An historic family home with cottage, woodland and fort in Stirlingshire

Located near Dunipace, Scotland, Braes was built in 1644 and forms two residential (joined) properties with various outbuildings including a double garage and pool house.

Braes is a family home surrounded by private gardens and woodland yet only 4 miles from the motorway network. The house includes 3 reception rooms, 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Adjoining the main house, is Easter Braes, the former chapel which includes 1 reception room, 3 bedrooms and a bathroom.

The outbuildings comprise of a large two storey barn which could have a multitude of purposes, together with a double garage and also a pool house. This includes an indoor pool (3m x 6m), complete with sauna. In addition, there is also the former Coach House located within the grounds which offer residential development potential. The gardens and woodland are a real feature and extend to 33 acres in total. This includes lawns, orchard, planted borders and surrounded by attractive mature woodland. The policies unusually include an ancient vitrified fort.

Braes House is approached off the main road via a private tree lined tarmac driveway with a parking area to the front and side. Originally the Toll House and dating back to 1643, the house retains many period features including the stone arch in the kitchen, the original panelling in the sitting rooms, sand-and-case windows with original shutters, wooden winding staircase over three floors, dining room fireplace with blue marble surround (not in use) and wooden Adams style mantelpiece and slate roof with tabled gables.

Adjoining Braes on the east gable, Easter Braes offers additional accommodation.

There are a number of outbuildings including a steading, double garage and pool house.

There is also an attractive former coach house situated within the woodland in an attractive and private site. This could provide residential development potential, subject to the necessary planning consent(s).

Gardens and Grounds
Braes House is surrounded by formal gardens and woodland policies extending to about 33 acres in total. There is a front garden laid to lawn with planted borders, specimen trees and a small orchard.

Surrounding the gardens, is a block of mixed mature woodland which climbs up to the north of the house to form an attractive backdrop. With banks of daffodils and blue bells in the spring and summer months, it provides for some lovely woodland walks.

Towards the top of the woodland, there is a burn and also a small reservoir.

Braes Fort
Situated within the woodland on a hillock, is the remains of a small Fort covering an area of 45m x 26m. Classed as a scheduled monument, the Fort is thought to be Pictish in origin.

Historical Note
All of the original deeds dating from the 1640s are held at the house, including the original document gifting the house from Lady Stirling to Forrester who was then appointed as toll master. There is a wealth of history covering over 400 years, detailing the various uses of the house from a toll house to a monastery, dwelling house to a working farm and most recently a family home.

Research undertaken by Author Adam Audrey suggests that Merlin’s final resting place is within the grounds of the Fort at Braes.