BALBITHAN HOUSE KINTORE, , OFFICES ACROSS BALBITHAN HOUSE KINTORE, INVERURIE ABERDEENSHIRE, AB51 0UQ

Dyce 8 miles 13 miles Dundee 78 miles Perth 99 miles 139 miles

A striking category A Listed baronial house close to Aberdeen.

• 4 reception rooms; 9 bedrooms • Charming private location with excellent accessibility • Impressive and substantial accommodation with many delightful features • Very convenient for , Aberdeen and Inverurie train station • Lovely mature gardens and woodland • Outbuildings comprising garage and stores • Surrounded by beautiful countryside

About 9.76 acres in all (3.95 Ha)

FOR SALE AS A WHOLE

CKD Galbraith 337 North Deeside Road Cults Aberdeen AB15 9SP 01224 860710 [email protected]

HISTORICAL NOTE GENERAL mature woodland surrounds the formal garden and It is thought that Balbithan originally formed part of the Balbithan House (or Balbithan Castle as it is also comprises a wonderful mix of broadleaf and evergreen Estates of the Abbey of Lindores but that by around referred to) is a delightful and beautiful country property trees. 1490 it had come into the possession of the Chalmers in a charming and very private rural setting a short family. At that time the first House of Balbithan – “Old distance to the north-east of Kintore in Aberdeenshire. OUTBUILDINGS Balbithan” – stood on high ground above the River Don Surrounded by some breathtakingly attractive Garage and workshop opposite Kintore. It is said that a cannon-ball fired from countryside the property is very well positioned for To the rear of the house lies an excellent pair of buildings the tower of Hallforest on the far side of Kintore fell into rapid access to both Aberdeen and Dyce with Dundee, currently comprising a garage and workshop. the courtyard of Old Balbithan and the Chalmers laird of Perth and Edinburgh also within striking distance. Good Greenhouses that day was so annoyed that he vowed that he would local services and facilities are on hand in Kintore and Potting Shed build his castle where “neither friend nor foe could find Inverurie with Aberdeen offering a full range of city him”. The Chalmers family are believed to have held services and amenities. SERVICES the Estate until around 1696 when it passed into the Water Private hands of James Balfour, a merchant from Edinburgh Balbithan provides access to an area of particularly Electricity Mains who had married Bridget Chalmers. By 1699 it belonged outstanding and varied countryside with hill, wood, Drainage Private to William Hay and early in the 18th century it became river, farmland and lovely coastline all close by. The Heating Electric and Solid Fuel the property of a branch of the Gordons, one of whom, area is home to an area of wildlife and presents a fine James of Balbithan, was the reputed author of choice for the outdoor enthusiast with walking, cycling, MOVEABLES the “Balbithan M.S.” His son Benjamin who had a long sailing and riding all readily available. Golfers are well Certain items may be available to purchase by way and gallant army career became a general in 1801 at the provided for with numerous high quality courses in the of separate negotiation. The statuary and urns in the age of 82. He entailed the Estate and William Forbes area whilst shooting and fishing may also be enjoyed garden are specifically excluded from the sale and it of Skellater, his nephew, became the new owner. He locally. The lovely quaint towns and villages of the east is likely that the owners will look to remove a limited made considerable alterations to the house including coast such as Ellon, and , several number of plants from the garden when they leave the lowering of the roof and he was followed by his son excellent beaches and the vast open spaces of Deeside Balbithan. Further details are available from the selling General Benjamin Forbes. Benjamin Abernethy Gordon and are all within easy reach. In terms of agents. then became the Laird of Balbithan and did much to visitor attractions the area is well served by a number of restore both house and garden until in 1859 it was sold popular National Trust for Scotland properties including COUNCIL TAX to the Earl of Kintore. In 1914 it was sold to the Duncans the castles at Crathes and Drum, and Haddo House. Balbithan House is classified as Band H for Council Tax of Ardmurdo who gave it up during World War II, with purposes. Andrew Duncan having cut down the famous “great There are several good state primary and secondary beech of Balbithan” mentioned in the statistical account schools in the area around Balbithan with independent EPC RATING of 1843. The Stotts of Crichie became its next owners schooling on hand in Aberdeen at Robert Gordons. The EPC rating is F. until 1960 when ownership passed to the McMurtrie There are railway stations in Dyce & Inverurie, with family. It is said that history has passed somewhat lightly just a short drive from the property. LISTING over Balbithan in its quiet valley. Once though during Balbithan House is Category A listed. the Covenanting troubles it is believed to have been DESCRIPTION plundered along with Hedderwick and Lethenty by 200 Balbithan House is a striking and charming Category A VACANT POSSESSION of the Covenanting forces on June 27th 1640. During Listed baronial house very quietly positioned in a lovely Vacant possession will be available at completion. his campaigns in the north, Montrose is said to have secluded valley about two miles to the north-east of made it a rendezvous where he met with his leaders. Kintore in Aberdeenshire. A most stunning and imposing DIRECTIONS Later it was a refuge for Prince Charles’ followers after harled granite construction under slate roof, the L plan From Aberdeen follow the main A96 north-west making Culloden, although it does not seem possible that there tower construction offers generous and impressive for Kintore. Once in Kintore follow the minor road over is any truth in the local myth that the Prince himself took accommodation essentially over three levels with the River Don passing Kintore Golf Club. Turn left at the refuge there “occupying a small room overlooking the scope for four or five good reception rooms and eight signs for Balbithan and follow this road for approximately garden and leaving his initials scratched on a window”. or possibly nine bedrooms. The superb main staircase one mile until you reach a crossroads. The track to It is believed that little remains of Old Balbithan and is accessed off the main hall with an additional spiral Balbithan is then straight ahead. the present house is understood to have been altered staircase to the rear of the house also providing access significantly since it was built by the Chalmers around to all three levels. The main reception rooms lie at first POSTCODE 1560. It was then a simple oblong “keep” with a large floor level with excellent well-proportioned dining room, AB51 0UQ round tower at the north-west corner. In the first major drawing room and wonderful atmospheric library, each alteration around 1600 the round tower was removed with open fire. In addition, at second floor level, there is a ADDITIONAL INFORMATION with only a small remnant remaining as a curved wall superb expansive gallery again with open fire and which The track leading to Balbithan House is privately owned within the house near the main entrance. The house was offers great scope for various different uses having with rights of access having been granted in favour of extended to the north and a new stair tower was started. been used for weddings, functions and exhibitions to neighbouring property owners together with shared Around 1630 the second great alteration began which great success. Ancient, solid and historic, and although maintenance provisions. Further details are available involved the building of a new wing at right angles to perhaps now in need of a degree of modernisation and from the selling agents. the existing house and stretching to the west together updating, Balbithan House is a stunning unique property with some remodelling of the stair tower. This new wing offering great potential within easy striking distance of SOLICITORS was unusual in being about the same length as the older the flourishing oil capital of Aberdeen. Ledingham Chalmers, Johnstone House, 52 – 54 Rose building. Early in the 19th century the entire roof was Street, Aberdeen, AB10 1HA rebuilt with the whole of the top floor being removed GARDENS AND GROUNDS Tel: 01224 408408 Fax: 01224 408400 and the ceilings of the second storey raised significantly. Balbithan House stands in delightful extensive wooded Between 1760 and 1860 the interior was altered with gardens and grounds which offer high levels of privacy VIEWING large rooms being divided, passages added and a small and seclusion as well as great amenity. The formal Viewing is by prior appointment only through the addition made to the north side of the west wing for a garden is a delight with a wonderful mix of plants, selling agents – CKD Galbraith. The person who may service stair. This stair has since been removed. trees and shrubs as well as extensive lawned areas accompany you however, may not be an employee of and parking at the house for several vehicles. Beautiful CKD Galbraith.

Balbithan House, Kintore, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, AB51 0UQ Approx. Gross Internal Area 7907 Sq Ft - 734.56 Sq M Bedroom 1 Garages & Garden Store 18'2'' x 17'11'' Approx. Gross Internal Area 5.54 x 5.46m 886 Sq Ft - 82.31 Sq M Library/ For identification only. Not to scale. Billiards © Square Foot Media 2014 Room 26'4'' x 17'9'' 8.03 x 5.41m

Bedroom 8 13'2'' x 10'6'' 4.01 x 3.20m Bedroom 9 Balbithan House, 16'3'' x 9'2'' Kintore, MORTGAGE FINANCE 4.95 x 2.79m Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, AB51 0UQ CKD Galbraith has an arrangement Approx. Gross Internal Area with independent mortgage brokers 7907 Sq Ft - 734.56 Sq M Bedroom 1 Garages & Garden Store 18'2'' x 17'11'' Approx. Gross Internal Area Bedroom 5 5.54 x 5.46m Springtide Capital Limited, who may Bedroom 3 886 Sq Ft - 82.31 Sq M Library/ 18'4'' x 12'11'' To 5.59 x 3.94m 15'10'' x 13'3'' For identification only. Not to scale. Billiards be able to assist purchasers withThird Floor Loft © Square Foot Media 2014 Room 4.83 x 4.04m Bedroom 6 Hall Turret 26'4'' x 17'9'' 17'9'' x 15'2'' funding. For details contact Matthew 8.03 x 5.41m 5.41 x 4.62m Griffiths in our CKD Galbraith Edinburgh Office on 0131 240 6990 Bedroom 8 13'2'' x 10'6'' 4.01 x 3.20m Bedroom 9 IMPORTANT NOTES Dining 16'3'' x 9'2'' Gallery Room 4.95Drawing x 2.79m 44'4'' x 17'9'' 20'7'' x 15'10'' Room 1. These particulars are intended to Bedroom 4 Bedroom 2 13.51 x 5.41m 18'1'' x 10'2'' 6.27 x 4.83m 18'5'' x 17'8'' 17'11'' x 17'8'' Bedroom 7 5.61 x 5.38m 5.46 x 5.38m give a fair and overall description of 5.51 x 3.10m Shower Family 13' x 12'3'' Room Room 3.96 x 3.73m the property. If any points are relevant 17'9'' x 15' Bathroom Bedroom 5 5.41 x 4.57m Store to your interest, please ask for further Bedroom 3 18'4'' x 12'11'' To 15'10'' x 13'3'' information, prior to viewing. Prospective 5.59 x 3.94m Loft 4.83 x 4.04m Third Floor Bedroom 6 Hall Turret purchasers are advised to seek their own 17'9'' x 15'2'' 5.41 x 4.62m professional advice. Wine First Floor Second Floor Cellar 17'9'' x 6'7'' 5.41 x 2.01m Hall 2. Areas, measurements and distances are given as a guide. Photographs Dining Gallery depict only certain parts of the property. Hall Room Drawing 44'4'' x 17'9'' 20'7'' x 15'10'' Room Bedroom 4 Bedroom 2 13.51 x 5.41m Nothing within the particulars shall be 18'1'' x 10'2'' 6.27 x 4.83m 18'5'' x 17'8'' 17'11'' x 17'8'' Bedroom 7 5.61 x 5.38m 5.46 x 5.38m 5.51 x 3.10m Shower Family 13' x 12'3'' Kitchen/ Sitting deemed to be a statement as to the 3.96 x 3.73m Dining Room Room Linen Room 17'9'' x 15' Room 22'3'' x 17'6'' structural condition, nor the working order Bathroom 9'6'' x 5'6'' 5.41 x 4.57m Store 2.90 x 1.68m 21'7" x 15'5" 6.78 x 5.33m 6.58 x 4.70m of services and appliances. Larder/ Study Utility 14' x 7'2'' 11'10'' x 8'11'' 4.27 x 2.18m 3.61 x 2.72m Bathroom 3. These particulars shall not be Wine First Floor Second Floor binding on our clients whether acted Cellar 17'9'' x 6'7'' 5.41 x 2.01m on or otherwise, unless the same is Hall incorporated within a written document, signed by our clients or on their behalf, Ground Floor Hall WC satisfying the requirements of Section 3 of The Requirements of Writing (Scotland) Kitchen/ Sitting Dining Act 1995. Linen Room Garage/ Room Garage/ 9'6'' x 5'6'' 22'3'' x 17'6'' Garden 21'7" x 15'5" Workshop 2.90 x 1.68m 6.78 x 5.33m Store 6.58 x 4.70m 25'11'' x 15'7'' Larder/ 27'5'' x 14'1'' Study 7.90 x 4.75m 4. Closing Date Utility 8.36 x 4.29m 14' x 7'2'' 11'10'' x 8'11'' 4.27 x 2.18m 3.61 x 2.72m A closing date may be fixed. Prospective Bathroom purchasers who have notified their interest through lawyers to CKD Galbraith, in writing, will be advised of a closing date, unless the property has been sold Ground Floor previously. The Seller will not be obliged WC to accept the highest, or indeed any offer and has the right to accept an offer at any

Garage/ Garage/ time or withdraw the property from the Garden Workshop Store 25'11'' x 15'7'' market. The Seller will not be liable for 27'5'' x 14'1'' 7.90 x 4.75m 8.36 x 4.29m any costs incurred by interested parties.

5. Offers Formal offers in the acceptable Scottish form should be submitted, through a Scottish Lawyer, to CKD Galbraith, 337 North Deeside Road, Cults, Aberdeen, AB15 9SP.

6. Third Party Rights and Servitudes The subjects are sold together with and subject to all existing rights of way, servitudes, wayleaves and others whether contained in the Title Deeds or otherwise, and purchasers will be deemed to have satisfied themselves in all respects thereof.

7. Deposit Within 7 days of the conclusion of missives a deposit of 10% of the purchase price shall be paid. The deposit will be non refundable in the event of the purchasers failing to complete the sale for reasons not attributable to the sellers or their agents.

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