Cromlix EstateDunblane, Stirlingshire, FK15 9JT

Cromlix Estate is a well-rounded estate set in a private position surrounded by stunning countryside. It consists of residential, agricultural, forestry and sporting aspects, with scope for renewable development and to expand the residential and forestry portfolio.

The estate encompasses 1,346 acres (545 hectares) and is centred around Cromlix Lodge. This cherished family home is set amongst stunning gardens which feature a tennis court, picturesque loch and a charming boathouse.

A short distance from the lodge is a terrace of two residential properties and an adjoining workshop/store. To the east, at Cromlix Home Farm, Home Farm Cottage and Poultry Cottage complete the residential portfolio. Adjacent is a modest range of both modern and traditional farm buildings, which provide livestock housing, stabling and versatile storage to support estate and farming operations.

The land at Cromlix is used for a mixture of livestock farming, forestry and sport. It rises from circa 90 metres at the Allan Water to 250 metres above sea level. The terrain is scattered with four lochs (three for fishing) and various burns including the Bracklin Burn and Lodge Burn. The land comprises permanent pasture, rough grazings and woodland. For agriculture, the land is classified by the James Hutton Institute as class 3.2 to 5.3, well suited for producing grass leys and improved pastures. Approximately 1,074 acres (435 hectares) of farmland is let on a seasonal basis.

With regards to forestry, most of the land is classed as grade F3 according to the National Land Capability for Afforestation. This signifies the potential to expand commercial conifer crops and broadleaved amenity woodlands, whilst having potential to sequester significant volumes of carbon.

The combination of forestry and open ground, coupled with the gently sloping and rolling nature of the landscape is well suited for an estate shoot. A small shooting syndicate has been run across the estate by the family for last 18 years. Typically, around 800 birds are put down and reared, supplying shoot days of up to 50 birds. As well as game shooting, there is potential for roe and red deer stalking throughout the estate.

In addition to agriculture, forestry and sport, the land may have potential to generate renewable energy through solar power production, given the proximity to the national grid.

LOT 1 CROMLIX LODGE AND HOME FARM (approx. 531 acres/215 hectares)
Cromlix Lodge, a Victorian estate lodge dating back to the 1880s, is surrounded by stunning gardens, sheltered by woodland on three sides. To the south the vistas unfold across the rolling pastures of Cromlix Estate, to woodlands beyond and towards the distant Gargunnock Hills. The lodge is accessed via a private tar and stone road which winds through the estate before arriving at the lodge.

The gardens feature expansive, well-kept lawns, trees, hedgerows, raised beds, and an array of plants and shrubs. The lawn and patio by the Lodge Loch, which is a haven for wildlife, is a tranquil spot for outdoor dining and relaxation. Completing the garden is a tennis court, a boathouse and a sun- house.

Internally the house offers comfortable, well-presented accommodation across two storeys. There are four reception rooms, six bedrooms and three bathrooms as detailed on the associated floor plans. On the ground floor a porch leads to the entrance hall off which a cloakroom is immediately accessed. The original reception rooms, the drawing room and formal dining room, flank the main hall, each benefiting from dual aspects and working fires. Passing a large boot room and store you reach the snug which adjoins a large dining kitchen, featuring an oil-fired AGA and pantry. The snug leads to the rear hall where the boiler room and a WC are located. The ground floor culminates in the garden room, an expansive open-plan space spanning the width of the house added in 2016, complete with underfloor heating, a wood-burning stove, and captivating garden views.

Ascending the staircase in the main hall, the first landing leads to four double bedrooms and three bathrooms (one accessible via a separate staircase and linking to the principal bedroom). Continuing upward you reach the principal bedroom, the sixth bedroom and a dressing room.

The lodge combines traditional stone construction with a modern flat roof extension, designed for future expansion of a second storey. Plumbing infrastructure has been installed to allow for potential geothermal heating sourced from the Lodge loch.

The Residential Portfolio
There are four dwellings located on the estate. Laundry Cottages No. 1 and 2 are located a short distance from the lodge. The remaining two dwellings, Poultry Cottage and Home Farm Cottage are located at Cromlix Home Farm.

Land and Forestry
The land within Lot 1 includes a mixture of permanent pasture, rough grazings, woodland blocks and shelter belts and four lochs. The grazings are let under a seasonal licence which also extends into Lot 2 and 3. There is opportunity to continue farming whilst establishing woodland on the agricultural land and around the lochs for timber production, biodiversity and to enhance the landscape.

The land is easily accessed via the estate drive which extends to forestry located to the north of Cromlix Estate (outwith the vendors' ownership). The road is well maintained and has been recently upgraded in part.

Sporting
Further to the small shoot, which is run across the whole of Cromlix Estate, Lot 1 features four charming lochs. Notably, Cullings Loch and Keepers Loch are fished and stocked with diverse trout species - natural brown, blue, rainbow and tiger trout. They are fished by a small fishing syndicate and Cromlix Hotel guests, while the estate retains fishing privileges. These lochs also offer fantastic opportunities for duck flighting.

LOT 2 MUCKLE HILL (approx. 578 acres/234 hectares)
Muckle Hill holds great potential for large scale afforestation. Surveys have been completed with the intention of submitting a Forestry Grant Scheme application later this year for the bare land within Lots 2 and 3, amounting to a potential woodland establishment area of 598 acres/243 hectares, subject to approval.

The land has a good range of mineral based soils, and some peatland which is excluded from the application and will be left as open habitat and as a carbon store. Alternatively, the land could continue to be grazed by renewing the current grazing licence, allowing the purchaser time to consider future land use options whilst awaiting approval for woodland creation.

Lot 2's northern boundary follows the Muckle Burn and is enclosed by stock and deer fences (in varying condition). Access to the land is via the shared estate/forest access, recently upgraded for third party timber extraction. The land provides excellent potential for woodland expansion on the primarily mineral based soils.

In addition, this lot provides untapped potential for renewable energy production including solar and wind power.

LOT 3 BRACKLIN HILL (approx. 237 acres/96 hectares)
Bracklin Hill has a diverse range of land uses, currently supporting livestock, yet prime for woodland creation. It neighbours Drummond Wood, an established commercial forest planted in two phases with, predominantly, Sitka spruce, covering approximately 72 acres / 29 hectares, with the lower section planted in 1996 and the upper section replanted in 2001 post-harvest.

Adjacent to the woodland is fertile farmland let under the same grazing licence as the other lots. Access into Lot 3 is excellent with the main access road providing a direct link through the estate with a track leading west onto the farmland.