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Accommodates 22 + 2
12 bedrooms 11 bathrooms Birkhill is the family home of the Earl and Countess
of Dundee.
Birkhill has seen centuries of turbulent Scottish history. The
date 1692 is carved in the stonework above the tower door, and
some parts of the buildings date to the 1590's. The castle, on
the shores of the River Tay, is a family home that extends a warm
welcome to all who cross its threshold.
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We
were very late and concerned that we’d be greeted crossly, but the
owner was at the door, smiling widely and welcoming us to her
home. We entered into a wide entry hall that has a pipe organ in
a
little alcove and leads to a longer hallway running the length of the
ground floor. There are many antiques, rugs over the flagstone
floors, a
fireplace, large windows, various. The first impression is that
this is a family home, not a show piece. It has heart and
substance, as do the owners.
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To the right of the entry, the enormous oval dining
room seats 20 comfortably.
There is the original fireplace, several antique sideboards to serving
dishes and
silver. and large windows that look onto the grounds and the castle
turrets.
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The very large drawing room is slightly formal, but it
is neither
austere or stuffy - it’s very friendly. The walls are soft blue
with white woodwork. Two large, comfortable sofas
flank the marble fireplace. There are easy chairs, ottomans,
ancestors portraits on the walls, a well-worn Oriental rug over wood
floors. There's a big mirror
over the
fireplace, a grand piano, an antique card table. One easily senses the decades of family life that this
room has
experienced.
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The large library is a comfortable, casual gathering
place. Three large sofas face a marble fireplace that has a wood stove insert. There are yellow walls, an old
Oriental rug, many books,
antiques, a large ottoman/coffee talbe, a TV, a piano, ancestors'
portraits, water views from the tall
windows. This is a wonderful room.
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The turquoise
billiard room has a billiard table and lots of furniture,
antiques, big old ceiling lights. Etchings and paintings adorn
the walls. This is another sitting room as well as a space for
playing billiards.
The large kitchen is Cook’s area, but you are welcome to reheat leftovers or take some of last night’s cake and a cup of tea. Menus are discussed with Cook in advance of the rental date. Dinners are served with house wines. If you want special wines, these can be ordered to complement the menu. |
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The bedrooms
are up the wide stairway at the end of the ground floor hallway.
There is a lot to see in this area: antiques, artifacts, family
portraits and other art. It's not just a walk upstairs!
The West Bedroom is the master bedroom. It has a king-size 4 poster bed with pink and beige fabric, an antique armoire and chest of drawers, comfortable seating, floral wallpaper, a decorative fireplace with a heater insert. The en suite bathroom has a deep tub with a hand-held shower. |
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The Yellow Bedroom
has a king-size 4-poster bed and a small
sofa at the foot of the bed. There is a large antique armoire, a
decorative iron fireplace, a desk and a dressing table and a sturdy dresser.
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The adjacent large
Dressing Room is now a single bedroom, with a single bed, a dressing
table and a dresser and wardrobe. A hallway bathroom has a tub
and a separate shower. This dressing room and the bathroom are
decorated with many watercolors of nearby locations.
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The Chintz Room has
twin beds with tall headboards, an antique armoire and chest of
drawers, a fireplace with a heater inside and an antique rug over green
carpet.
The private hallway bathroom has a tub with hand-held shower. Hand painted vines and flowers adorn the walls. |
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The former Nursery
now has a king-size bed and an antique armoire. The sitting area
has a decorative fireplace, a small antique piano, an antique cabinet
holding books and a dressing table. Some toys remain that have
been in the family for generations: the rocking horse in front of the
window is one of them.
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Bookcases line the
walls of this part of the hall. This family
are book people and, throughout the castle, you will find many old
books that will capture your interest. You are invited to enjoy
them while you are there.
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Lavinia’s Bedroom
has
twin beds that can be pushed together. There is an antique chest
of drawers, an antique armoire, a dressing table, a decorative
fireplace, flowered wallpaper and checked fabric.
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Aunt Janet’s Bedroom has a queen bed with a headboard
covered in antique fabric, an antique armoire and chest
of drawers, a comfortable chair. This is a large, square room
with
windows looking down onto the front courtyard. This is one of our
favorite bedrooms. Aunt Janet, the great-great aunt of the
current
owner, was a prolific watercolorist of considerable talent. On
the walls, hanging by cords, are over 30 framed watercolors, mostly
landscapes, all excellent. The sweet secret is that each painting
has another painting on the back. Turn the painting around on its
cord and
you’ll have another to enjoy. What a delightful experience that
was for us.
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Marina’s
Bedroom has a king-size bed with dark blue fabric, an antique
desk, an armoire and many personal touches. This is a
large bedroom with yellow walls and three big windows looking down onto
the front of the property. The adjacent large bathroom has a
stall shower.
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Harry’s
Bedroom has an antique black double iron bed.
Wallpapter is black and tan toile du jouy and curtains are black and
white checked cotton. There is red
carpeting, comfortable seating and a decorative fireplace. This
is a comfortable, casual bedroom. Up two steps there is an
enormous bathroom
with a very long bathtub.
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Another
hallway bathroom has a tub with a hand-held shower.
The Blue Bedroom has twin beds with flowered cotton covers. There are two chests of drawers, an antique dressing table, bookcases, a decorative fireplace. |
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The Wine
Bedroom has twin beds with tall brass
headboards. There’s a small antique wicker bassinette (you never
know!), an antique armoire, pink and white striped wallpaper, a
beautiful antique dressing table, dormer windows.
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At the end of this hallway, there is an alcove with
high ceilings
and, yes, a grand piano! It is at the very top of the castle
tower. This is a very good indication of the
quirkiness and individuality of the family who own this house!
There is a 40' heated outdoor swimming pool on the property. There’s a tennis court and a small private beach also - on the River Tay. |
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The
walled garden is 2.5 acre. It’s laid out as a traditional
Scottish Victorian garden. The vegetable and fruit garden have
grapes,
figs, white peaches, nectarines and apricots which are brought to the
house each day by the gardener, Graham. The 10-acre
woodland garden has rare, mature rhododendrons and
magnolias. A bubbly brook makes its way through the woodland
garden and out to the Tay. It’s a great pleasure to explore
the woods and meadows of the property’s 2000 acres.
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There are over 100 golf courses within 40 minutes of
the
property. These include St. Andrews (20 minutes from the
property), Carnoustie, Elie, Crail and Kingsbarns. Every August
sees the world’s largest gathering of the art world at the Edinburgh
International Festival & Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
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This is a fully-staffed property. Everything will be arranged to meet your needs. Prices are based on the number of people in your party and your particular requirements and wishes. Prices start at £300 per person per night for bed, breakfast, afternoon tea and a formal dinner. Additional concieriege services may not be included. When we know more about your needs, we will give you a specific price. |
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