Historic links to William Wallace and Robert the Bruce

A beautiful country house with links to two of teh most famous Scots in history has come to the market.

Moulinalmond, on the banks of the River Almond in Perthshire, in an area known for its associations with William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, is now for sale through Strutt & Parker.

In a county famous for trees, Moulinalmond stands out. The house is set in 15 acres of outstanding gardens and policies and it is surrounded by one of the finest collections of trees to be found anywhere in Scotland.

One of the charming reception rooms at Moulinalmond

The garden has a large number of azaleas and rhododendrons, which present a blaze of colours in the spring, as well as a wide range of mature trees including beech, oak, lime, maples, silver firs, birch, Norway spruce, Wellingtonia, yew and a variety of other specimen and rare trees, including some original introductions from the early 19th century.

Of additional note, there is an outstanding topiary beech hedge and productive walled garden. Within the grounds is a delightful summer house with a fitted sunken barbeque.

In the late 13th and 14th centuries, both William Wallace and Robert the Bruce fought skirmishes in the adjacent Methven Wood while preparing to attack Perth.

The spacious kitchen in Moulinalmond

The wood was also associated with the Marquis of Montrose, arguably the finest Scottish soldier ever, who fought the Battle of Tippermuir in 1644. Ultimately, the Methven Castle estate came into the possession of the ruling Stuart family; a number of Scottish monarchs, including the celebrated King James IV, stayed in the castle and hunted in the woods and surrounding countryside.

In 1664, after King Charles II had sold off the royal assets, the estate came into the possession of the Smythes, a prosperous Perthshire family, and they built the original part of Moulinalmond in 1840.

The house was extended in 1907 when Colonel Smythe, the laird of Methven Castle estate, and his family moved out of the castle and into the house. The castle remained in their family until 1922 when it was sold. Miss Barbara Smythe, daughter of Colonel Smythe, lived almost all her life at Moulinalmond until it was sold in the late 1980s. The Smythe family still live and farm in the area around Methven.

Moulinalmond, on the banks of the River Almond, is presented for sale by Strutt and Parker

Moulinalmond is an exceptional family home with seven bedrooms, two of which are on the second floor and offer an ideal space for teenagers or separate spare room accommodation. Highlights include a bright drawing room with French windows – above which is the house motto ‘Mediis Tranquillus in Undus’ (in the middle of tranquil waters’) – leading to the gardens, a large dining room offering a great entertaining space and a welcoming library with original pine bookshelves and a log burning stove.

The sale includes a two-bedroom cottage, currently let as a holiday cottage, which is connected to the main house but self-contained. Beyond the garden is a paddock, which is ideal for ponies. A separate field is also available.

The spacious gardens of Moulinalmond contain many types of tree

Moulinalmond occupies a secluded setting but is close to Almondbank, which has a garage, post office and shop. It is just minutes from Perth which offers a host of amenities and services including a 24-hour Tesco and easy access to Scotland’s motorway network. It is also possible to commute to Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Hamish Spencer-Nairn, head of agency in Strutt & Parker’s Perth office, said: ‘Moulinalmond is a very picturesque family home surrounded by wonderful gardens and majestic trees. This would be a fabulous place for children to grow up; yet at the same time it is highly accessible and offers straightforward connections to the central belt. I expect it to attract significant interest.’

The agents will consider offers over £950,000 for lot one, and offers are invited for lot two, the field.

For further information, click HERE.