Walton Park, Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire, DG7

A charming residential estate set in the rolling Kirkcudbrightshire countryside

Description

Walton Park is a fine residential estate which has been in the vendor’s family for approximately 100 years. At the heart of the estate lies Walton Park House, an elegant Category B Listed Georgian country house set amongst charming wooded policies with a traditional walled garden and a riverside backdrop. The land extends to about 28 acres including some grazing paddocks and bounds with the Urr Water to the west where there is approximately 445m of single bank fishing. The main house benefits from an integral self-contained apartment located in the basement, which provides useful secondary accommodation or staff quarters, as required.

In addition to the main house, there are two further estate cottages and an attractive former stable block which may offer potential to develop further dwellings or holiday units subject to obtaining the relevant consents.

Walton Park stands in a private position within mature policy grounds of magnificent trees, specimen rhododendron and a variety of colourful shrubbery including an array of azaleas and magnolias. Approached through a pillared gateway (adjacent to the Lodge cottage), there is a tarmacadamed driveway which sweeps past the stable block before forking towards a large gravel parking area to the front of the house, and a smaller gravel area to the rear.

The original house dates from 1816 (with later 19th century additions increasing the footprint) and is presented over two storeys and a basement, as shown on the accompanying floorplans. The ground floor has a variety of flexible reception rooms including the living room, dining room, nursery, study and gun room. A pantry area features a 'dumb waiter' which is used to bring meals up from the basement kitchen.

There are six bedrooms, a dressing room and three bathrooms on the first floor with further two attic rooms on the second floor which could be used as further bedrooms if required. The basement provides additional spacious accommodation including three bedrooms, living room, bathroom and kitchen (shared with the main house) and has historically been used as staff accommodation.

The house has an attractive facade of traditional stone construction with polished raised margins and quoins. Formerly known as "MaCartney", Walton Park originally comprised part of the nearby Kilquhanity Estate, but was later purchased by Major James Campbell whose initials J.A.C (along with the 1816 date) feature on the sandstone block pediment above the front door entrance.

The house has a breathtaking south-facing aspect across unspoilt rolling countryside towards the Urr Water and is best enjoyed from all of the principal reception rooms and front facing bedrooms. This comfortable yet well-proportioned house combines practicality with ample space for entertaining or business use.

Surrounding the house is a beautifully maintained lawned garden flanked by mature trees, rhododendrons and azaleas, providing a riot of colour in May and June. A short distance to the west of the house is the Category B Listed 19th century walled garden with coped rubble walls, sitting on the banks of the Urr Water. The garden has been lovingly maintained with beautiful flowerbeds, lawns and gravel walkways, and features a lean-to glass house and other attached potting sheds. Behind the north wall there is a vegetable patch, cutting garden and further nursery area for young plants and shrubs.

Situated off the drive to the north east of the house, is a charming symmetrically arranged stable block in a quadrangle formation with a cobbled central courtyard which is accessed via an archway (with dovecot above). Also Category B Listed, the traditional stone buildings feature some polished red sandstone detail to window margins and dovecot. This attractive range of buildings currently provide garaging and storage for estate vehicles and equipment. There are original stable stalls in the eastern range.

There is a further row of traditional buildings set apart from the courtyard on the eastern side. Given the scale and architectural character of the buildings they could offer potential for conversion for alternative uses subject to obtaining the necessary consents.

One building in the stable block is occupied on a rent free licence by the tenant of the Lodge cottage for use as a workshop until 16 December 2024.

Walton Park Lodge - An attractive stone and slate gate lodge located at the main entrance to Walton Park. The accommodation is over two floors and comprises a reception room, a kitchen (with modern fitted units), two bedrooms and a shower room. The Lodge has single glazed, sash and case windows and electric central heating. There is a private garden and parking. The property is currently let on a Private Residential Tenancy.

Gardener's Cottage - Situated on the roadside to the north east boundary, this stone and slate cottage has accommodation over one floor, and comprises a reception room, kitchen, bathroom, WC and 3 bedrooms. There is a private garden and parking. The Gardener’s Cottage is currently let on a Short Assured Tenancy.

Parkland & Policies - In addition to the gardens and policy woodland, Walton Park includes about 28.02 acres of parkland which is predominately permanent pasture, fenced for livestock and watered from natural sources, interspersed with hardwood trees. Species include oak, beech and sycamore. The grazing land has been let in recent years to a neighbouring farmer on a seasonal basis but would be equally well suited to horse grazing.

Fishings - There are single bank salmon fishings available on the Urr Water from the northern boundary (at Knockvennie Bridge), leading south on the eastern bank for approximately 445m. The river has not been actively fished in recent years.

Location

Walton Park lies in a very private and secluded position in the heart of the beautiful Kirkcudbrightshire countryside, which is well known for its rolling rural landscape, with agriculture and forestry making up a large proportion of the local economy. The area is famed for its mild climate, unspoilt landscapes and the diversity of sporting and recreational opportunities available. The Galloway Forest Park and surrounding countryside offers shooting, stalking, trout and salmon fishing as well as hiking, cycling and mountain biking. In addition, the Solway Coast provides a wealth of opportunities including sandy beaches, marinas (with safe anchorages at Kippford and Kirkcudbright) and water sports. The area is also excellent for the keen golfer with a championship links course at Southerness and a variety of other reputable courses across the region.

The nearby village of Springholm (3 miles) has a village shop and a primary school, whilst the nearby market town of Castle Douglas is a designated Food Town and has a wide selection of independent shops as well as supermarkets, leisure facilities, restaurants, health, banking and professional services. There are further primary and secondary schools in Castle Douglas and Kirkcudbright, or private schooling is available near Carlisle at Lime House School and Austin Friars St Monica’s School.

Despite its rural situation, the A74(M), the main route between England and Scotland, is only about 29 miles to the east and provides a motorway connection both north to Glasgow and south to Carlisle, and onwards to central and southern England. The nearest railway station is 17 miles to the east in Dumfries. The international airports of Glasgow (79 miles), Edinburgh (100 miles) and Newcastle (105 miles) are all accessible, as is Glasgow Prestwick airport (55 miles).





Directions

From the south, exit the M74 at Gretna, taking the A75 signposted for Dumfries and follow this west passing Dumfries and continuing towards Castle Douglas. Once in Springholm village turn right (signposted Kirkpatrick Durham). Continue along this road (passing straight through Kirkpatrick Durham village) until it meets the B794. Bear right and continue for approximately 0.4 miles. The entrance to Walton Park is on your left hand side.
The postcode is DG7 3DD. what3words ///drones.zest.bulletins

Additional Info

Viewing - Strictly by appointment with Savills.
Solicitors - Gillespie Macandrew, 5 Atholl Crescent, Edinburgh, EH3 8EJ. Tel. .

Historical & Environmental Designations - Walton Park House, Lodge, Stables, Dovecot, Horsemill and Walled Garden are Category B Listed.

Services, Occupancies & Council Tax - All properties have private water, mains electricity and private drainage. Walton Park House has oil fired central heating. The Lodge and Gardener’s Cottage have electric heating.

Lotting - It is intended to offer the property for sale as described, but the seller reserves the right to divide the property into further lots, or to withdraw the property, or to exclude any property shown in these particulars.