Full Version: Duchray Castle
Andrew, must be Duchray next. It was bought relatively recently by an English lottery winner who supports Glasgow Rangers Football Club. Apparently he wanted a castle to stay in for the weekend when he comes up for the home games, every other week.
I'll look it out for you, and post the details here.
Excellent 
Pictures from the Sales Particulars (September 2002) Sadly, no floorplans were included
The Exterior
The Exterior
The Formal Dining Room (Ground Floor)
The Drawing Room (1st Floor)
The Kitchen (Ground Floor)
The Master Bedroom (1st Floor)
Duchray Castle,
Aberfoyle, Stirlingshire FK8 3XL
Aberfoyle 3 miles, Glasgow City 36 miles, Glasgow Airport 34 miles, Stirling 20 miles, Edinburgh 56 miles.
A small Scottish castle with exciting all round sporting amenity in an idyllic setting in the heart of the Queen Elizabeth National Park yet still wonderfully convenient for main centres.
Ground floor: Formal dining room), cloakroom, kitchen, larder, utility, morning room
First floor: Drawing room, two bedrooms, master with en suite bathroom, additional bathroom
Second floor: Two further bedrooms and bathroom
Annex: Kitchen/dining room, sitting room, bedroom, bathroom
Lodge House: hall, sitting room, kitchen, 2 bedrooms, bathroom
A range of flexible outbuildings and Scott stables
Gazes all weather tennis court
All round sporting amenity
6 miles double bank fishing
About 90 acres
For sale as a whole by private treaty
Introduction
This introduction and the particulars are intended to give a fair and substantially correct overall description for the guidance of intending purchasers and do not constitute part of an offer or contract. No responsibility is assumed for the accuracy of individual items.
Situation
Duchray Castle lies about 3 miles to the West of the 'Trossachs' village of Aberfoyle. The A81 road provides swift ease of access to Glasgow City Centre, Glasgow Airport and Stirling as well as to the national motorway networks. Edinburgh airport is 52 miles. Aberfoyle provides shopping facilities that easily cater for everyday needs and requirements, the nearby market town of Stirling and the major city of Glasgow both provide more extensive cultural, leisure and shopping services. Glasgow is the home of Scottish ballet and Scottish opera, and the city has a number of world famous museums, Kelvingrove, The Huntarian and the Burrell collection to name a few.
There is a good range of schooling locally, with a primary school at Aberfoyle and secondary schooling in Callander. Glasgow has a fine selection of private schools.
Sporting enthusiasts will find this home of enormous appeal, surrounding countryside (in the middle of Scotland's first national park and some of Scotland's most scenically attractive) provides wonderful walks. The area is teeming with nature, there are regular sightings of deer, red squirrels and a whole assortment of wild birdlife including raptors, Scottish crossbills and almost the entire finch range. There is an excellent range of relaxing outdoor pursuits with sailing and water sports available on nearby Loch Ard and Loch Lomond. There is a trout fishery on the Lake of Menteith and Loch Ard has a sailing club. As with most parts of Scotland there are quality golf courses nearby, Aberfoyle, Buchanan Castle at Drymen and the celebrated Weiskopf designed Loch Lomond Club.
Travel arrangements
By air
To Glasgow or Edinburgh
British Airways Tel: 0845 7733377
British Midland Tel: 0870 6070555
easyJet www.easyjet.com
By rail
National Rail Enquiries Tel: 08457 484950
Car hire
Glasgow Airport - Avis Tel: 0990 900500
Directions
From Stirling, take the A84 west and then veer left on the A873, sign-posted Thornhill and Aberfoyle. Continue on this road and about 4 miles west of Thornhill, it becomes the A81. Continue on this road and at the T- junction, turn right onto the A821. Follow the road into Aberfoyle and keep left proceeding onto the B829. Turn immediately left, sign posted Inchrie Castle and Covenanters Inn, and proceed over a narrow hump backed bridge. Take the third turn to the right, sign posted Covenanters Inn, and continue for about 2 miles. The entrance to Duchray Castle lies straight ahead and is identified by a tarmac driveway.
Local authorities
Stirling Council
Viewforth
Stirling
FK8 2EY
Tel: 01786 443322
Services
Oil fired central heating. Night storage heaters serve the annex. Mains Electricity. Drainage is by private septic tank. Mains water supply by private pipe from Loch
Katrine viaduct.
The Lodge House has mains water by private pipe, private drainage, mains electricity, and night storage heating.
Note: The services have not been checked by the selling agents.
Council tax
Duchray Castle is local council tax band H and the amount paid 2002/2003 is £2,022.
Viewing
Strictly by appointment with Strutt & Parker, telephone 0141 249 6650.
Possession
Vacant possession will be given on completion.
Offers
Offers are to be submitted in Scottish legal terms to the selling agents Strutt & Parker, 176 St. Vincent Street, Glasgow, G2 5SG. A closing date for offers will probably be fixed and prospective purchasers are advised to register their interest with the selling agents in order to be kept fully informed of any closing date that may be fixed.
Fixtures and fittings
Extras may be available by separate negotiation.
Particulars of sale
Duchray Castle is a delightful 16th Century category '8' listed property that enjoys an idyllic south facing setting in the heart of The Queen Elizabeth Forest, itself central to Scotland's first national park. The property has a self-contained annex, charming gate/lodge house and policies of some 90 acres. This is an historic building with distinctive architecture including rare and very unusual arched window formations, feature towers, turrets and crow step gables, all combining to enhance the romantic appeal of this rare and accessible period property.
Grounds of around 90 acres include formal gardens, an arboretum, a Gazes all weather tennis court, delightful soothing riverbank walks and glades and a range of field sports, together with potential for hobby farming.
The accommodation is as follows:
Entrance Entered via studded double outer doors to small turreted entrance hall with original flagged floor with mat well recess and rare left handed stone spiral stair (said to have been constructed in this way because John Graham of Duchray was left handed), small under stair storage area.
Formal dining room (29'0" x 18'10") With barrel vaulted ceiling and alcoved windows in three gables. Exposed, original stonework to half height. Fireplace incorporating cast iron solid fuel back boiler stove, leather top fender/seat. Glazed display alcove to one side.
Inner passage Leading to cloakroom.
Cloakroom Traditional window, ceiling light point, access to roof space, wash hand basin in white with storage below, electric heater.
Separate W.C Opaque glazed window, low level w.c. with pine seat, ceiling light point.
Larder/pantry/wine cellar With vented window to side, shelving to full height on one wall, ceiling light point, vinyl floor covering.
Kitchen (18’8" x 12'1") An easily worked and well laid out kitchen with traditional windows to front and side, extensive range of matching base and wall units in limed oak with laminate work surfaces. Colour keyed double sink with drainer to side and mixer tap, blue Aga with double oven and double hot plates, splash back tiling in complementary colours, good storage for domestic appliances, low level Miele oven and four ring ceramic hob, tiled floor, space for casual dining/breakfasting table and chairs.
Utility room 1 (15'9" x 6'2") Window to woodlands and river, storage above head height, bench to side, base units with double stainless steel sink, drainer and mixer font, storage for domestic appliances, splash back tiling, vented cupboard housing domestic hot water tank, tiled floor with mat well recess, access to rear courtyard.
Inner hall Inner hall via glass paned door to back stair leads to the upper level. Window formation to the rear, understair storage cupboard, ceiling light point, electric heater, linoleum floor.
Morning room (21'2" x 13'6") Via glass paned door from kitchen, a pleasant room with traditional windows to gardens and woodlands at rear. Good space here for breakfasting / casual dining table and chairs, corner bookcase, along one wall a range of waist height enclosed cupboards, window box seating, French doors opening to provide access to flagged raised veranda from which there are aspects to gardens, river and woodlands, light pastel decoration with frieze at full height. First floor via turreted staircase to landing. Continuation of turret leads to second floor. Ceiling light point, central heating radiator.
Drawing room (29'2" x 16'6") Entered via a traditional timber door. A large well-proportioned room with traditional recessed windows (one with original wooden shutters) windows overlook front, rear and side. Cornice at full height, hand carved 'Adam' style timber fire surround with brick hearth and white marble slips. Open fireplace flanked by shelved bookcases.
Passageway Small inner passage leads to remaining first floor accommodation. Ceiling light point, traditional window to gardens, bookcase along one side.
Bedroom 1 (20'5" x 18'10") Master bedroom suite with traditional recessed windows in three gables overlooking gardens, river and woodlands, ceiling light point, cornice at full height, light pastel decoration with frieze, double fronted his and hers wardrobes.
Bathroom en suite Window overlooking hills and river, track spot lighting, three piece suite comprising low level w.c, pedestal wash hand basin and deep panelled bath with fitted grip rail, tap mounted mixer font with hand held shower. Splash back tiling, plumbed heated towel rail, double fronted waist high storage accommodation to side.
Bedroom 2 (10'10" x 15'5") Comfortable bedroom with window formation to rear, double fronted storage cupboard to side, bookcase the length of one wall.
Bathroom Double traditional recessed windows to side, three piece suite by Shanks, low level w.c, vanity style wash hand basin with storage below, deep panelled bath with fitted grip rail, hand held shower, splash back tiling in complementary colours to half height, plumbed heated towel rail, shaver point.
Turret staircase with windows to gardens leads to the second floor landing. Ceiling light point, window formation to gardens and woodlands. Bookcase along one wall.
Bedroom 3 (16'0" x 13'0") Double sized room with window overlooking the gardens. Ceiling light point, cornice at full height, light pastel decoration, double fronted storage accommodation to side, drawer space and additional waist height cupboards with study workspace along one wall, castellated turret with window overlooking the garden at rear.
*See historical note
Bedroom 4 (10'6" x 11'0") Double sized room with windows to gardens at side. Ceiling light point, in built storage accommodation, shelf and drawer space with study area at window.
Second floor bathroom Traditional window to rear, access to roof space, ceiling light point, three piece suite, low level w.c, vanity wash hand basin with storage below, deep panelled bath with hand held shower attachment, plumbed heated towel rail, electric bar heater, splash back tiling in complementary colours to two walls, strip light with shaver point and bevelled glazed mirror.
Annex
On the far side of the yard connected to the main castle building by castellated arch and with independent access is staff/guest annex.
Kitchen/dining (12' 8" x 13'3") Fitted bench to two walls, stainless steel sink with drainer, base and wall units, electric cooker point, under stair store, extractor fan, space for breakfasting table. Stairway leads to
First floor
Sitting room (18'7" x 14'9") Presently set up as study. Full height fitted cupboards and bookshelves to one wall. Windows (S,E & W) with aspects to gardens and woodlands.
Bedroom (10'7" x 10'3") Comfortable bedroom with window to rear. Small storage cupboard.
Bathroom Partially tiled, three-piece suite low level w.c, wash hand basin and bath. Heated towel rail. Low level recessed window
Garage Good sized garage with light, heat and power.
Store Useful store to side of garage.
The Lodge
At the entrance to the Castle policies is a charming gatehouse / lodge. The building is of whinstone construction under slate roof.
Reception hall Small reception hall which leads in one direction to sitting room and bedroom in the other.
Sitting room Cosy room with windows to front and side, brick built fireplace with open fire and back boiler serving five radiators. Night storage heater.
Inner passage with small store off.
Kitchen Base and wall units with stainless steel sink and drainer, storage space for domestic appliances. Small larder with window off.
Bedroom 1 Bedroom with 2 windows to garden grounds at front and side. Night storage heater.
Bedroom 2 Bedroom with 2 windows overlooking rear gardens. In built cupboards along one wall. Night storage heater.
Bathroom Window with frosted glass, three piece suite, low-level w.C, wash hand basin, bath. Water tank with immersion heater.
The lodge has its own small garden to front & rear with wooden garden shed and coal bunker.
Outbuildings
Adjoining the castle at the rear is a stone built shed that houses the oil fired central heating boiler and woodshed.
Greenhouse Timber framed greenhouse with light and power, ample propagation benches. Cold frames.
Summerhouse Wooden structure with benches overlooking lawns to front.
Old stone stable At one time this building was the Castle bakery and is now a stone stable with hay stores at the sides, it is located down beside the Duchray Water. This building provides useful fodder storage and year round livestock shelter.
General purpose shed, with two outer doors, of timber and corrugated iron construction, generally in good condition. This building provides good storage for garden equipment, summer furniture, games equipment etc. It also contains a built in inner storage area.
Stables 'Scott' stables adjoining 11 acre field and provide 3 good modern loose boxes (2 single and 1 mare and foal), tack shed.
Open shed Adjoining the stables is a 3 bay open shed 2 with concrete flooring, mono pitch roof of corrugated iron, timber cladding over concrete blocks. This open shed provides dry storage for heavy equipment, tractors, implements, hay and straw and quad bikes.
Tennis court A good quality Gazes all weather tennis court in excellent condition with full height link mesh fencing.
Opposite the tennis court is an area of flat lawn that offers fun croquet in the summer months.
Grounds (About 90 acres in all)
Formal gardens surround the castle, the gardens feature well-kept mature lawns most with colourful borders which feature many specimen rhododendrons and azaleas. The gardens feature a plethora of mature and rare ancient trees including tall pines, a charming and ancient holly walk, birch and huge oaks to name just a few. There is an historic box hedge walk (reputed to be the oldest in Europe).
Recent additions include a formal tapestry hedge garden, a natural exposed rock garden, a protected arboretum, and the creation of some stunningly beautiful walks and riverside paths.
In recent years the gardens have been open for public appreciation under ‘The Scotland's Gardens Scheme’.
Within the gardens is an ancient spring fed well, believed to have been built at the same time as the castle, the well is still in excellent condition.
Two river systems run within the castle policies. They are, the Castle burn and the Duchray Water, the latter with the historic 'Rob Roy' stepping-stones.
Remaining land is made up of ancient native woods of birch, oak, pine and willow. Part of the Tetrarchy wood (a very old established oak wood) is within the castle policies.
Farm
Duchray Castle is a registered farm and includes pastureland to about 27 acres which provides good grazing opportunities for horses or other livestock. In the past this land has produced crops of hay and has supported some sheep, cattle and wild boar. The fields are well fenced and watered.
Machinery
In addition to the purchase price the following equipment will be available by separate negotiation.
Zetor tractor. Trailer. Fertiliser spreader. Silage spike. Harrows. Flail mower. Quad bike. Honda ride on mower. Circular feeders. Various other assorted garden
equipment.
Sporting
Pheasant shoot
The mature terrain and interesting topography of the land encouraged the owners of Duchray Castle to develop a small and challenging pheasant shoot of 6 drives. In the past 350 - 450 birds have been released and this has provided exciting sport with 50 - 60 day bags. The drives are all within the castle policies and within easy walking distance. This has added to the friendly and sociable nature of the shoot days.
Stalking
Substantial populations of red and roe deer are on the estate and in the vicinity, although there are no records, proper management allows for annual culling.
Fishing
The Duchray Water forms the Northern march of the estate, the river is the first substantial tributary of the river Forth, and there are around 6 miles of double bank fishing's on the entire system (excepting the headwater streams). Brown trout inhabit the river, salmon run the river Forth and have been caught in the lower reaches of the Duchray Water. There are no known catch averages.
Memorial
At one time Duchray Castle was in the ownership of the Ramsay family. The ashes of Colonel Ramsay are marked by a small cairn and four white posts within the woodlands. An area of about 200 square metres contains two large conifers. His ancestors own the site and have the right to visit the site on foot. This ground is not included within the sale.
Historical note
The oldest part of Duchray castle dates from the 16th Century, when it is believed to have been built as a hunting lodge for the Kings of Scotland. Early title deeds imposed upon the Laird of Duchray the duty to provide 70-armed men at need, and the requirement to watch over the ford across the Duchray Water.
The Great Seal Registers mention that King James IV granted to Dormund Makersane a Charter of inter alia the lands of 'Duchra-Estir' in 1509, and that he should 'build a dwelling house of stone and lime with a hall'
In June 1598 King James VI granted a charter to James Grahame of Eister Reidnocke. Various other references from the general Register of Sasines to the Grahame's of Duchray appear between 1617 and 1720.
In a book entitled 'Military Memoirs of The Great Civil War' (1643 - 1644) by John Gwyne mention is made of The Battle of Aberfoyle. The Laird of Duchray brought 40 footmen to join forces with Glencairn. The English burnt the Castle the morning before the action. The troops succeeded in burning the roof and timbers, but were unable to harm the massive dry stonewalls, except in the rear of the courtyard where part of the curtain wall was thrown down. The Castle was rebuilt in 1825 and the stone from the curtain wall was used to build a bothy, now converted into stabling.
Extensive additions were made to Duchray during the 19th Century, but the west wing burned down some 50 years ago. Once again the walls remained, and that wing was rebuilt to form a garage with a staff or guest annex above.
*Of all the visitors to have stayed at Duchray, perhaps the most famous was Rob Roy, who was sheltered in what is now a bedroom on the second floor. He escaped by leaping from a narrow window in the defensive barbican. Mention is made of this in Sir Walter Scott's book 'Rob Roy'.
Copies of the early title deeds may be seen at the Castle, where Latin scholars will find them of interest.
Aberfoyle, Stirlingshire FK8 3XL
Aberfoyle 3 miles, Glasgow City 36 miles, Glasgow Airport 34 miles, Stirling 20 miles, Edinburgh 56 miles.
A small Scottish castle with exciting all round sporting amenity in an idyllic setting in the heart of the Queen Elizabeth National Park yet still wonderfully convenient for main centres.
Ground floor: Formal dining room), cloakroom, kitchen, larder, utility, morning room
First floor: Drawing room, two bedrooms, master with en suite bathroom, additional bathroom
Second floor: Two further bedrooms and bathroom
Annex: Kitchen/dining room, sitting room, bedroom, bathroom
Lodge House: hall, sitting room, kitchen, 2 bedrooms, bathroom
A range of flexible outbuildings and Scott stables
Gazes all weather tennis court
All round sporting amenity
6 miles double bank fishing
About 90 acres
For sale as a whole by private treaty
Introduction
This introduction and the particulars are intended to give a fair and substantially correct overall description for the guidance of intending purchasers and do not constitute part of an offer or contract. No responsibility is assumed for the accuracy of individual items.
Situation
Duchray Castle lies about 3 miles to the West of the 'Trossachs' village of Aberfoyle. The A81 road provides swift ease of access to Glasgow City Centre, Glasgow Airport and Stirling as well as to the national motorway networks. Edinburgh airport is 52 miles. Aberfoyle provides shopping facilities that easily cater for everyday needs and requirements, the nearby market town of Stirling and the major city of Glasgow both provide more extensive cultural, leisure and shopping services. Glasgow is the home of Scottish ballet and Scottish opera, and the city has a number of world famous museums, Kelvingrove, The Huntarian and the Burrell collection to name a few.
There is a good range of schooling locally, with a primary school at Aberfoyle and secondary schooling in Callander. Glasgow has a fine selection of private schools.
Sporting enthusiasts will find this home of enormous appeal, surrounding countryside (in the middle of Scotland's first national park and some of Scotland's most scenically attractive) provides wonderful walks. The area is teeming with nature, there are regular sightings of deer, red squirrels and a whole assortment of wild birdlife including raptors, Scottish crossbills and almost the entire finch range. There is an excellent range of relaxing outdoor pursuits with sailing and water sports available on nearby Loch Ard and Loch Lomond. There is a trout fishery on the Lake of Menteith and Loch Ard has a sailing club. As with most parts of Scotland there are quality golf courses nearby, Aberfoyle, Buchanan Castle at Drymen and the celebrated Weiskopf designed Loch Lomond Club.
Travel arrangements
By air
To Glasgow or Edinburgh
British Airways Tel: 0845 7733377
British Midland Tel: 0870 6070555
easyJet www.easyjet.com
By rail
National Rail Enquiries Tel: 08457 484950
Car hire
Glasgow Airport - Avis Tel: 0990 900500
Directions
From Stirling, take the A84 west and then veer left on the A873, sign-posted Thornhill and Aberfoyle. Continue on this road and about 4 miles west of Thornhill, it becomes the A81. Continue on this road and at the T- junction, turn right onto the A821. Follow the road into Aberfoyle and keep left proceeding onto the B829. Turn immediately left, sign posted Inchrie Castle and Covenanters Inn, and proceed over a narrow hump backed bridge. Take the third turn to the right, sign posted Covenanters Inn, and continue for about 2 miles. The entrance to Duchray Castle lies straight ahead and is identified by a tarmac driveway.
Local authorities
Stirling Council
Viewforth
Stirling
FK8 2EY
Tel: 01786 443322
Services
Oil fired central heating. Night storage heaters serve the annex. Mains Electricity. Drainage is by private septic tank. Mains water supply by private pipe from Loch
Katrine viaduct.
The Lodge House has mains water by private pipe, private drainage, mains electricity, and night storage heating.
Note: The services have not been checked by the selling agents.
Council tax
Duchray Castle is local council tax band H and the amount paid 2002/2003 is £2,022.
Viewing
Strictly by appointment with Strutt & Parker, telephone 0141 249 6650.
Possession
Vacant possession will be given on completion.
Offers
Offers are to be submitted in Scottish legal terms to the selling agents Strutt & Parker, 176 St. Vincent Street, Glasgow, G2 5SG. A closing date for offers will probably be fixed and prospective purchasers are advised to register their interest with the selling agents in order to be kept fully informed of any closing date that may be fixed.
Fixtures and fittings
Extras may be available by separate negotiation.
Particulars of sale
Duchray Castle is a delightful 16th Century category '8' listed property that enjoys an idyllic south facing setting in the heart of The Queen Elizabeth Forest, itself central to Scotland's first national park. The property has a self-contained annex, charming gate/lodge house and policies of some 90 acres. This is an historic building with distinctive architecture including rare and very unusual arched window formations, feature towers, turrets and crow step gables, all combining to enhance the romantic appeal of this rare and accessible period property.
Grounds of around 90 acres include formal gardens, an arboretum, a Gazes all weather tennis court, delightful soothing riverbank walks and glades and a range of field sports, together with potential for hobby farming.
The accommodation is as follows:
Entrance Entered via studded double outer doors to small turreted entrance hall with original flagged floor with mat well recess and rare left handed stone spiral stair (said to have been constructed in this way because John Graham of Duchray was left handed), small under stair storage area.
Formal dining room (29'0" x 18'10") With barrel vaulted ceiling and alcoved windows in three gables. Exposed, original stonework to half height. Fireplace incorporating cast iron solid fuel back boiler stove, leather top fender/seat. Glazed display alcove to one side.
Inner passage Leading to cloakroom.
Cloakroom Traditional window, ceiling light point, access to roof space, wash hand basin in white with storage below, electric heater.
Separate W.C Opaque glazed window, low level w.c. with pine seat, ceiling light point.
Larder/pantry/wine cellar With vented window to side, shelving to full height on one wall, ceiling light point, vinyl floor covering.
Kitchen (18’8" x 12'1") An easily worked and well laid out kitchen with traditional windows to front and side, extensive range of matching base and wall units in limed oak with laminate work surfaces. Colour keyed double sink with drainer to side and mixer tap, blue Aga with double oven and double hot plates, splash back tiling in complementary colours, good storage for domestic appliances, low level Miele oven and four ring ceramic hob, tiled floor, space for casual dining/breakfasting table and chairs.
Utility room 1 (15'9" x 6'2") Window to woodlands and river, storage above head height, bench to side, base units with double stainless steel sink, drainer and mixer font, storage for domestic appliances, splash back tiling, vented cupboard housing domestic hot water tank, tiled floor with mat well recess, access to rear courtyard.
Inner hall Inner hall via glass paned door to back stair leads to the upper level. Window formation to the rear, understair storage cupboard, ceiling light point, electric heater, linoleum floor.
Morning room (21'2" x 13'6") Via glass paned door from kitchen, a pleasant room with traditional windows to gardens and woodlands at rear. Good space here for breakfasting / casual dining table and chairs, corner bookcase, along one wall a range of waist height enclosed cupboards, window box seating, French doors opening to provide access to flagged raised veranda from which there are aspects to gardens, river and woodlands, light pastel decoration with frieze at full height. First floor via turreted staircase to landing. Continuation of turret leads to second floor. Ceiling light point, central heating radiator.
Drawing room (29'2" x 16'6") Entered via a traditional timber door. A large well-proportioned room with traditional recessed windows (one with original wooden shutters) windows overlook front, rear and side. Cornice at full height, hand carved 'Adam' style timber fire surround with brick hearth and white marble slips. Open fireplace flanked by shelved bookcases.
Passageway Small inner passage leads to remaining first floor accommodation. Ceiling light point, traditional window to gardens, bookcase along one side.
Bedroom 1 (20'5" x 18'10") Master bedroom suite with traditional recessed windows in three gables overlooking gardens, river and woodlands, ceiling light point, cornice at full height, light pastel decoration with frieze, double fronted his and hers wardrobes.
Bathroom en suite Window overlooking hills and river, track spot lighting, three piece suite comprising low level w.c, pedestal wash hand basin and deep panelled bath with fitted grip rail, tap mounted mixer font with hand held shower. Splash back tiling, plumbed heated towel rail, double fronted waist high storage accommodation to side.
Bedroom 2 (10'10" x 15'5") Comfortable bedroom with window formation to rear, double fronted storage cupboard to side, bookcase the length of one wall.
Bathroom Double traditional recessed windows to side, three piece suite by Shanks, low level w.c, vanity style wash hand basin with storage below, deep panelled bath with fitted grip rail, hand held shower, splash back tiling in complementary colours to half height, plumbed heated towel rail, shaver point.
Turret staircase with windows to gardens leads to the second floor landing. Ceiling light point, window formation to gardens and woodlands. Bookcase along one wall.
Bedroom 3 (16'0" x 13'0") Double sized room with window overlooking the gardens. Ceiling light point, cornice at full height, light pastel decoration, double fronted storage accommodation to side, drawer space and additional waist height cupboards with study workspace along one wall, castellated turret with window overlooking the garden at rear.
*See historical note
Bedroom 4 (10'6" x 11'0") Double sized room with windows to gardens at side. Ceiling light point, in built storage accommodation, shelf and drawer space with study area at window.
Second floor bathroom Traditional window to rear, access to roof space, ceiling light point, three piece suite, low level w.c, vanity wash hand basin with storage below, deep panelled bath with hand held shower attachment, plumbed heated towel rail, electric bar heater, splash back tiling in complementary colours to two walls, strip light with shaver point and bevelled glazed mirror.
Annex
On the far side of the yard connected to the main castle building by castellated arch and with independent access is staff/guest annex.
Kitchen/dining (12' 8" x 13'3") Fitted bench to two walls, stainless steel sink with drainer, base and wall units, electric cooker point, under stair store, extractor fan, space for breakfasting table. Stairway leads to
First floor
Sitting room (18'7" x 14'9") Presently set up as study. Full height fitted cupboards and bookshelves to one wall. Windows (S,E & W) with aspects to gardens and woodlands.
Bedroom (10'7" x 10'3") Comfortable bedroom with window to rear. Small storage cupboard.
Bathroom Partially tiled, three-piece suite low level w.c, wash hand basin and bath. Heated towel rail. Low level recessed window
Garage Good sized garage with light, heat and power.
Store Useful store to side of garage.
The Lodge
At the entrance to the Castle policies is a charming gatehouse / lodge. The building is of whinstone construction under slate roof.
Reception hall Small reception hall which leads in one direction to sitting room and bedroom in the other.
Sitting room Cosy room with windows to front and side, brick built fireplace with open fire and back boiler serving five radiators. Night storage heater.
Inner passage with small store off.
Kitchen Base and wall units with stainless steel sink and drainer, storage space for domestic appliances. Small larder with window off.
Bedroom 1 Bedroom with 2 windows to garden grounds at front and side. Night storage heater.
Bedroom 2 Bedroom with 2 windows overlooking rear gardens. In built cupboards along one wall. Night storage heater.
Bathroom Window with frosted glass, three piece suite, low-level w.C, wash hand basin, bath. Water tank with immersion heater.
The lodge has its own small garden to front & rear with wooden garden shed and coal bunker.
Outbuildings
Adjoining the castle at the rear is a stone built shed that houses the oil fired central heating boiler and woodshed.
Greenhouse Timber framed greenhouse with light and power, ample propagation benches. Cold frames.
Summerhouse Wooden structure with benches overlooking lawns to front.
Old stone stable At one time this building was the Castle bakery and is now a stone stable with hay stores at the sides, it is located down beside the Duchray Water. This building provides useful fodder storage and year round livestock shelter.
General purpose shed, with two outer doors, of timber and corrugated iron construction, generally in good condition. This building provides good storage for garden equipment, summer furniture, games equipment etc. It also contains a built in inner storage area.
Stables 'Scott' stables adjoining 11 acre field and provide 3 good modern loose boxes (2 single and 1 mare and foal), tack shed.
Open shed Adjoining the stables is a 3 bay open shed 2 with concrete flooring, mono pitch roof of corrugated iron, timber cladding over concrete blocks. This open shed provides dry storage for heavy equipment, tractors, implements, hay and straw and quad bikes.
Tennis court A good quality Gazes all weather tennis court in excellent condition with full height link mesh fencing.
Opposite the tennis court is an area of flat lawn that offers fun croquet in the summer months.
Grounds (About 90 acres in all)
Formal gardens surround the castle, the gardens feature well-kept mature lawns most with colourful borders which feature many specimen rhododendrons and azaleas. The gardens feature a plethora of mature and rare ancient trees including tall pines, a charming and ancient holly walk, birch and huge oaks to name just a few. There is an historic box hedge walk (reputed to be the oldest in Europe).
Recent additions include a formal tapestry hedge garden, a natural exposed rock garden, a protected arboretum, and the creation of some stunningly beautiful walks and riverside paths.
In recent years the gardens have been open for public appreciation under ‘The Scotland's Gardens Scheme’.
Within the gardens is an ancient spring fed well, believed to have been built at the same time as the castle, the well is still in excellent condition.
Two river systems run within the castle policies. They are, the Castle burn and the Duchray Water, the latter with the historic 'Rob Roy' stepping-stones.
Remaining land is made up of ancient native woods of birch, oak, pine and willow. Part of the Tetrarchy wood (a very old established oak wood) is within the castle policies.
Farm
Duchray Castle is a registered farm and includes pastureland to about 27 acres which provides good grazing opportunities for horses or other livestock. In the past this land has produced crops of hay and has supported some sheep, cattle and wild boar. The fields are well fenced and watered.
Machinery
In addition to the purchase price the following equipment will be available by separate negotiation.
Zetor tractor. Trailer. Fertiliser spreader. Silage spike. Harrows. Flail mower. Quad bike. Honda ride on mower. Circular feeders. Various other assorted garden
equipment.
Sporting
Pheasant shoot
The mature terrain and interesting topography of the land encouraged the owners of Duchray Castle to develop a small and challenging pheasant shoot of 6 drives. In the past 350 - 450 birds have been released and this has provided exciting sport with 50 - 60 day bags. The drives are all within the castle policies and within easy walking distance. This has added to the friendly and sociable nature of the shoot days.
Stalking
Substantial populations of red and roe deer are on the estate and in the vicinity, although there are no records, proper management allows for annual culling.
Fishing
The Duchray Water forms the Northern march of the estate, the river is the first substantial tributary of the river Forth, and there are around 6 miles of double bank fishing's on the entire system (excepting the headwater streams). Brown trout inhabit the river, salmon run the river Forth and have been caught in the lower reaches of the Duchray Water. There are no known catch averages.
Memorial
At one time Duchray Castle was in the ownership of the Ramsay family. The ashes of Colonel Ramsay are marked by a small cairn and four white posts within the woodlands. An area of about 200 square metres contains two large conifers. His ancestors own the site and have the right to visit the site on foot. This ground is not included within the sale.
Historical note
The oldest part of Duchray castle dates from the 16th Century, when it is believed to have been built as a hunting lodge for the Kings of Scotland. Early title deeds imposed upon the Laird of Duchray the duty to provide 70-armed men at need, and the requirement to watch over the ford across the Duchray Water.
The Great Seal Registers mention that King James IV granted to Dormund Makersane a Charter of inter alia the lands of 'Duchra-Estir' in 1509, and that he should 'build a dwelling house of stone and lime with a hall'
In June 1598 King James VI granted a charter to James Grahame of Eister Reidnocke. Various other references from the general Register of Sasines to the Grahame's of Duchray appear between 1617 and 1720.
In a book entitled 'Military Memoirs of The Great Civil War' (1643 - 1644) by John Gwyne mention is made of The Battle of Aberfoyle. The Laird of Duchray brought 40 footmen to join forces with Glencairn. The English burnt the Castle the morning before the action. The troops succeeded in burning the roof and timbers, but were unable to harm the massive dry stonewalls, except in the rear of the courtyard where part of the curtain wall was thrown down. The Castle was rebuilt in 1825 and the stone from the curtain wall was used to build a bothy, now converted into stabling.
Extensive additions were made to Duchray during the 19th Century, but the west wing burned down some 50 years ago. Once again the walls remained, and that wing was rebuilt to form a garage with a staff or guest annex above.
*Of all the visitors to have stayed at Duchray, perhaps the most famous was Rob Roy, who was sheltered in what is now a bedroom on the second floor. He escaped by leaping from a narrow window in the defensive barbican. Mention is made of this in Sir Walter Scott's book 'Rob Roy'.
Copies of the early title deeds may be seen at the Castle, where Latin scholars will find them of interest.
Superb.
I agree great work Andrew, thanks!
Rough life....wanting a castle for the weekends.... 
Must be great to have that kinda dough.
An old postcard view from 1936.
... and another from 1868.
See - one of those ones that looks more like an estate or mansion than a castle. Absolutely stunning though - wouldn't complain to live there either...
... and a third from 1900.
It has changed through time, with two very serious fires which both required extensive remodelling and the extensions were added too. As mentioned, one fire was about 50 years ago, but it was torched in the aftermath of the 1745 rebellion.
From Canmore;
From MacGibbon & Ross;
Click to view attachment
QUOTE
NS49NE 1.00 48114 99894
NS49NE 1.01 48320 99855 Lodge
(NS 4803 9995) Duchray Castle (NR)
OS 6" map, Stirling, 2nd ed., (1923)
Duchray Castle is an oblong rubble-built block, 35'6" x 20'9", three storeys in height, with a large circular stair-tower at the SE corner, and a small circular turret corbelled out at third storey level from the NW corner. (See plan on Illustration Card.) The gables are crow-stepped, and the roof is modern. The ground floor is barrel-vaulted. The general appearance and lay-out is typical of a late 16th century castle, but though the walls themselves are substantially original, the smaller features - windows and doors - have been renewed or inserted, the castle having been rebuilt about 1825. The courtyard wall running W from the SW corner is of fairly recent construction.
Although no longer owned by the Grahams, the castle is still occupied.
RCAHMS 1963, visited 1952; N Tranter 1962-70.
Duchray Castle, name confirmed (information from Mrs A F Campbell, owner, Duchray Castle) is as described. The gateway and S wall of the courtyard appear to be contemporary with the castle, but the W and NE wings are modern additions. The building is in a very good state of preservation.
Visited by OS (D S) 21 March 1957.
NS49NE 1.01 48320 99855 Lodge
(NS 4803 9995) Duchray Castle (NR)
OS 6" map, Stirling, 2nd ed., (1923)
Duchray Castle is an oblong rubble-built block, 35'6" x 20'9", three storeys in height, with a large circular stair-tower at the SE corner, and a small circular turret corbelled out at third storey level from the NW corner. (See plan on Illustration Card.) The gables are crow-stepped, and the roof is modern. The ground floor is barrel-vaulted. The general appearance and lay-out is typical of a late 16th century castle, but though the walls themselves are substantially original, the smaller features - windows and doors - have been renewed or inserted, the castle having been rebuilt about 1825. The courtyard wall running W from the SW corner is of fairly recent construction.
Although no longer owned by the Grahams, the castle is still occupied.
RCAHMS 1963, visited 1952; N Tranter 1962-70.
Duchray Castle, name confirmed (information from Mrs A F Campbell, owner, Duchray Castle) is as described. The gateway and S wall of the courtyard appear to be contemporary with the castle, but the W and NE wings are modern additions. The building is in a very good state of preservation.
Visited by OS (D S) 21 March 1957.
From MacGibbon & Ross;
Click to view attachment
Found another postcard of the place.
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