Dunrobin was built in 1865 and – if legend is to be believed – could have been even more magnificent than it already is.
The Laird of nearby Kincaladrum House was away, and the builder took it on himself to add the impressive turret that adorns the front of the house. When the Laird returned he was most displeased at this show of independence and instructed the rest of the house be built without further extravagance.
The former gamekeeper’s home sits west of the village of Gateside, off the A90 between Forfar and Dundee.
The house was extended by the current owners in 1988, with an additional bedroom and bathroom being added upstairs and an ugly existing extension being knocked down.
A former kennel was converted into a garage, which has since been enlarged to three bays with arches reminiscent of a coach house. A floored attic above the garage could be suitable for conversion into a granny flat, ideal for visiting friends or relatives.
Dunrobin underwent another, much more major extension in 1998 that more than doubled the size of the property.
The staircase was turned so that all rooms can lead off the hallway.
This extension added two further bedrooms, a bathroom and shower room upstairs.
Downstairs, a utility/boot room and toilet were installed along with what is probably the centrepiece of the house – a spacious open plan kitchen and living area that’s kept warm day and night by an oil fired Aga.
Most rooms have windows on more than one aspect to take in views over the Angus Glens and Strathmore Valley.
Altogether the accommodation now stretches to three reception rooms and four bedrooms.
A patio wraps around three sides of the house so there’s always a place to sit in the sunshine and out of the wind.
The garden stretches to nearly an acre and includes a small paddock and an orchard.
Although it stands on its own and feels remote, Dunrobin is only five minutes’ drive from the A90.
jmckeown@thecourier.co.uk
Dunrobin, Kincaldrum, Forfar, is on sale with Galbraith for o/o £420,000.