Lot 1 - 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. 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.

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.

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, together with a wide variety of fruit trees, flowers and vegetables. 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.

Lot 1 extends to approximately 469 acres in total and comprises 74.5 acres of arable land, 116 acres of pasture and 227 acres of woodland, with the remainder made up of gardens, policies, riverbank, yards, buildings and other miscellaneous areas.

The farmland lies on both sides of the River Nith and is largely fenced for stock. It is readily accessible from the public road and by a good network of private estate tracks. Together with the wider path network, these tracks provide attractive circular routes for walking and riding, as well as convenient access to the river.

A particularly scenic route follows the path below the walled garden upstream towards the riverbank, passing the remains of an 18th-century folly which adds to the historic character of the landscape.

The woodlands within Lot 1 sit principally within two compartments. Black Wood extends to over 120 acres and forms a natural boundary along the western side of Lot 1, between Lots 1 and 2. It is mainly mature mixed deciduous woodland, with some smaller conifer stands. Holmhead Plantation lies at the southern end of Lot 1, extends to approximately 99 acres and is primarily mixed conifer woodland managed for commercial timber.

Lot 1 includes approximately two miles of double-bank fishing on the River Nith. In addition to its sporting value, the river is a highly attractive amenity, providing peaceful riverside walks, picnic spots and direct access to the water. While Lot 1 does not offer the scale of the wider estate for a larger driven shoot, it provides scope for a compact and exciting smaller shoot, particularly on the steeper banks around Black Wood.

In addition to Blackwood Cottage and Garage Cottage within the courtyard, there are a further four cottages included within Lot 1. Chauffeur’s Cottage, Kennels Cottage and Mid Cottage are situated on the back drive, while the Lodge occupies a prominent position at the entrance to the main drive.

The cottages are traditional two and three-bedroom dwellings, dating principally from the early 19th century and of stone or brick and slate construction, with whitewashed elevations and the distinctive Blackwood black-painted window and door surrounds. Each has a wood-burning stove and, with the exception of Garage Cottage, its own garden ground.

The cottages are currently let and produce a useful income, but are presented in varying condition and offer an attractive opportunity for refurbishment and modernisation. Further information is provided in the property schedule later in the brochure.

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: 469 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.