Location
A striking, totally original property in a spectacular coastal location.
Dundarg is believed to date back to Roman times and is thought to be one of only two places in the north of Scotland where the Romans landed. In the 13th century, the Comyns built a castle here which was dominated by Robert the Bruce in 1308, before finally being destroyed after a famous siege in 1334 by the Regent, Sir Andrew Moray, leaving only the ruins that can still be seen today.
The grounds have been subject to several archaeological digs which have been documented in a book. The present house was constructed in 1937 on the site of the old castle at the south wall immediately adjoining the old moat. The stonework used for the building was salvaged from the former New Aberdour United Free Church by Air Vice Marshall DV Carnegie who oversaw the construction of the Dundarg castle we see today. Drawn to the area by the sea, the views and the wildlife, Dundarg still carries Carnegie's legacy today through references to the RAF where he served with distinction such as the stained glass window seen from the staircase.
In more recent times, Dundarg has taken on part of the London skyline with the addition of five chimney pots that originated from St Pancras Station. More recently it featured in the Netflix series "The Crown."
Dundarg was built in 1937, yet the ambience is very much that of a centuries-old castle, thanks to sympathetic design and the use of authentic materials. The building is L shaped with small windows and a corner tower block with battlements and impressive granite surround to the main entrance. Floors are a combination of wood and flagstones. Other features include decorative oak wood panelling, some exposed stonework walls, exposed beamed ceilings, Gothic-style doors and window frames along with superb fireplaces. All internal woodwork has been salvaged from churches or old mansion houses and been restored to its original condition. Large imposing storm doors open into the reception hallway, which sets the tone for the character of the property. An arched doorway leads to the inner hall with an aspect to the moat side. A wonderful formal reception room is the drawing room/dining room with outstanding sea views and a magnificent carved fireplace. The dining kitchen is fitted with base and wall cabinets with contrasting worksurfaces, tiled above. There is a gas oven and hob along with a cooker hood. This room also captures views towards the sea and the ruins. Additional storage is provided with an understair cupboard. For every day domestic tasks is a utility room with plumbing for a washing machine and space for a dryer and refrigerator. Ascending to the first floor is an oak turned staircase, dominated by a beautiful stained glass window. Two of the bedrooms enjoy breathtaking outlooks over the sea. The most compact and charming is bedroom 4 at a mezzanine level and although smaller in size it is still big on views. From the first floor landing is the principal bedroom. This room is particularly generous in size and enjoys the most stunning aspect of all. There are large triple wardrobes and another detailed fireplace. Bedroom two has an aspect over the moat side. Bedroom three is an enchanting tower room with fireplace and stair access to the upper tower room. The bedrooms are serviced by a shower room with an over sized shower compartment housing a mains shower and finished with aqua panel boards. Adjacent is a cloakroom with WC and wash basin with aqua panel boards to dado height.
OUTSIDE
A private driveway leads to a parking and turning area for vehicles. The magical setting comprises around 15 acres which include the immediate grounds that are mostly laid in lawn to the cliff edges. A path can be walked to the peninsular of the original ruin and flanked on either side is a wonderful shingle beach. There is an established patio area with stone seating area on the eastern side of the property.
GARAGE
The garage is stone built with power and light that is adjoined to the house by an arch with a bell.
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"A quite extraordinary property in so many ways, it's not surprising Dundarg has featured as a dramatic TV backdrop"
Fiona GormleyProperty agent