Ballochmyle Estate - Monday 08 June 2009
By Heather Rose
Ardgowan Homes are rapidly gaining a reputation as a provider of quality homes set within simply stunning environments. The development team creating the Ballochmyle Estate have many years experience operating at the very top end of the UK property market and their latest offering provides a lifestyle and quality of home that is rarely available in Scotland.
Situated on the outskirts of the quiet village of Mauchline, in the heart of Burns Country, the apparent isolation of this spectacular new development belies the fact that it is little more than half an hour's drive from the cosmopolitan centre of Glasgow.
Surrounded on all sides by the gently rolling hills and fertile farmland of the Ayrshire countryside, and with the rugged coastline not far to the west, it is rare to find a location so close
to perfection as Ballochmyle. Recorded as far back as 1165 when King William the Lion granted land to the Cistercian monks of Melrose Abbey, the mansion house of the estate was constructed in the 18th century.
The area is steeped in history. Ayrshire's hedge-lined lanes, wooded rivers and glens may be deceptively peaceful today but they still offer those of an observant nature a few hints to its often turbulent past. Mauchline village was at the centre of activities between Scottish Royalists and the Covenanters, with a decisive battle being fought in 1648 that is still celebrated each May at the Holy Fair.
The area's most famous son, Robert Burns, lived and worked on nearby Mossgiel Farm. It was at a dance in Mauchline that he met and subsequently married 18-year-old Jean Armour and the village has an impressive tower house monument in his memory. In the village, the famous Poosie Nancie's Inn takes its name from a landlady that Burns met and wrote about, while Ballochmyle itself was immortalised in one of his poems, "The Lass O' Ballochmyle".
Everything about this Ballochmyle Estate development is out of the ordinary. The size of the plots is generous, with large garden grounds. The spacious rooms, with 9ft ceiling heights, are more akin to a traditional pre-war house than in a state-of-the art 21st century home.?
There's a choice of designer kitchens and bathrooms whilst under floor heating, brushed steel electrical fittings and the finest American white oak used for doors, skirtings, stairs and handrails, all come as standard.?
The construction of the properties involves concrete floors on the upper floors which eliminates creaking floorboards and minimises noise transference from one floor to another, showing the level of detail that Ardgowan go to in order to create luxury living.
Many of the building details echo the best of Georgian construction but these homes are absolutely up to date. These are homes for living in.
Ballochmyle Estate offers country estate living at its very best.
For the golfer there are more than 30 courses in the area, including two championship courses, Turnberry, host of the 2009 Open Championship and Royal Troon with Old Prestwick, where the Open Championship began in 1860.
Perhaps you'd prefer an evening fishing for salmon or sea trout? The River Ayr runs through the southern wooded boundary of the estate and residents have fishing rights.
Or why not take the short drive to Lochgreen House for dinner, go sailing at Troon or enjoy a spa treatment at Turnberry Hotel & Spa Resort? The options are endless. The stunning estate at Ballochmyle is a true, once in a lifetime, opportunity.
Despite the seclusion and the gentle pace of life, there' s nothing remote about living at Ballochmyle. There's easy access to retail centres in Ayr, Kilmarnock and Irvine. Glasgow's Buchanan Galleries and Princes Court offer the best in designer fashion, while the expansive Braehead and Silverburn shopping centres are within a 30-minute drive.
All of the major towns around Mauchline have progressive, modern educational facilities, including the University of West of Scotland, while co-ed private schools such as Wellington in Ayr and Belmont House on the south side of Glasgow maintain the Scottish tradition of fine education.
Leisure facilities in the area include sports centres, swimming pools, cinemas, theatres, night clubs, pubs and restaurants.
No matter whether your preference is action-packed outdoor pursuits or escaping the grind of everyday life, you certainly won't go hungry. Fresh locally sourced food is readily available and there's an abundance of top restaurants within striking distance of the development, including the Lochgreen House Hotel, the Brigadoon in Alloway and along the coast, the Seamill Hydro, with views across the Firth of Clyde to the spectacular Isle of Arran, dubbed "Scotland in miniature" by locals and tourists alike.
Transport links around the area are excellent with the M77 making the journey to Glasgow a comfortable commute. For travel further a field, and within a 30 minute drive, there are the two major airports of Glasgow Prestwick and Glasgow International, offering flights worldwide.
The marketing suite and Ardgowan 3 show home are open Thursday to Monday from 11am to 4pm.?
Why not visit us on the weekend of Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd March for our open weekend where you will be given the chance to see many of our fabulous homes on offer at Ballochmyle. Reserve a plot and take advantage of the many incentives or why not ask about our brand new Guaranteed Move scheme to take the hassle and worry out of moving. For full details please contact the marketing suite on 01290 552551.
