Knockleith HouseAuchterless, Turriff, Aberdeenshire, AB53 8BD

Knockleith House is a stunning example of a Victorian, Italianate style mansion. Dating from around 1860, it is believed to have been built as the Dower House for Hatton Castle. Providing spacious and versatile living accommodation, the property has been modernized and extended, whilst sympathetically retaining a host of charming, traditional features which make it such a unique property. Almost entirely hidden from view, being surrounded by mature woodland, the house offers seclusion within the wider setting of the River Ythan valley and open, rolling Aberdeenshire farmland.

The entrance vestibule opens into the large reception hall with wood burning stove next to the staircase. The sitting room is tastefully decorated with cassette wood burning stove inset into a black painted fireplace. The elegant drawing room features a striking curved bay window with inset seating, providing extensive views over the grounds. The dining room is fitted with Karndean, parquet-style flooring and a freestanding multi-fuel stove within a marble fireplace. A door with stained glass panel opens into the inner hall, where a secondary staircase leads up to the first floor and down to the basement. The rear porch provides access to the driveway. The unique atrium lies at the centre of the house, with extensive glazed roof panels providing an abundance of natural light. The large dining kitchen is at the heart of the home. With original Caithness flagstone flooring and a recessed four-door Aga cooker, it is fitted with Charles Yorke farmhouse style units, including a large central island with oak worktop. The adjoining walk-in larder is also fitted with similar cabinets and shelving. In addition, there is a well proportioned laundry room. The inviting garden room provides ample space for dining and relaxation, with double doors open out onto a walled patio. Floored with bold monochrome marble tiles with under-floor heating, there is a distinctive wood burning stove, Sanderson fitted blinds and further bespoke Charles Yorke cabinetry, with integral Miele wine chiller and coffee machine. The boot room is perfect for storing outdoor clothing and footwear. A carpeted hallway leads back into the main reception hall where the home office, bedroom eight and shower room are located. Ascending the carpeted staircase, a full-length window provides views across the property frontage. The first section of the landing allows access to bedrooms two and three and the second shower room. The light and spacious principal bedroom enjoys dual aspect views across the garden and grounds. It is fitted with custom-made Hammonds furniture, as are all five main bedrooms. The large en suite bathroom includes an original fireplace and superb garden views. Bedrooms five and six are spacious and bright with feature fireplaces and views over the walled garden. Along the rear section of the landing is also a walk–in linen cupboard and bedroom seven, which is spacious with low-level windows and feature fireplace. The delightful family bathroom completes the living accommodation. The basement provides an excellent storage area and coal shed, which is now used to house the central heating controls.

Accessed through a pillared entrance, gravelled driveways sweep up and around the front of the property and down to The Stables. The gardens have been wonderfully landscaped, with extensive well kept lawns and herbaceous borders, while a mature cherry tree stands on the main lawn. Beyond the lawn, the ground slopes gently down towards the river where there is also a large pond. The planting then gives way to mature woodland, which surrounds the whole estate. Interconnecting pathways provide magical walks and secluded places to sit. A succession of spring bulbs and wild flowers bloom throughout the seasons. Within the walled garden, there is a large well- stocked kitchen garden, and a bespoke Victorian style glass house with heating and lighting. The terrace at the front of the house, together with the smaller patio outside the garden room, provides generous space for outside entertaining. Adjacent and facing the rear of the property are a double wood-clad garage and triple wooden outbuildings with log shed.

The Stables- converted to provide versatile living accommodation and garaging, the ground floor has a shower room and good sized dining kitchen. On the first floor, the extensive sitting/dining room includes a multi-fuel, free -standing stove. Completing the accommodation is a large double bedroom with fitted wardrobe. There is garage space for up to five vehicles.
Gardener's Cottage - a charming property situated in the heart of the woods overlooking the pond. Currently used as a gardener's workshop and tool store, there is good potential for renovation.

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