Scots baronial mansion designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh up for sale – and it has some of the best views in Scotland

This incredible Scots baronial mansion on Wemyss Bay beach, which was designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and is said to have some of the best views in Scotland, is up for sale.

Dunloe House is steeped in history. It was built by the Bannatyne Stewart family in 1890 using the famous Glasgow architects Honeyman and Keppie. The plans for the house were drawn by Rennie Mackintosh himself, who later took over the firm.

The designs were recently borrowed by the Hunterian Museum in Glasgow to feature as an early piece of work that influenced Mackintosh’s development. 

The original plans are still part of the house on display in the impressive wood panelled snooker room. 

Every part of the house has a story to tell. Princess Margaret is said to have regularly used the turreted bedroom on the third floor while visiting the nearby Ardgowan estate, and Glasgow Boys artist David Gauld designed stained glass windows for the property. 

The seven-bedroom property has a plethora of magnificent period features and is perfect for entertaining, boasting a massive 14 seat dining room, a cinema, a games room with a golf simulator, bar and vast gardens for enjoying summer evenings.

Owner Laura Reilly and her husband said they will be sad to move but are looking forward to see the new chapter in the house’s history.

‘Living at Dunloe for the past 15 years, watching our children grow up has been a magical experience,’ Laura said.

‘The views are breathtaking- we can see the islands of Arran, Bute and Cumbrae. Everyday there is a different scene on the water with yachts, local ferries and even the odd submarine and tall ship passing by.

‘The house has been wonderful to live in and we have hosted many events, ceilidhs, parties and gatherings of friends. It has been most special as an incredible home. Our children have been fortunate enough to have lots of space to enjoy, they love the cinema and games rooms in particular.

‘Dunloe is steeped in Scottish history and culture, as a prime example of an Arts and Craft period house, designed by the Honeyman Keppie architectural practice who employed Charles Rennie Mackintosh as a young architect.

‘The Hunterian museum contacted us after we moved in to ask if Dunloe could be included in a major Charles Rennie Mackintosh exhibition showing the influences behind his style from art to architecture.

‘The Hunterian found the original house job books and it was fascinating to see all the work and tradesmen involved, including the stained glass windows by David Gauld, one of the Glasgow Boys . The original house plans, drafted by Mackintosh are displayed in the billiard room at Dunloe House.

‘The house contains so many beautiful features, we are still finding different pieces of beautiful wood and stone carving. We also unearthed a corridor of original Victorian floor tiles and original arts and crafts wall paper which we restored.

‘We have researched the houses’ colourful past and found the original deeds. Some previous owners and relatives of servants also contacted us with their stories. There have been famous visitors and the house was also home at one point to an opera singer who used to practice in the front window accompanied by the grand piano.’

Just off the magnificent inner hallway there is the drinks kitchen which is ideal for supplying social occasions.

The butler’s pantry is an incredible original room with wine room, beer room, larder, tool room, cloaks and laundry.

The main part of the building is in sand- stone and has fine turrets, gargoyles and intricate stone carvings both inside and outside.

The house sits in 1.7 acres but the main grounds are set to the front of the property with just a short walk to the shorefront.

Stunning scenery over the Firth of Clyde to several west coast islands, including the Argyll peninsula and the Isles of Arran, Bute and Cumbrae, means the home is often listed as having one of the best views anywhere.

It is on the market for £1.45 million with estate agents Corum. 

A listing advert for the property says: ‘Dunloe has an abundance of traditional features both internally and externally however the present owner has upgraded several areas of the home to provide contemporary accommodation. 

‘This exquisite property is particularly flexible in its layout with lots of options from a five to a ten-bedroom home. It is currently used as a seven-bedroom family home with extensive entertaining and reception rooms.’x4

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