Blackwood Estate, Auldgirth, Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway, DG2

One of Dumfriesshire’s oldest and most established
sporting estates, occupying a highly attractive
position in the Nith Valley

Description

Blackwood is one of Dumfriesshire’s oldest and most established sporting estates, set within a contiguous block of rolling Nith Valley country and flanked by the River Nith to the east. Extending to approximately 1,242 acres, the estate includes around 662 acres of mixed agricultural farmland and 519 acres of woodland. Centred on Blackwood House, it has a rare coherence and maturity, its character defined by the quality of the sport, the lie of the land and the attractive interplay of mature woodland, rolling pasture and productive farmland. It is a traditional Scottish estate of substance and balance, combining a fine principal house, established policies, residential and agricultural interests, and a sporting landscape shaped by the river and surrounding countryside.

Blackwood House lies at the heart of the estate, occupying a fine position on the banks of the River Nith. The original tower, the oldest part of the house, dates from the 18th century, with later additions providing generous accommodation for family life and impressive rooms for entertaining. The charming Gate Lodge at the foot of the front drive provides an inviting sense of arrival.

The grounds and policies are well established, with mature trees, a large ornamental pond and beautiful walled gardens containing a Victorian glasshouse. The river is directly accessible from the house, with the nearest pool only a short walk from the garden.

Adjacent to the house is the principal outbuilding, a handsome mid-18th century stable block arranged around a courtyard. The porch of this elegant, whitewashed building is surmounted by a 17th century dovecot with a porthole window.

There are six separate cottages and a farmhouse on the estate, reflecting both its scale and its long-established role within the local community.

The estate is offered for sale as a whole or in up to three lots, as follows:

LOT 1 - BLACKWOOD ESTATE (ABOUT 469 ACRES)
Lot 1 forms the heart of Blackwood Estate, centred on Blackwood House and its historic policies on the banks of the River Nith. Extending to about 469 acres, it includes the principal house, established gardens and grounds, an exceptional traditional courtyard, estate buildings, 6 cottages, farmland, woodland and approximately two miles of double-bank fishing. It is a well-balanced and highly attractive principal lot, combining the amenity and character of a historic country house with useful residential, sporting, agricultural and woodland interests.

LOT 2 - BARRHILL FARM (ABOUT 286 ACRES)
Barrhill Farm lies to the west of Lot 1 and is accessed from the main road to Keir Mill by a separate private track. The farmhouse and buildings occupy an outstanding elevated position at the centre of a ring-fenced block extending to about 286 acres, with far-reaching views over the surrounding farmland and towards the Solway Coast.
In recent years, the farm has been let under a seasonal grazing arrangement, with the occupier of the farmhouse and buildings running a beef and sheep enterprise.

LOT 3 - LAG AND HALLIDAY HILL (ABOUT 488 ACRES)
GRAZING
The farmland extends to about 254 acres and is generally classified as Grade 4(2), rising from about 70 metres above sea level at Glenmidge Burn to approximately 206 metres. The grazing is arranged in two distinct blocks.

The Lag fields lie in the westernmost part of the estate and are accessed from the public road. They comprise five pasture fields, mainly enclosed by stone dykes. An area of rough ground has previously provided productive snipe ground, while the pond offers duck flighting.

The Halliday Hill grazing is accessed by the private track leading from Glenmidge through the forestry towards the stone ruins at Upper Halliday. The ground sits higher on the hill and is more undulating, with much of it benefiting from a southerly aspect. Historically divided into enclosures, it is now run as a single block, providing extensive livestock grazing.

FORESTRY AND WOODLAND CREATION
Forestry is the principal component of Lot 3 totalling approximately 229 acres. The bulk of the woodland lies on the north-facing slope of Benan Hill, overlooking Lag Tower, and comprises commercial conifers of varying ages, including spruce, fir, pine and larch, together with areas of mixed woodland.

The woodland is managed under a long-term forest plan, with thinning, felling and restocking designed to maintain productivity while taking account of access, landscape and sporting considerations. Yield classes range from approximately 12 m³/ha/year for Norway spruce to approximately 18 m³/ha/year for Sitka spruce. Recent felling has taken place between 2024 and 2026, with the next planned felling from 2029 onwards.

Location

Dumfries and Galloway is Scotland’s most southerly region, renowned for its varied landscapes, strong agricultural heritage and natural beauty. Extending from the Solway Coast to the Southern Uplands, the region encompasses rolling farmland, productive forestry, dramatic hill country and some of Scotland’s most attractive river valleys. It remains one of the country’s important agricultural areas, while offering an excellent quality of life and good accessibility to central Scotland, northern England and beyond.

Blackwood Estate lies in an attractive part of the Nith Valley, close to the village of Auldgirth and approximately 8 miles north-west of Dumfries. The estate occupies a desirable position overlooking the River Nith, one of Scotland’s best-known salmon rivers, in an area noted for scenic beauty, productive farmland and sporting tradition.

Dumfries, the county town, provides a wide range of services including supermarkets, independent retailers, professional services, leisure facilities, primary and secondary schooling, the Crichton University Campus and Dumfries & Galloway Royal Infirmary. The area is also within reach of a number of independent schools, including Austin Friars School, Carlisle, approximately 42 miles; Wellington School, Ayr, approximately 53 miles; St Mary’s School, Melrose, approximately 65 miles; and Fettes College, George Watson’s College and Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh, each approximately 72 miles. Many of these schools offer both day and boarding provision.

The market town of Thornhill, approximately 7 miles to the north, provides a good range of local amenities and is regarded as one of the most attractive towns in the region. It has independent shops, cafés, a monthly farmers’ market, a hotel and restaurant, and lies close to Drumlanrig Castle and Estate, one of Scotland’s finest stately homes.

The surrounding area is rich in culture and heritage. Nearby attractions include Ellisland Farm, the former home of Scotland’s national poet Robert Burns, and the internationally renowned Garden of Cosmic Speculation, both near Holywood, approximately 5 miles away. Dumfries and Galloway also has a varied calendar of events, from agricultural shows and country sports to arts and cultural festivals.

Dumfries and Galloway is well known for outdoor recreation, with field sports, fishing, walking and cycling widely available. The Solway Firth, with its sheltered bays and expansive coastline, provides opportunities for sailing, cruising and other water sports, while Galloway Forest Park, the first area in Scotland to be awarded International Dark Sky Park status, lies within easy reach. The area is also well served by golf courses, including the championship-standard course at Southerness, with further courses at Thornhill, Lochmaben, Lockerbie and Dumfries.

Communications are good. The A76 provides direct links north towards Ayrshire and Glasgow and south to the A75, which connects with the M6 south of Gretna. Rail services are available from Dumfries, with further mainline connections from Lockerbie, approximately 20 miles, and Carlisle, approximately 42 miles, providing services to Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester and London via the West Coast Main Line. The nearest international airports are Glasgow, approximately 72 miles, Prestwick, approximately 56 miles, and Edinburgh, approximately 71 miles.




Acreage: 1242 Acres

Directions

From the south: On reaching the Dumfries bypass, follow signs for the A76 towards Kilmarnock. Proceed north on the A76 for approximately 8 miles. On approaching the village of Auldgirth, turn left off the A76, signposted Dunscore/Penpont. Continue for a short distance. As the road approaches a sharp left-hand bend, the entrance drive to Blackwood Estate is directly ahead, identified by signage and white-painted stones.

From the north: Leave the M74 at Junction 14 and take the A702 towards Abington and Thornhill. Continue south on the A702, passing through Carronbridge and Thornhill. Approximately 7 miles south of Thornhill, continue on the A76 towards Dumfries. After passing through Auldgirth, turn right off the A76, signposted Dunscore/Penpont. Continue for a short distance. As the road approaches a sharp left-hand bend, the entrance drive to Blackwood Estate is directly ahead, identified by signage and white-painted stones.

Additional Info

Viewing - Strictly by appointment with the selling agents, Savills Edinburgh: or Savills Dumfries: . Given the potential hazards of a working estate, viewers are asked to take care when visiting, particularly along riverbanks.

Sporting Rights & Rates
The sporting rights are in hand and attract a rateable value of £3,050.
The fishing rights are in hand but are let on a daily permit basis. They attract a rateable value of £8,000.

Timber & Mineral Rights - All standing and fallen timber is included in the sale. Mineral rights are included insofar as they are owned. Please note, processed timber for firewood is available by separate negotiation.

Fixtures, Fittings, Contents & Estate Equipment - All fitted carpets, curtains and blinds are included in the sale. A separate list is available detailing the light fittings and other fixtures and fittings that are included in the sale. Garden and estate equipment may also be available by separate negotiation. Further details are available from the selling agents.

Servitude Rights, Burdens, Wayleaves and Statutory Public & Other Access Rights
The property is sold subject to and with the benefit of all existing servitudes and wayleaves, including rights of access and rights of way, whether public or private. The property is also sold subject to statutory public access rights under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. Purchaser(s) will be deemed to have satisfied themselves as to the nature of all such rights following their solicitors’ examination of the title deeds.
There is a core path running from Lagg House towards Upper Halliday Hill and down to Glenmidge.
A nominal annual payment is received.
The radio mast to the east of Barhill is let to xxx until xxx, together with associated access rights.
Blackwood Estate benefits from a right of access over a short section of track running from the public road opposite the property known as Whitegate into Holmhead Plantation.

Agricultural Subsidies - The land is designated as Less Favoured Area (LFA). Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) entitlements are not owned and are therefore not included in the sale.

Nitrate Vulnerable Zone - Blackwood Estate partially lies within the Lower Nithsdale Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ).

Architectural & Historical Designations
Blackwood House is Category B Listed.
Garage Cottage, the former stables and dovecot tower are Category A Listed.
The walled gardens, glasshouse and folly are Category B Listed.
The Lodge is Category B Listed.

Tupe - There are two employees on the estate eligible to be transferred under the TUPE Regulations 2006. Further information is available from the selling agents.

Offers - Offers in Scottish Legal Form are to be submitted to the selling agents, Savills, Wemyss House, 8 Wemyss Place, Edinburgh, EH3 6DH. A closing date for offers may be fixed, and prospective purchasers are advised to register their interest with the selling agents following inspection.