Location
Stunning former manse, attractively and conveniently located.
Carmyllie House is a most attractive, late Georgian country house, scenically located, with good views south over agricultural land. Dating from 1820, it was built on classical principles as the manse for the nearby Carmyllie Kirk. The bay window was added in 1870, possibly by the well known architect, James McLaren, who was working on the church at that time. The church dates from 1609, and incorporates work from the earlier pre-Reformation chapel. Carmyllie House is a symmetrical house, looking out over a crescent shaped ha-ha and internally has an elegant hanging staircase and fine reception rooms with cornicings and dado rails, along with panelled doors.
William Small, described as a son of the Scottish Enlightenment, was born at the manse of Carmyllie in 1734. Following graduation from Aberdeen University he was appointed Professor of Natural Philosophy at William and Mary College in Virginia, America. One of his pupils there was Thomas Jefferson, principal author of the American Declaration of Independence and third President of the United States. Jefferson's biography of 1812 states, "Small probably fixed the destinies of my life."
Rev Dr Patrick Bell, an incumbent of the manse, invented the reaping machine in 1828. He refused to patent the machine, believing that all should benefit. There are memorial stained glass windows dedicated to him in the church.
Since 2018 considerable improvements have been made to the house, while retaining much of its period charm and character. This has included the provision of double glazed windows, some rewiring and replumbing, new central heating boiler and radiators, as well as a full refurbishment of the kitchen, bathroom and creation of an en suite. A stable block was built in 2022. Previously in about 2004 the conservatory was added, creating another dimension and reception room for the house. This links through to the kitchen and to the study and living room. The attractive house is stone built and harled, with a slate roof. It has elegant and well proportioned reception rooms and the bedrooms are arranged over two floors. Retaining much of its original character, this is a delightful family home and is also ideal for entertaining. Planning and Listed Building consent (21/00494/FULL) was previously granted in 2021 to extend the kitchen to the west, which would create a wonderful additional area.
A gate with stone gate pillars opens onto a front drive which leads up to a gravelled sweep at the front of the house. Stone steps with cast iron handrails lead up to the front door to an entrance vestibule with a filed floor. The welcoming hallway has a wooden floor and a lovely hanging staircase. To one side is the sitting room/dining room with a bay window, Adam style fireplace, alcove with two shelved presses and Amtico flooring. Behind is a store room with fitted cupboards, shelves and drying rail. Opposite is the living room with window shutters and a fireplace. This links to a study with fitted shelves and on to the conservatory with a wood burning stove and French doors to the garden. There is a useful cloakroom with wash basin, WC and a cupboard. The fully fitted kitchen has wooden units with Corian worktops, tiled splashbacks, Rangemaster range cooker with two ovens, grill and six burners, a Bosch dishwasher and fridge/freezer, double Belfast sink, an under counter wine fridge and wooden flooring. There is ample space for informal dining. Off the back hall, with its rear entrance door, is a utility room with fitted units with wooden worktops, Beko dryer, Hoover washing machine, sink and Worcester oil fired boiler.
Part way up the stairs is a partially tiled bathroom with bath with over shower, washbasin with vanity unit and WC, as well as bedroom one with fitted wardrobes. Off the first floor landing is bedroom two with window shutters and a mantel, while bedroom three has a bay window, fitted wardrobe and fireplace. There is an ironing room/dressing room, while the principal bedroom has window shutters, fitted wardrobes and a partially tiled en suite with shower, two wash basins with vanity unit and WC. The hanging staircase continues up to the second floor where there are two further bedrooms and a box room.
The garden in front of the house is mainly down to lawn and has a ha-ha and some fine trees. Within the garden wall are original bee boles and an urn which naturally leads the eye out over agricultural land and, on a clear day, to the sea beyond. A Scottish 17th century style replica gate opens into a walled garden to the side and rear of the house. This again is mainly lawned and is arranged around a central symmetrical sundial, which is a copy of the Lorimer sundial at Kellie Castle in Fife. There is a paved terrace immediately adjacent to the conservatory, ideal for outside dining. At the back of the house is a stone built wood shed. Beyond this is a former stone built dog kennel and run, and a further paved patio. There is a wooden garden store with box profile roofing, divided into two, with lighting, and attached covered store. This part of the garden is sheltered by a high hedge and a circular stone feature has been made from the remains of an old horse mill.
Adjacent to the main front entrance, beside the orchard with mature apple and plum trees, is the wooden stable block, with box profile roofing, internal and external lighting, three loose boxes and feed store.
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