The district once formed part of the great Ettrick Forest, where Scotland’s kings hunted deer…
The history of the Estate and the surrounding area
The area is steeped in myth and legend and has contributed to the cultural and literary life of Scotland itself.
The current owners acquired the estate in 2018 and have worked to upgrade it while understanding the historical importance of the place – it once formed part of the great Ettrick Forest, where Scotland’s kings hunted deer.
Work developing the croft house has been sympathetically done to take it from the former rustic family escape to something more luxurious and sustainable.
We don’t farm the land but are always pleased to see the sheep and Luing cattle as we drive up to the estate from the main road, through our neighbor’s farm. Here too is a part of history – James Hogg (the Ettrick Shepherd) lived at the cottage beside the forest road which leads up to Blackhouse.
History buffs are able to glimpse Blackhouse Tower (now a ruin) which was a stronghold of James ‘The Good’, Captain, friend & loyal supporter of Robert the Bruce.
The development
The estate is a wildlife haven with a vast variety of flora and fauna. A large number of rhododendrons and fruit plants have been established, as well as thousands of bulbs – snowdrops, crocuses, daffodils, bluebells – that dominate the landscape in the Spring.
The formal gardens around the croft house consist of immaculately manicured lawns, planted borders, ornamental trees, duck ponds and the burn that flows through the gardens and features three bridges for beautiful photography options.
Numerous ponds and miles of inter-connecting paths map across the estate, with strategically placed benches and tables to allow the amazing landscape and wildlife to be enjoyed to the full.
The landscape provides a home for roe and sika deer as well as many birds of prey, including golden eagles and there are a number of hides situated around the estate to watch for them. The lake is another must for relaxing and watching the brown trout jumping in the water, while you relax.