Location

Ayton Minor is situated 1.5 miles west of Abernethy in the beautiful walled garden that formerly belonged to Ayton House. Abernethy village with its ancient round tower, museum and parish church has an active community with a coffee shop and village shop. Bridge of Earn (3 miles) has a local supermarket and post office and primary school. Perth is only 7 miles north and has a wide range of shops, bars, restaurants and professional services. Perth also has a concert hall, theatre, art gallery, museum and cinema. The town’s leisure facilities include the Perth Climbing Centre, The Willowgate Activity Centre, Perth Leisure pool, and two sports centres. There are local golf courses at the North Inch, Craigie Hill and Murrayshall, while Gleneagles and St Andrews golf courses are both within 22 miles.

Ayton Minor is particularly well placed for schools with primary schools in Abernethy and Bridge of Earn and a choice of secondary schooling in Perth. In terms of independent schooling, Craigclowan, Ardvreck, Strathallan, Glenalmond College, Morrisons Academy, The High School of Dundee, Dollar Academy and St Leonards are all within 25 miles of Ayton Minor, giving an exceptional choice for families.

The rivers, hills and lochs of the Perthshire highlands and the Angus Glens are all within easy reach to the north and west whilst the ski slopes of Glenshee are about 40 miles north. Meanwhile the beautiful coastline of the East Neuk of Fife, along with St Andrews, is easily accessible (about 25 miles) to the southeast of Abernethy. Perth train station has services to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen, Inverness and London. Edinburgh Airport is about 40 miles away and there are direct flights from Dundee Airport (24 miles) to London.

All distances and travel times are approximate.

Description

Ayton Minor was built in 1987 using red brick to complement the old red brick wall that encloses its walled garden. The house was built on the site of a former greenhouse and is perfectly positioned to capture the southerly light and views over the garden. Whilst it has been beautifully looked after, the property is now ready for some modernisation and (subject to obtaining the relevant permissions) offers plenty of potential for extension and remodelling to suit a new owner’s requirements. A welcoming reception hall at the centre of the house has characterful arched detailing and three picture windows (including French windows) overlooking the garden. It connects perfectly with the garden in summer months and works well as a cosier sitting room with its wood burning stove in colder months. Ayton Minor has a formal sitting room in its west wing, with a large three bay window and an open fireplace. This room adjoins a conservatory at the back of the house. In the east wing, the kitchen also has picture windows overlooking the garden. There is space for a dining table and doors to the garden. On the ground floor there is also a double bedroom and a shower room as well as a large utility room with a back door. There are two further double bedrooms on the first floor. The main bedroom has an en suite bathroom and access to a balcony. Bedroom 2 is served by a separate shower room. There is useful storage on the landing.

Outbuildings
Lean-to timber workshop and garage
Lean-to garden shed
Greenhouse
Timber guest cabin with shower
Field shelter


Garden and grounds
Ayton Minor is set in approximately 14.5 acres which is made up of garden, woodland and grazing. The house has a private driveway and a large gravel turning circle at the front of the house, with plenty of space for parking. The walled garden extends to about 1.2 acres and is mainly grassed but has some colourful herbaceous plants alongside mature fruit trees and shrubs. There is also a kitchen garden with herbs and soft fruit bushes. Immediately outside the house is a sheltered south facing paved terrace; ideal for sitting out in summer. Behind the south wall of the garden is a beautiful old rose walk where roses are still climbing the wide iron frames laid out many years ago. The remainder of the ground at Ayton Minor is a wonderful mix of grazing (about 7.8 acres of fields) and mature woodland that stretch down to the River Farg on the western boundary of the property.

Directions

From Perth take the A9 south and come off at the exit to Bridge of Earn. Then turn left and join the A912 towards Abernethy and Gateside. At the roundabout take the first exit and after 0.3 miles turn right, beside Ayton North Lodge. Follow this private road taking the first right hand turn and after about 300m turn left into the private driveway of Ayton Minor.