10 bedroom house

Outstanding upgraded mansion house with spectacular gardens, stabling and 23 acres.


Description

Underwood House is one of the finest Georgian country houses in the west of Scotland. Late 18th century classical houses in Scotland are often exquisitely planned and built and Underwood House is no exception. To the front elevation there is a pedimented projection topped by a single ornamental urn and to the rear of the property there is a centre bow projection and the interior stairwell is also of special architectural note.

Underwood House is a Category B Listed mansion built for Captain John Kennedy after he purchased the estate in 1785.

Underwood was in the same family for almost 200 years and was carefully curated. In the last five years, the house has been subject to a sensitive but comprehensive upgrading, creating a manageable family home whilst retaining the unique character and its outstanding Georgian features. The roof has been replaced, chimney heads rebuilt with and interior renovations carried out such as the brand new handmade kitchen, bathrooms and en suites throughout, re-wiring, re-plumbing and also full redecoration. The current owners have taken great care to retain the wealth of traditional features with a 21st century blend of new fittings. The surrounding grounds have also undergone a dramatic transformation with five acres of magnificent landscaped gardens with the additional parkland used as paddocks. The original gardens were laid out circa 1780 in the fashionable landscaped style and the original features still remain unchanged with sweeping lawns, large specimen trees and a magnificent ornamental pond with a cascade and burn running through the grounds. The woodland has been restored and replanted with specimen rhododendrons, hydrangeas and woodland bulbs. A formal pleasure garden has been created and a fully enclosed cutting garden sits alongside a herb and kitchen garden. There is a large greenhouse and poly tunnel.

The accommodation within Underwood House is entirely flexible and the garden level arranged in such a way that it may be used as a self-contained apartment or fully integrated into the house. The accommodation on the principal floor begins with a beautiful entrance vestibule leading to the grand hallway. Here a wonderful original staircase with intricate wrought iron banisters curves up to the upper levels, and a door opens into the magnificent sitting room which is semi-circular with views to the gardens. Three full height astragal windows form a superb frame for the garden outlook beyond. Off the sitting room there is the elegant drawing room which, like the sitting room, has a fine open fireplace and exquisite parquet flooring, and as with all the reception rooms, high ceilings with elaborate plasterwork. A formal dining room is another impressive space and there is also a cosy study / library. The exceptional open plan kitchen / breakfast room is what makes this period house especially well-suited to contemporary family living. Light and airy thanks to windows at either end, and at the focal point, there is a generously-sized cream stone topped island unit with breakfast bar and there are handmade freestanding cabinets and a stainless steel range cooker. The dining area is warmed by an inset log burning stove. A utility room and bathroom complete the ground floor.

The first floor accommodation sits off the galleried upper landing and comprises a principal suite with bedroom, bathroom and dressing room, home office, sitting room and bedroom with adjoining bathroom . The central staircase then curves up to the second floor where there is a suite comprising bedroom, bathroom and sitting room. There are 2 additional bedrooms and bathroom. The garden level accommodation has a separate entrance and currently comprises a magnificent semi-circular sitting room with French doors leading out to the gardens, five double bedrooms (four with en suite bath/shower rooms), laundry room, boot room and boiler room. One of the bedrooms is used as a fitness studio.

There is a substantial three-car garage in the courtyard and an additional double garage, an American-style barn to the west side of the property which currently comprises four loose boxes, tack room, kitchen and office. Within the grounds there are additional field shelters. There is an all-weather tennis court

Location

The historic Underwood House is situated in one of the most enchanted secluded positions within the renowned countryside of South Ayrshire. The mansion house is surrounded by extensive policies which include beautifully restored landscaped gardens, mature woodland, a fully enclosed cutting and kitchen garden and 19 acres of pasture land . Underwood House is close to the heart of Burns country and the picturesque village of Symington is approximately 2 miles away, while the M77/A77 provides excellent road access to Glasgow, Ayrshire and beyond. Within close proximity is the famous Royal Troon Golf Course which hosted the British Open in 2016 and which will next host the Championship in 2024. Turnberry (the venue for the British Open in 2009) has recently undergone a dramatic refurbishment and there is a wide range of additional golf courses within Ayrshire. There is also excellent sailing with yachting marinas at Troon and further along the coast at Largs and Inverkip. South Ayrshire is also noted for its field sport including pheasant, partridge and grouse shooting and there is first class shooting on nearby estates.

Prestwick Airport is within close proximity and Glasgow and Edinburgh airports provide a wider range of domestic, European and international flights.

Square Footage: 7,922 sq ft





Directions

From Glasgow head south along the M77 and continue beyond Fenwick, Kilmarnock and Symington. Continue south past Hansel and turn left following signs for Underwood and Ladykirk. Continue along this road past Underwood Lodge and beyond the farm, then turn left. Continue along this road and the main entrance to Underwood House is on the left hand side.

Marketed by: Savills, Glasgow