kitchen, a shower room and outside eating area. There is also a mini cabin sleeping 2.

Cottage Ruins
There are a further four stone built ruined cottages, each picturesquely situated, which could be restored, subject to the usual consents.

The Stables and Livery Business
The stables and surrounding Estate at Craigengillan offer some of the best riding and livery services available in Scotland. It is possible to trek through the estate and into the neighbouring Galloway Forest Park without crossing a public road.

Land
The land holding at Craigengillan extends to about 2,850 acres in total. The Estate has incredibly varied topography and terrain ranging from fertile pasture, upland hill grazing, mixed mature amenity and commercial woodland, lochans, a spectacular waterfall together with 2½ miles of the River Doon.

Forestry
The woodland at Craigengillan extends to about 931 acres and comprises recently created native broadleaf trees and mature mixed broadleaf and conifer woodlands together with associated open space.

Farming
The farmland is registered as organic and consists predominantly of permanent pasture and upland grazing. The current farming system is in-hand and is based upon sheep grazing with a flock of about 650 breeding ewes.

Biodiversity and Natural Capital
Protection and enhancement of Craigengillan's natural heritage has been an important aim in the last 25 years.

Fishing
Craigengillan has plenty of fishing opportunities with 3 lochs and 2 miles of fishing on the River Doon for brown trout and the occasional salmon.

Craigengillan Estate is beautifully situated in the hills above the valley of the River Doon and borders the Galloway Forest Park, with its 300 square miles of outstanding natural beauty. The village of Dalmellington provides for local amenities including a range of shops, cafés, health centre, chemist, post office, swimming pool and good primary and secondary schools. The county town of Ayr, with supermarkets, professional services, hospital with A&E, state and private schools, is 16 miles away and there are regular buses from Dalmellington. From Ayr train station there are frequent services to Prestwick Airport, Glasgow and Edinburgh. Glasgow is about an hour away in normal driving conditions. It is a vibrant and dynamic city with one of the UK's best shopping districts. Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, is just over 96 miles. Prestwick Airport is 23 miles away and has flights to London Stansted and many European destinations. Glasgow and Edinburgh airports provide a wide range of domestic, European and International flights. Ayrshire is known for its rolling hills, varied forestry, farmland and fishing. The landscape of Craigengillan though is more rugged and wild, with a fine highland character, softened in the lower pastures by many miles of sheltering hedgerows, which also act as valuable wildlife corridors. The Ayrshire coast is famous throughout the world for golf, with championship courses at Troon, Prestwick and Turnberry. Ayr Racecourse has regular race meetings and hosts the Scottish Grand National. Craigengillan is within the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere. The principles supporting this designation are based on the mutual interest of man and the natural environment when the latter is cared for, valued and protected. The Biosphere designation is recognition of the environmental interest and importance of the area. The Estate is also within a designated Dark Sky Park. The skies above are amongst the darkest in the world and probably the darkest that most people will ever see. Countless stars, the Milky Way stretching from horizon to horizon, shooting stars, planets, comets and the Northern Lights are all visible.

Just 18 miles away is wonderful Dumfries House, built by the Adam brothers Robert and John and rescued for the nation by King Charles III. It is a shining example of heritage led regeneration that has lifted the spirits of a whole community. During the restoration process the vital skills of many craftsmen and craftswomen were employed to conserve and recreate the glories and magic of this historic house and estate. At all seasons a visit to Dumfries House is inspiring and highlights include the Queen Elizabeth Walled Garden, the Duchess of Rothesay Avenue, the maze and the flourishing arboretum. The Education Farm is playing an increasingly critical role with its collection of rare British breeds. In summer the estate is host to the famous Boswell Book Festival and there are always interesting new ventures.