Location

Kilarden is set in circa 20 acres of its own grounds on the Rosneath Peninsula which lies to the north of the Firth of Clyde. The peninsula is reached by the road from Garelochhead in its neck to the north and is bounded by Loch Long to the northwest, Gare Loch to the east and the Firth of Clyde to the south. Gare Loch has been used as a naval base since the 1830s and Faslane on the opposite side of the loch is a key naval base to this day. The peninsula is about eight miles long and is only two and a half miles wide at its widest point. A ridge runs along the centre from where there are magnificent views in all directions. Villages situated along the coastline include Rosneath, Kilcreggan (where there is a passenger ferry to Gourock) and Cove. Rosneath provides a primary school, two churches and local shops. The village has expanded in recent years providing housing for servicemen at the naval base and associated workers. There are further local shops at Garelochhead. Helensburgh on the opposite side of the loch is a larger town with a full range of supermarkets, independent shops and both local authority and private schools.

Description

Nestled on the Rosneath Peninsula, Kilarden is a charming home surrounded by an extraordinary collection of rhododendrons for which the property is well known. Dating from 1870, this elegant property is a tranquil retreat in a beautiful location.

Set within circa 20 acres, there are stunning views of the wonderful gardens from the house, with mature woodlands and flowering shrubs creating a tapestry of colour, centred around the celebrated rhododendrons.

The house itself is a very fine detached villa offering excellent family accommodation, with many original features still intact, including high ceilings, intricate cornicing, bay windows, carved wooden doors and fireplaces.   

The accommodation begins with a vestibule which leads into a reception hallway via splendidly ornate doors. Off the reception hall are the main reception rooms and a staircase leading upstairs. There are three generously-sized reception rooms ideal for entertaining, relaxing and formal dining. With particular note is the formal drawing room with its elaborately carved stone fireplace with wood burning stove; this space is currently split into a sitting room and music room where there is space for a grand piano. The traditional dining room has dual aspect windows, with a cosy sitting room/family room to the side. The breakfasting kitchen to the rear has floor and wall mounted units and a three oven range.   There is a door leading to the utility room which accesses the rear garden. Completing the ground floor is a WC, pantry, workshop/boiler room and greenhouse.

On the half landing is the family bathroom and separate WC.

On the first floor the light and bright landing has four double bedrooms off, the principal bedroom with dressing room and en suite bathroom.

• Outside, a sweeping driveway leads to the front of Kilarden where there is parking for several cars. There is also a car port, several tractor sheds and wood stores.

The wonderful gardens extend to circa 20 acres, with the acclaimed rhododendron collection providing vibrant displays of colour and texture throughout the season. Winding pathways meander throughout and there are charming seating areas and patios for summer dining and sitting out in the warmer weather. Beyond the spectacular rhododendrons, the grounds feature lawns, woodland, an orchard, pond and many other flowering shrubs.