One of the finest houses in Angus.
Gallery House is one of the loveliest houses in Angus. It is considered to be one of the earliest and finest Renaissance houses in Scotland. The house is of a very stunning and symmetrical design, with similar accommodation on either side of a central stone staircase. Built of harled stone under a slate roof, it is three storeys high. A two storey wing, which can be integrated with the main part of the house, or self contained, was added in about 1743. If required there could be scope for a further one bedroom flat over the annexe, subject to any necessary consents. It faces east and west with views out over its own grounds, and nestles close to the River North Esk. Since being acquired by the sellers, it has benefitted from considerable improvements. In 1996 the roof was re-slated and the lead work renewed. In the following years, the interiors of the house and wing, including the kitchens and bathrooms were comprehensively refurbished, allowing the building to be adapted for modern living while retaining its fine character and features. These include original pine panelling and doors, the long gallery at first floor level and the magnificent ornate plaster ceiling in the Drawing Room, as well as cornices in all the main rooms. At the same time adjoining lands and buildings were acquired, which provides an improved setting for the house, and allowed for further tree plantings. Gallery now comprises a small estate with useful income, arable land and amenity woodland, tucked into a bend in the river. The well renowned gardens, were extensively redesigned, with assistance from Veronica Adams, and have in the past been opened by appointment and for charity days for Scotland's Garden Scheme.
A detailed description of the accommodation can be found in the attached brochure.
There is a coat of arms over the front door. Off a stone flagged hall is a drawing room (previously used as a dining room), panelled to dado level and an open fireplace. The fine panelled sitting room has an open fireplace while the library also has part panelled walls, a fireplace and fitted bookcases. Off a side hall is a panelled cloakroom with a porcelain sink and a separate WC with washbasin. On the other side of the hall is the breakfast room which has a fireplace and an arch to the fully fitted kitchen with wooden wall and floor units, wooden and marble worktops, under counter fridge, Bosch dishwasher, double porcelain sink, two ring electric Bosch hob, four oven AGA and walk in larder.
The imposing stone flag staircase leads up to the first floor landing. There is an upstairs drawing room (used as a cinema room), with a magnificent ornate plaster ceiling, chandelier, fireplace and a Sony Bravia TV with sound system. The superb gallery has two fireplaces with mantels (one either end of the room) and three chandeliers. Off this, a study has fitted desks, storage units, and a fireplace. A laundry room has a Blomberg washing machine / dryer, clothes pulley, linen shelves and a walk in cupboard. The part panelled bedroom suite (known as the Pope's room) has a fireplace, built in hanging cupboard and an en suite bathroom with bath, washbasin, WC and a shelved cupboard. The stone staircase continues to the second floor. Here the impressive principal bedroom suite has a fireplace with an ornately carved mantel. Off this is a dressing room with part panelled walls, walk in hanging and shelved cupboards and a fireplace. The Boudoir sitting room has a stone fireplace. A further dressing room has a wardrobe and an en suite bathroom which has a large spa bath, two washbasins, bidet and WC. Bedroom three has a cast iron fireplace and an en suite bathroom with bath, pedestal washbasin, WC and bidet. Bedroom four also has a cast iron fireplace and an en suite bathroom with a free standing bath, pedestal washbasin, WC, bidet and shower cubicle. Steps lead up to floored attics and roof space.
Accessed from the kitchen is a rear lobby with an entrance door. Beyond is a fully fitted kitchen with wooden wall and floor units with tiled splashbacks, Belling double oven / grill, Tricity Bendix hob, Bosch dishwasher, fridge, Fridstol range cooker, sink and the original bread oven. The living room has a fireplace, and a downstairs bedroom is currently used as a store room / laundry. At first floor level a bathroom has a bath with shower, washbasin and WC. Bedroom two has wardrobes, a cupboard and an en suite shower room with corner shower cubicle, washbasin and WC. Bedroom three also has wardrobes.
Below the wing is garaging, stores, cellar, staff room / boiler room and a WC. There is a Buderus boiler and a separate Worcester Danesmor 30 / 95 boiler for the wing, together with a Bush washing machine.
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Without a doubt, Gallery is one of the most exquisite small country estates in Scotland; the house is a true Renaissance treasure which has been beautifully preserved yet also carefully updated for a modern lifestyle. The setting of 85 acres is quite idyllic with an historic garden that has graced the pages of many a magazine. This is a very significant and exciting addition to the market which is likely to attract widespread attention.
Ruaraidh Ogilvie