Latest news with #Rettie
Scotsman
8 hours ago
- Business
- Scotsman
The 600-year-old Edinburgh tower house and taxidermist's home up for sale
An early 15th-century Edinburgh tower house that was saved and lovingly restored by one of Scotland's top taxidermists has come up for sale. Cramond Tower was taken over by taxidermist George Jamieson and his wife Anne, with the pair turning the abandoned historic property, which had been left to dwindle for more than 150 years, into their much-loved home. The property, which sits in Kirk Cramond close to the Firth of Forth to the west of the capital, was once the summer residence of the Bishops of Dunkeld before passing into the hands of the powerful Douglas family. Mr Jamieson, whose skill was in demand by museums across Scotland and his pieces also sold around the world, passed away last year, aged 70, with the house now up for sale. Maz Purdie, senior sales negotiator at Rettie, said the historical nature of the property had proved to be a 'massive draw' for potential buyers - as had its association with Mr Jamieson, who also worked in a studio at his home. She said: 'It is a really special place. When George Jamieson bought it 50 years ago, there were no floors, there was no roof. He spent 50 years making it into the property that it is. 'A lot of people got in touch regarding the property because they knew it was his. They knew it would be a little eccentric.' READ MORE: Inside the unique and lovely lighthouse on the north coast of Scotland looking for a new owner The property mixes ancient architecture with home comforts, while offering a home close to the water in a tranquil setting, but with easy access to the city. Cramond Tower was acquired by the Bishopric of Dunkeld in 1409 and the defensive pile was possibly fitted with a drawbridge in its early years. READ MORE: Former Scottish hunting lodge near Gleneagles for sale Following the Reformation, the tower passed from the house of Douglas into the possession of Edinburgh merchant James Inglis in 1622, with more homely aspects added to the tower, such as windows, more fireplaces and window seats. Abandoned in the late 17th century as the family moved to Cramond House, the tower was a virtual ruin by the 1830s. Today, Cramond Tower is set over five levels and has four bedrooms, three bathrooms and two reception rooms. The property blends 'charm and character of ancient architecture' with the practicalities of modern living, Ms Purdie said. She added: 'Cramond Tower is one of these properties that you never know if it will take six months or six days to sell. 'The diverse range of buyers coming forward has been amazing. We have had people who want it as a family home, somewhere where they can raise their children. It sits in half an acre and is just right next to the beach. 'We have had inquiries from people from overseas and from people who own estates elsewhere in Scotland, such as Aberdeenshire, and want a place in Edinburgh. 'People have been interested in it because they know they are buying a piece of history. That has been the driving force behind many inquiries. One woman was in touch from America as her ancestors were from Cramond.' George Jamieson was born in Edinburgh with a client base spanning Europe, the United States and Australia. He started out in taxidermy through his interest in birdwatching, painting and sketching. He was given a stuffed golden eagle for passing his 11+ exam. As a teenager, he started mounting the dead birds he found while out with his binoculars. He was later advised by the former Royal Museum of Scotland on his craft, which he continued to pursue while at university in Aberdeen. 'My desire to do taxidermy was to create the illusion of life using the original animal or bird skins and modelled in a lifelike manner,' he said. 'This appeared to me to be the most honest type of wildlife art.' . Inside Cramond Tower, which is set over five storeys and comes with a long history plus many modern comforts. Inside Cramond Tower, which is set over five storeys and comes with a long history plus many modern comforts. | Rettie Photo Sales . The tower was built as a defensive structure but it was later made a family home by an Edinburgh merchant in the 17th Century and then upgraded by George Jamieson when he took ownership in the 1970s. PIC: Rettie. The tower was built as a defensive structure but it was later made a family home by an Edinburgh merchant in the 17th Century and then upgraded by George Jamieson when he took ownership in the 1970s. PIC: Rettie. | Rettie Photo Sales . Taxidermist George Jamieson with a show of his work at Jenners department store in 1974. Taxidermist George Jamieson with a show of his work at Jenners department store in 1974. PIC: National World. | National World Photo Sales 1 . A tower of a house Cramond Tower, which dates to the early 15th Century, was originally the home of the Bishops of Dunkeld with the property later abandoned. It was left to ruin for more than 150 years. PIC: Rettie. | Rettie Photo Sales 2 . Hints of history The long history of the house can be seen at every turn at Cramond Tower. | Rettie Photo Sales 3 . Fine features The house was modernised in the 17th Century to add more windows and seats. It was made a true home by Edinburgh taxidermist George Jamieson, who took on Cramond Tower in the 1970s when it had no floors and no roof. | Rettie Photo Sales 4 . A house of interest Estate agents Rettie said there had been 'amazing' interest in the property given its history and the profile of its former owner, George Jamieson. | Rettie Photo Sales Related topics: PropertyNatureScotlandEdinburghMuseums
Scotsman
5 days ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Inside the dreamy East Lothian seaside home on the market for offers over £1,550,000
If The Stables were a horse, it'd be a glossy thoroughbred. This lovely slate-roofed property is situated at the Marine Hotel end of North Berwick, and, as its name suggests, is a converted B-listed former stable block. Among other things, there are five bedrooms, three living rooms, three bathrooms, a games room, 0.75 acres, and a self-contained studio across two levels, and it's yours for offers over £1,550,000 via estate agent Rettie. We asked the current owner, Emma Govan, to tell us more. Why are you moving on and how long have you been at the property? We bought The Stables just under seven years ago with a view to bringing this beautiful home back to life, as it was a little tired and unloved. Now that we have finished, it feels like the right time to pass it on to the next owners to enjoy while we move to our next project. We believe you are only ever the custodian of a property like this and my husband likes to quote the All Blacks who endeavour to leave the jersey in a better place. I like to think we have done that here. Tell us about the building's history The property was the stable block for Carlekemp Mansion House. It was built in 1898 for James Craig - a paper manufacturer - as his holiday home. The west wing has always been a cottage, hence the postal address Stables Cottage. The kitchen was the Coach House, the principal bedroom was the hayloft and the east wing was the stables and tack room. You can still see the hooks for the hay bales in the attic. Carlekemp was used as a convalescent home during and after WW1 and subsequently was a priory school. I believe the stable block was used as science classrooms at one time. In the Nineties it was converted from three holiday lets to one family home. What have you done to the property since moving in? We have successfully managed holiday rentals from the property while we upgraded the space. Over the years we have worked our way round each room decorating and enhancing them. We had doors commissioned to separate the lounge and games room, replaced a decorative open fire with a Charnwood Aire Woodburning Stove, and installed large custom-made storage cupboards in the hall. We replaced the main family bathroom and also created a practical utility/boot room. Externally we added a fence, upgraded the pathway and installed a patio to give the house a defined entrance way. We simplified the lawns to accommodate a robot lawnmower for ease of maintenance. Finally, we uncovered and restored a hidden raised garden with views out to the sea. Did you install the kitchen, and does it have any interesting features? The kitchen was handmade by Michael Hart Cabinet Makers and it is a testament to his craftmanship that it has stood the test of time. We have maintained and upgraded the space to accommodate an American style fridge freezer, added panelling and replaced the floor. The round island is a great talking point and holds more than you would expect. However, you will always find me next to the four oven gas-fired AGA, this is truly the heart of our home. Any interesting architectural features? The leaded windows and surrounding exposed stonework are my favourite features. The detailed carvings that adorn the main house and the gate house are mirrored here. You will find the initials JC carved above the hayloft below the original weather vane. On an autumn morning the sun shines though the kitchen and catches the Cotswold stone turning it pink and making it sparkle – it is a magical moment. Which are your favourite rooms and why? It is honestly so hard to choose, we have such happy memories in every room of the house. During the day, the kitchen is truly the heart of our home - there are always people coming and going. The studio radiates a stillness and gets the sun in the afternoon. On a winter evening I love curling up in front of the fire in the cosy lounge. Also, the enclosed, sheltered courtyard feels positively Mediterranean on a summer's day. What have been your happiest moments at the property? Bringing our babies home here and all of the birthday parties that followed. Summers spent on the deck sunbathing and watching the children run through the sprinklers. Christmas and New Year round the dining table with friends and the best Burns' Supper this year. Seeing the photographs after the hard work was finished, as we really are proud of what we have achieved. What are the views like? My favourite view is out past Carlekemp House to the sea, the building is truly magnificent and the water is idyllic, it is like going back in time. It is amazing to find such peace and quiet so close to the town. The sunset through the trees is exceptional. What's the area like to live in? We adore living in North Berwick, there is a wonderful welcoming community, a great array of independent shops, restaurants, coffee shops and bakeries. The Stables is ideally located to benefit from the peaceful surrounding while the centre of town and the train station is a comfortable walking distance. A morning walk into town for breakfast at Cake or a coffee at Steampunk; a stroll round the Victorian lodge park with a Bostock pastry; lunch at Herringbone and walking it off on the beach; picking up local produce from Anderson's Butcher and Wilson's Fresh Farm Produce Store; an afternoon play on the beach or golf course finishing up at the Marine Hotel where we can enjoy a glass of wine in the bar and watch the sunset over Fidra and Yellowcraig beach. It is no wonder North Berwick is such a desirable place to live and visit. 3 . Another view of the living room Contributed Photo: Contributed Photo Sales
Scotsman
5 days ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Inside Scotland's coolest and most colourful duplex apartment, which is currently on the market
The Scottish brand Risotto Studio is known for its colourful stationery and prints. Now, the team behind this company, architect Rob Morrison and designer Gabriella Marcella, have put their three-bedroom duplex home in Glasgow's Finnieston up for sale. It's probably the most fun property we've ever seen, and is on via estate agent, Rettie, for offers over £269,000. We asked Marcella to tell us more about 42 Kelvingrove Street. How long have you lived at the property? My husband Rob bought the flat with his sisters, back in 2009, just before we met, so it's been the backdrop to our whole relationship. We were both students at Glasgow School of Art, so there was a lot of ambitious and creative energy around it. Being a three bed, and having it for so long has meant flatmates have become really dear life-long friends, as so much time was spent with Rob cooking epic meals - all times of the day. Despite our long relationship, we only got married last year, and Rob moved in with me a few years before. The flat has been rented to friends since then, with a dear friend and fellow designer - Grace Winteringham moving in last year, and helping us renovate one last time. It's an emotional goodbye, but we're excited to see who makes their next chapter here. How does your decor reflect your design practices? Rob's architecture practice is centered around repurposing existing materials and buildings - so stripping back, and staying true to the existing foundations is key. He's able to envisage the potential of any space (where storage can be maximised - building into the eaves throughout) and opening up space to maximise light. I am much more responsive to the current environment. I adorn a space using any means I have (artwork, paint, objects, or material). I'm a mega maximalist, but because everything I have and collect is brightly coloured, I find we end up painting the spaces white, to balance it out. Do you always agree on looks? We don't always agree, but we've had a lot of practice crunching through the decision making. Rob loves clear surfaces, but also has a book addiction. I collect everything else - so battle of the surfaces is often at play. Especially with all life bits that come in and out everyday. Ultimately we respect both our tastes, so will make compromises where one feels more strongly. He takes the reins on layout and lighting, then I source the fittings and finishing touches. He can be equally playful, but just doesn't express it as outwardly as I do. Have you had to make any major changes to the flat? The flat has remained the same downstairs, but upstairs has been opened up a lot. We exposed the original brick, and he created an open-plan kitchen/living, where there were two rooms before. Light can be shared across the east west aspects and the glazing that separates the stairwell is always filled with natural light. The biggest job was probably laying the salvaged mahogany parquet, which was reclaimed from a stately home in Dunkeld. It took a long time removing all the bitumen, so they could be re-laid and sanded, but it's been so worth it. We sanded them back last week ahead of the sale and because you're dealing with such good quality hard wood, they're gleaming again. Where did you find your cool objects/furniture? I have a long-standing eBay addiction, and there is always a steady stream of vintage office supplies, weird objects, or textiles that I've seen some promise in. I'm particularly excited about Italian design, and anything that came out of Milan in the Seventies and Eighties, from Kartell to the Memphis Group and Olivetti. I'm guided by my emotions, so if an object or print has made me feel joy, I'm a magpie for it. The famous goose light in the green-tiled fireplace is our friend Grace's. I'm so glad she's housing it here for the time being. A lot of the artwork is from Glasgow-based friends and collaborators. Which space do you love the most? I'd say the kitchen/living. Or specifically, around the island. Rob's always been meticulous about spatial positioning of furniture and kitchen layouts, to be conducive to social cooking and dining. It's the place everyone instantly congregates around. It bridges the living space so naturally, so there is always a lovely proximity to other activities and views to the Glasgow rooftops, or the gold gurdwara roof gleaming in the sun. The bath/shower right under the Velux is also great - especially when it's pouring outside. What's it like living in Finnieston? It's become so popular for a reason, including being able to be in Kelvingrove Park in a minute. Its proximity to amazing food - Gloriosa, Mother India, Ben Nevis pub. Our early relationship was founded on the fabulous fish dinners from Maccallums fishmonger (sadly gone!) and booze-runs to GG Brothers (aka 'the cage'). It was quite a different place in 2009 and sadly a lot of independents have since closed. I remember the shift once the OVO Hydro opened - especially over weekends. The area became a destination as much as a neighborhood. What's it like living in a duplex? You get the best of both worlds. The downstairs has the super high tenement ceilings, and we've painted it all white, to really bounce all the light around. The upstairs has a totally different vibe. All the natural wood, exposed brick and soft seating is really comforting and relaxed. If you can keep the downstairs as a work-space, this feels like the ultimate balance, as you get the feeling of being separated from home-life, whilst being in the same house. Downstairs is stripped back and has served as a studio, bedroom, and even a workshop space for group work. Rob's considered the layout to remain flexible, to adjust with him, us and future changes life presents, and it'll hopefully continue to offer that to the next owners. How many viewers has there been so far? We've had more viewings booked in the first 24 hours than the estate agent has seen in months. Rettie said it's setting records. I think this is because it's quite unique. The feedback's been lovely. People seem excited by how unique the space is - how well it's been considered and optimised for light and storage. And of course some of the objects. The goose is neck and neck as a favourite with our Eames lounger. I think overall, they can feel the care that's been poured into it, its unique character, cool design touches and the way the spaces unfold across split levels. 2 . Dining space Alix McIntosh Photography Photo: Alix McIntosh Photography Photo Sales
The Courier
26-05-2025
- Business
- The Courier
11 Dundee homes with the best views for sale
Several homes across Dundee offering stunning views are up for sale. Many look out across the River Tay and beyond, while others make the most of the countryside, nearby golf courses and historical landmarks. The properties range from penthouse apartments to converted period properties and modern homes. The Courier has rounded up 11 homes for sale in Dundee with some of the best views. This apartment on Dundee's Riverside Drive benefits from a south-east facing balcony looking out over the River Tay. The waterfront home has two bedrooms and a modern interior. It is on the market with Rettie for offers over £270,000. Craighall has views across Broughty Ferry and towards the River Tay from its conservatory and garden. The property has five bedrooms, three reception rooms and two bathrooms. Verdala is marketing the property for sale for offers over £695,000. Bendochy on Broughty Ferry's Ralston Road boasts a living room with large windows framing the views of the River Tay. The five-bedroom property blends 'modern touches with timeless elegance', according to agent Verdala. The home is on the market for offers over £650,000. This modern home was built in 2016 and looks out across Broughty Ferry. The living area has floor-to-ceiling windows to make the most of the view, while an outdoor patio also provides space to enjoy the setting. The property is up for sale with Harmony Homes for offers over £420,000. The penthouse apartment sits on the top floor of Dundee's Riverside Drive development. It features a full-width, south-facing balcony, which provides panoramic views of the river below, and is set over two floors. The flat is being marketed by Your Move for offers over £400,000. This home on the edge of Broughty Ferry's shoreline has uninterrupted, panoramic views of the Tay Estuary and is designed to make the most of its coastal setting. The property has wrap-around terracing, while a conservatory also extends the indoor living space into the garden. The home is up for sale with Verdala for offers over £399,000. The five-bedroom villa enjoys views across Dundee and towards the Tay Road Bridge from its balcony. The family home has been recently refurbished inside. It is on the market for offers over £375,000 with Slater Hogg & Howison. This home on the outskirts of Dundee boasts views across Ballumbie Castle golf course and offers 'an enviable blend of contemporary design and rural charm'. It has four bedrooms, two reception rooms and three bathrooms. Verdala is marketing the property for offers over £349,000. The second-floor apartment in the city's West End has an elevated position with views over the River Tay. The three-bedroom flat has large windows to enjoy the view and traditional features. The home is up for sale with Verdala for offers over £225,000. This two-bedroom apartment overlooks the HMS Unicorn and has further views of the River Tay. The fourth-floor flat has floor-to-ceiling French doors in the living room, offering uninterrupted views of the ship as well as the harbour area and Dundee Law. It is on the market for a fixed price of £200,000 with Slater Hogg & Howison. This two-bedroom apartment forms part of a converted period villa in the city's West End. The home has views towards Riverside Drive and the River Tay. The flat is up for sale with Gilson Gray for offers over £199,995.
The Courier
14-05-2025
- Business
- The Courier
'Exceptional' Carse of Gowrie mansion on 8.5 acres of private land has £200k cut from asking price
An 'exceptional' listed mansion in the Carse of Gowrie set on 8.5 acres of private land has now had £200,000 cut from its asking price. Inchmartine House is an A-listed Georgian home located just over a mile outside Inchture. The property dates from 1740 but has undergone several renovations. The home was originally gifted to David, Earl of Huntingdon, by his brother, William the Lion. It later belonged to John de Inchmartine, who became Sheriff of Perth. The house originally went up for sale last year for £1.1 million, but has now had just over £200,000 knocked off its asking price. The house and its annexe have space for up to nine bedrooms and there are several reception rooms. Described as 'generous and well-proportioned' accommodation, marketing agent Rettie says it needs 'substantial upgrading and modernisation'. A sweeping driveway leads to a turning circle, and stone pillars mark the entrance to the grand home. The ground floor comprises a study, a family room, a dining room, a kitchen, a WC, and a wine cellar. A period staircase leads to the first floor, which has the main bedroom with an en-suite, a drawing room, a reception space, a library, and two double bedrooms. The second floor has a games room, a family bathroom, and three further double bedrooms. The third floor comprises two attic rooms, a store room, and a studio. The annexe building is fitted with a kitchen, a sitting room, and two double bedrooms. Inchmartine House spans approximately 10,390 sq ft and has retained many of its original period features. The large gardens offer privacy and include a former antique studio and detached timber barn. The property is being marketed by Rettie for offers over £895,000. Elsewhere in Perth and Kinross, a beautiful Pitlochry home with Tuscan themes has been put up for sale.
