Property description
A magnificent William Leiper designed detached residence within 0.9 acre grounds. 3 reception rooms, breakfast room, 5 bedrooms (one ensuite), study/6th bedroom, bathroom, shower room. Wine cellar, utility room, cloaks/wc, additional wc. Conservatory. Green house.EER Band - E
Rhu Arden is one of Helensburgh's most distinguished and admired homes.
Privately situated within this prestigious and cherished address, Rhu Arden epitomises classic period architecture at its very best and is one of the finest precursors of the 'Arts and Crafts' movement to be found within the affluent coastal town of Helensburgh.
With its origins in the 17th century, the picturesque town of Helensburgh (the birth place of John Logie Baird - inventor of the television) is one of the most desirable towns on shores of the Clyde estuary.
The town provides a first class train service to Dumbarton, Glasgow and Edinburgh (journey time of 45 minutes to Glasgow) and is positioned on the A814 which connects Helensburgh with Dumbarton, Glasgow and Garelochhead (together with the Naval base at Faslane). Glasgow international airport is located 24 miles away.
Surrounded by some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery, the town, known as the Garden Town of the river Clyde, is renowned for its tree lined avenues and was the holiday destination of the city merchants - famed for its handsome Victorian mansions.
The town offers a wealth of amenities including: reputable state and private schools, a broad selection of shops, places of historic and cultural interest, a working pier (which is a popular drop off and pick up point for summer cruises), health -care facilities, banks, a selection of restaurants, coffee shops, bars, cafes, parish churches, leisure centre, swimming pool and local parks.
Sports and recreational pursuits are well catered for with the provision of cricket, rugby, football, tennis, squash, bowling, golf and sailing clubs. Rhu marina and the Royal Northern and Clyde yacht club are conveniently situated some 2 miles to the west of Helensburgh.
The Clyde estuary and the Lomond and Trossachs National Park are areas of outstanding natural beauty. The National Park is home to Loch Lomond golf course, the renowned De Vere Cameron House hotel and the championship standard Carrick golf course and spa.
Fishing, hill-walkers and out-door enthusiasts are spoilt with the wealth of amenities on offer within the estuary and National park which include country estates, challenging mountain ranges, nature trails, water sports facilities and out-door centres.
Rhu Arden's heritage
Rhu Arden is a unique 'B' listed late 19th century asymmetrical Greek Revival villa and is one of the finest examples of its style to be designed by William Leiper - one of Scotlands most famous and revered architects. Similar in style to the villas of Alexander 'Greek' Thomson, this grand detached residence maintainsits original architectural integrity and offers a wealth of distinguishing period features including: a decorative frieze and a Roman style porch together with an octagonal conservatory, intricate ceiling corner plasterwork, craftsman fitted cabinets, Cottier stained glass windows and grand, classically designed fireplaces.
Rhu Arden offers impressively proportioned rooms,synonymous with homes of this era and has been in the current family's ownership for several decades.
Life at Rhu Arden
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The property, entered through listed, original stone piers, is approached by a long, tree - lined drive which enhances the grandeur of this striking and immediately impressive family home. The secluded, child-friendly gardens (extending to 0.9 acres) feature a number of distinct areas including a kitchen garden (enclosed by box hedges) and drying green. The grounds are well screened by specimen trees and mature bushes and feature a large southerly facing patio.
The commodious interior, perfectly suited for entertaining, is further enhanced by generous service quarters - offering scope for adaption into dedicated work space.
Ground floor
The accommodation comprises: entrance porch, generous 'L' shaped reception hall, cloakroom/wc, charming 26' bow windowed formal lounge, generous dining room with French door leading to an octagonal conservatory, family / sitting room, breakfasting room (with 4 oven Aga), fitted kitchen, pantry (with mezzanine storage area), wine cellar, large utility room with 2 Belfast sinks and twin gas fired central heating boilers, larder, wc and shower room.
First floor
The broad stone staircase leads to a broad upper landing, southerly facing master bedroom (offering lovely views over the Clyde estuary) with 'Jack and Jill' en-suite bathroom, guest bedroom and further 3 double bedrooms and family bathroom. An original staircase from the rear hallway leads to the study (formerly the maid's room) and would be suitable for use as an au-pair or teenagers bedroom.
And in the garden
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A source of great pleasure for the owner, the expansive gardens partiotioned into several, clearly defined areas, are well screened and offer an array of plant - life, bushes, trees, two sheds, and side kitchen garden (enclosed by box hedges). The hard standing areas provide car parking for several cars.
EER Band - E
From central Helensburgh proceed north along the A818 Sinclair Street. Turn fourth left into West Montrose Street. Proceed for half a mile and turn right into Suffolk Street. Fork first left into Upper Sutherland Crescent. Rhu Arden (No.1) is located on the right hand side.
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