Woodside House, Arbroath

Angus. Sleeps up to 10

Woodside House is a unique, listed house forming the main part of this Victorian mansion with huge historical heritage surrounded by countryside and woodlands on the outskirts of Arbroath, Angus. Built and proudly maintained by one of the town’s most progressive provost, Colin Grant who developed parks and seafront, established the hospital and library, the house represents noble living on the footsteps of Scottish aristocracy. With five bedrooms, three bathrooms and several fabulous features throughout, this property gives a family or group of friends a grandeur holiday in a historic setting. This majestic stone house sits picture-perfect as you follow the drive up to the property by a vast array of mature rhododendrons, established woodland and a large open paddock leading to ample off-road parking just outside the splendid house. Take two stone steps up to a sheltered porch area and take in the beautiful, rural surroundings, before stepping inside and making yourself at home. Throughout Woodside House, you will find tall, ornate ceilings, large windows bringing in plenty of light and elegant furniture. A spacious kitchen/diner immediately greets you with vintage furnishings such as Flemish dark oak cabinets, cupboards, and dining seating for all 10 guests, whilst the kitchen hosts a gas range cooker and microwave to rustle up hot dinners, as well as a dishwasher for quick and easy clean-ups; a magnificent open fire completes the setting as you tuck into your meal. You will feel like the Lords and Ladies of Woodside House in the charming sitting room with a pretty chandelier, engraved ceiling and hanging portraits; curl up on the plush sofas and armchairs, gaze out of the floor-to-ceiling windows onto the grounds, or close the large shutters for an evening film. A pet-friendly home, the sitting room's electric fire is the perfect spot for a well-behaved dog to settle down next to. The neighbouring stately hall serves for a quiet sit down by the imposing cast iron stove and grand fireplace for smaller group conversations or an afternoon tea. It is also a place to get together for a family board game or a great escape for younger guests for childrens’ activities with a pool table, selection of toys and a piano; admire the splendid stain glass doors, engraved entrance and take in the calming atmosphere created by the gorgeous, listed wallpaper. The ground floor is completed by a contemporary shower room with a steam shower to relax tired muscles after coastal walks and to rinse off the day. When it's time to rest weary heads, climb the original grand staircase, and greet the symbols of the house within the large, beautiful stain glass windows, the scholar and artist representing progressive living and love of art and beauty. Up your way to a peaceful landing with more seating areas to relax on. Turn back once more and take in the overflow of bright light and marvel at the old craftsmanship and the magnificent unity of the staircase and stain glass galore. Woodside House offers guests large, spacious bedrooms with storage space and unique décor, feature fireplaces and views out across the wonderful grounds; choose between three doubles or two twins for your stay. Another shower room lies on the first floor with a steam shower to energise your day, whilst another bathroom hosts a contemporary, freestanding bath to sink into the bubbles at the end of the day. Pull on your boots and coats and go wandering through the fabulous grounds at Woodside House, with plenty of quiet corners for picnics, playing games and soaking up the sunshine; a seating area at the front of the property is perfect for rural views whilst you toast to your holiday retreat or dine alfresco. Alternatively picnic on the large lawn surrounded by the magnificent rhododendron bushes (you may spot the house deer hiding) or enjoy an evening bonfire and storytelling by the outdoor firepit. If you can tear yourself away from this unique, idyllic property, you are resting on the outskirts of Arbroath, an ancient port town with plenty of pubs, restaurants, and cafés to dine in, especially to taste the delicious local cuisine, Arbroath Smokie. Pack your buckets and spades for the long sandy beach, follow the paths up the red sandstone cliffs for inlets, caves and arches to explore, or visit the magnificent Arbroath Abbey. The area is a paradise for hikers, cyclists, and wildlife-lovers with Glencova and Glenshee within reach for a day in the mountains, walk the gorges just outside Edzell and look out for almon leaping. Or journey north along the coast to St Cyrus wildlife beach with volcanic cliffs, wildflowers and spectacular views. Montrose is another attractive coastal town with a picturesque old centre, a bustling farmers market held on the first Saturday of every month, a golf course and Montrose Museum hosting local art and history. Travel further north to Dunnottar Castle, a must-visit for historians, with its ruins resting on a dramatic clifftop setting, after which you can head to Stonehaven for fish and chips along the pretty harbour and visit the former courthouse and jail, Stonehaven Tolbooth Museum. For quaint bookshops and charming café culture, head to the fantastic city of Dundee for an abundance of cultural and local heritage sites, including the popular Discovery Exhibition, McManus Art Gallery & Museum and V&A Dundee. To experience a holiday in a Scottish stately home setting, Woodside House is the perfect choice to house your loved ones along the stunning Scottish coast.

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