The highest house in Clackmannanshire

One of the new wings of Easter Cornhill and the view

Owner David Russell says: “On a bright frosty morning you can probably see for 35 miles, right over the Pentlands and the Forth. On a clear night we can watch the fireworks over Edinburgh Castle.”

It was the location which attracted David and his wife Hazel, five years ago.

Living in Dollar already, with their two children Shannon, now 17, and Kyle, 15, the couple had long admired the small bungalow up on the hill, half a mile from the spectacular Castle Campbell in Dollar Glen.

David’s background in the construction industry meant that they could see the opportunity to make the most of the setting by extending the existing building.

He says: “The cottage was mainly a single-storey 1960s or 1970s building but the oldest part had been a farm cottage in existence many years before that.

“Working closely with planners we came up with a design that extended it at both sides with two-storey wings, incorporating glass to make the most of the views but keeping a balance to the original building.”

The couple worked with a team of architects and engineers that David had used in the past to ensure that the existing part and the new wings were highly insulated and energy efficient.

It was a two-year project and the family lived in the central part while the smaller easterly extension was completed.

It is linked to the original building by a glass atrium and houses a games room and office below with a guest suite above.

Work then started on the westerly extension, which added a large family room and kitchen on the ground floor and a sumptuous master bedroom suite on the first floor.

David says: “It wasn’t that disruptive, as the work was contained and we only connected the wings to the house when they were almost complete so we were able to stay in situ throughout.”

The centre of the house is single storey and was reconfigured and upgraded to provide a dining hall, utility room and a large sitting room with French doors to the sheltered courtyard. It also retains three ground-floor bedrooms and two shower rooms.

It is a spectacular transformation which has created a unique home that blends old and new and certainly makes the most of the views.

While the style of the two extensions is different to the older part, the glass, wood and stone complements the traditional white render.

The new master bedroom, with  double-height ceiling and floor to ceiling windows on two sides is particularly impressive.

It is accessed by a private staircase and has a seating area, a luxurious ensuite with free-standing bath and shower and a separate dressing room.

The views are breathtaking and must be among the most impressive vistas to wake up to in Scotland.

The interior style throughout is rustic but high quality with tiled and oak floors to match imposing oak staircases, exposed ceiling beams and a wood burning stove.

Outside, behind private gates, is over an acre of mature grounds which is tiered to take advantage of the slope and features a meandering stream.

The sense is of a secluded homestead which has all the advantages of country cottage life, with added space and luxury.

It is also within commuting distance of the central belt and Dollar Academy is just a couple of miles away.

David says: “We feel very self contained and I’ve been told that this is the highest habitable house in Clackmannanshire so I can’t imagine that anyone has better views from their home.”

The couple are now selling to go back to a former life in farming but have transformed Easter Cornhill in their time into a truly comfortable, luxurious rural property.

Carl Warden, of Bell Ingram in Perthshire, says: “This property offers potential for a family looking for the ideal home that oozes character and that is abundant in classic cottage features.

“The uninterrupted countryside views that it commands can only truly be appreciated in person.”

Offers over £795,000. Contact Bell Ingram

on 01738 621 121.