Location

Boat of Murthly has an idyllic waterside setting beside the River Tay. Prior to the construction of the Dunkeld Bridge in the early 19th century, this was the point of a public ferry crossing. The house is located at the far end of a 700m private track and now enjoys peace and privacy. It is also just 3 miles from the centre of Dunkeld; a town which is loved by visitors and locals alike for its charm, its independent shops and its community spirit. The town has practical amenities such as a Co-op, health centre, dentist and school (the Royal School of Dunkeld) and importantly a train station which connects the town to Edinburgh, Inverness and London. However its popularity is as much to do with the small businesses and cultural activities flourishing in the town. These include an artisan bakery, a delicatessen, traditional music evenings, riverside beer gardens, galleries and craft shops. The historic cathedral and cobbled town square surrounded by pretty traditional buildings make the town very picturesque. Dunkeld is linked to Birnam which has a post office and an arts centre. Perth and Dundee are 17 and 42 miles away respectively. The nearest airports are at Dundee and Edinburgh (60 miles). There is secondary schooling in Perth and in Aberfeldy (20 miles). Private schools within 24 miles of Dunkeld include Craigclowan, Ardvreck, Strathallan, Kilgraston and Glenalmond.

The countryside around Boat of Murthly is particularly beautiful and includes walks to hill lochs such as Ordie and Benachally as well as to the nature reserve at Loch of the Lowes. Riverside walks take in the ancient oaks at Birnam and there is also the National Trust’s Hermitage walk in Craigvinean Forest. From the house there is direct access to glorious walks along the riverside and into the nearby woods which are carpeted with bluebells in May. Dunkeld is also becoming a mecca for mountain bikers who enjoy the forest tracks behind the town. Shooting and stalking are readily available on estates locally. Boat of Murthly is said to be one of the best salmon beats on the lower Tay and fishing is available from Murthly Estate. The owner of Boat of Murthly house has rights to fish for trout in front of the house during the season. There is a leisure centre (for members) at the Dunkeld Hilton Hotel and Dunkeld has a scenic 18 hole golf course. There are more golf courses at Blairgowrie (including a champsionship course) and Gleneagles hotel and golf courses are 31 miles from Dunkeld.

Description

Boat of Murthly was built in 1864 on the site of the old ferryman’s house. Constructed as two adjoining cottages belonging to Murthly Estate, it is now one lovely home. The main entrance is at the back of the house where a welcoming kitchen opens into to a bright dining area overlooking the garden. The drawing room and the dining room are wonderful rooms with their old larch cladding giving them a distinctive character and a warm atmosphere. The larch is believed to come from Murthly Estate and the huge fireplaces are reminiscent of those in Murthly Castle. Both these rooms are ideal for entertaining. The timber panelling extends into the study (where it has been painted) and to the central reception hall. Running along the front of the house and facing south is a vestibule/conservatory with pretty arched windows overlooking the river.

On the north side of the house a series of practical rooms include a utility/laundry room, boiler/cloakroom and two WCs. The second floor is divided into two, each with its own staircase. The main bedroom with en suite shower room is on the east side of the house along with two further bedrooms and a bathroom. On the west side of the house (and ideal for guests) there are two further bedrooms and a recently refurbished bathroom.

Outbuildings - forming a courtyard behind the house is a range of outbuildings including a workshop, double garage, log store, garden store and a shower room. In the garden there is a substantial open fronted shed with one lockable section, for storing tractors/mowers etc. There is also a summer house

Garden - Boat of Murthly sits in 1.3 acres of deer-fenced garden. Lawns, herbaceous borders, spring bulbs, old Douglas fir trees, a vegetable garden, fruit cages, apple trees and woodland provide enormous variety and encourage all sorts of wildlife. Red squirrels, ospreys and oyster catchers are all regular visitors. Roe and fallow deer live in the nearby woodland.

Directions

From the A9 north of Perth take the exit to Dunkeld and Birnam (A923). On entering Dunkeld having crossed the River Tay take the first road to the right hand side signposted for Caputh. Continue on this road for approximately 2.5 miles and the track to Boat of Murthly is on the right hand side. Continue down the unmade road following it around to the left as it meets the river. Boat of Murthly is at the end of this track.