A jewel in the county’s crown, five miles from Arbroath. Kinblethmont now offers a beautiful rural idyll –secluded from the outside world and set in 2,000 acres of its own rolling farmland, woodland and gardens.
Run primarily as an arable farming enterprise, Kinblethmont estate and its imposing 14-bedroom Victorian stately home has been the seat of the Ramsay family for generations.
It is home to Robert, his wife Jessica, brother Jonathan and mother and father Robert and Penelope, who are also kept busy farming in the Borders. Each member has played an individual, equally influential role in the continued diversification of the family business.
Alongside a pioneering introduction of on-farm renewable technology, in tandem with the estate’s main farm at West Mains of Kinblethmont, the Ramsays have dedicated much of the last decade to the restoration and renovation of estate lodges, cottages and outbuildings to provide a burgeoning portfolio of self-catering accommodation.
From the spacious Studio, sleeping four people between two en-suite bedrooms, right up to Kinblethmont House, which can sleep up to 28 people, the estate now provides a getaway for individuals or couples, right up to groups of as many as 50 – no matter the time of year.
“Kinblethmont House is the perfect retreat for a small or large group of people,” said Jessica, who oversees the letting of the estate’s self-catering accommodation.
“We’ve thrown many a family party here over the years ourselves, so the potential for letting Kinblethmont for others to enjoy has always been a great opportunity,” she added.
Gatherings, parties, reunions, corporate lets and short breaks have all taken advantage of the estate’s private setting.
When not in use by guests, the house remains in continued use as Robert and Penelope’s home, added Jessica, so you will find “all the personal touches that make staying here so special”.
“There is such a unique atmosphere – thanks to a mix between the main house’s Victorian pedigree and contemporary comfort and homeliness,” she added.
Dotted around the estate, the West Lodge, the former Coach House and stables, and the chauffeur’s cottage and studio have all been painstakingly restored into high standard accommodation.
Boasting plenty of space, each cottage offers an open-plan contemporary, but still country, feel. They are available individually, or as a whole.
The chauffeur’s cottage sleeps six, between three bedrooms and three bathrooms.
The studio offers two en-suite bedrooms for four people.
The coach house can sleep 10, split between four bedrooms also offering four bathrooms.
The stables sleep four people across two bedrooms, with a shared main bathroom and further WC.
Towards the fringes of the estate, the West Lodge – which is pet friendly – can sleep either four or five people between its two bedrooms. It also offers its own large private garden.
Inside Kinblethmont house itself, set against a backdrop of mature woodland and specimen trees and bordered by a sheltered sun terrace, 14 bedrooms come in tandem with seven generous bathrooms.
Robert and Jonny also diligently restored the south-facing lower ground floor of Kinblethmont, converting the large space into three open art galleries that stage four or five exhibitions a year.
These exhibitions, which are open to the public and last for around three weeks, display a mix of local and international artwork with a contemporary feel.
In the summer, Kinblethmont’s lawns and gardens host rugby posts, croquet hoops and posts and badminton nets.
The estate’s roads, tracks and paths provide endless walking and cycling opportunities – with bicycles available on-site for hire – winding their way around acres of farm and woodland.
In the winter, parlour games, snooker and table tennis can all come to the top of the agenda.
Outdoors, a network of paths will lead guests from the house or cottage accommodation down to the estate’s walled garden, the restoration of which has been Jonny’s labour of love over recent years.
“We’ve really tried to make the best of the garden’s sheltered setting,” said Jonny.
“In all, the gardens extend to around a hectare, with a mix of lawns, forestry and landscaped features,” he added.
“The walled garden has been restored to the ideal place for a gentle stroll, with swings and a garden play area for children, as well as large open lawns perfect for kicking a ball around.
“We’ve re-established the garden’s traditional orchard, carefully restored old yew hedges to open up old passageways, and created a paved area for barbecues and sheltered gatherings.”
Jessica added: “The gardens have also proved a peaceful setting for relaxation and yoga.”
The remote but homely setting also hosts a handful of weddings each year.
They offer a bespoke package for weddings, with civil or humanist ceremonies in the house or gardens and a marquee reception, if required, within the walled garden.
Robert said: “On average, Kinblethmont is only available to around five couples for their weddings each year, so it’s a unique opportunity.”
Intimate weddings can cater for the bride and groom and immediate family, right up to marquee receptions for several hundred people.
“The estate comes as a whole for these celebrations, which is why we offer so few each year.
“Kinblethmont comes as a bespoke estate letting – accommodating the whole bridal party in the holiday cottages with the option of renting Kinblethmonth House as well.
“We are far from a hotel, we do not offer our own catering and staff,” explained Robert: “Instead, we are what we are and as a result we can offer a very special and romantic destination.”
Jessica added: “The area around Kinblethmont is steeped in history, so it’s a wonderful base for exploring Angus and Scotland generally.
“There are golf courses, castles, beaches, outdoor pursuits and visitor attractions close by, while the woodland walks and tranquillity of Kinblethmont estate lie literally on the doorstep.
“Kinblethmont has captured our hearts and we hope it will capture yours as well,” Jessica added.
Full information on Kinblethmont and its self-catering accommodation can be found by going to www.kinblethmont.com