Lot 1 - Blackwood EstateAuldgirth, Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway, DG2 0UA

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.

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