Luxury villas are truly captivating

Taking inspiration from Scotland’s most famous Earl, John Erskine, luxury house-builder, G1 Homes, has created a truly captivating 20 property residential development, aptly named Earl of Mar Estate, located on the prestigious grounds of Mar Hall, one of the country’s most prestigious hotels.

Owing to the house-builder’s reputation for producing homes designed to the highest specifications and to the development’s exclusive postcode, and offering of three years’ free access to the brand new 18 hole golf course and spa facilities, only two luxury villas remain for sale, in the form of Erskine’s peerage couple, the Earl and Countess of Mar.

Documented throughout history for their plight to return the Scottish, English and Irish thrones to the Stuart kings, the countries’ rightful heirs, the Earls of Mar are amongst the most respected military leaders of the 15th to the 19th centuries. According to historians*, they were known for their integrity, defending those who have suffered injustice at the hands of dishonest political elites.

Dylan Short, Managing Director of Glasgow based G1 Homes Ltd, says: “The history of Mar is part of Scotland’s natural heritage. We’ve welcomed historians, ex pats and eager homebuyers alike through our doors, all of whom have been positively overwhelmed with what we’re looking to accomplish. Even guests staying at the hotel have commented on how impressed they are by the development.”

“Not only can house-hunters achieve the bespoke home of their dreams at Earl of Mar Estate, but in doing so, can add their name to land entrenched in Scottish history. We feel that it’s impossible to visit this development and not feel a connection to its rich past.”

After plans were announced in mid 2008, potential buyers hurried to secure a place on this innovative site, designed by renowned architect White Hill Design Studio, resulting in 18 of the total 20 properties being purchased off plan. G1 Homes was overwhelmed by the high level of interest in the development at such an early stage, particularly given the challenging economic climate. With building scheduled for completion by summer 2009, the company expects the final two homes to be purchased well in advance of this deadline.

Dylan adds: “With only two homes remaining, we feel that it is important to share our vision for Earl of Mar Estate with a wider audience. It is a project that we have become increasingly proud of as we progress towards turning our vision for the development into reality.

“Also, although the market has been pretty challenging over the past year, for those buyers looking to up-size, there really never has been a better time to buy. With the interest rate at an all time low, this is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of some good mortgage deals currently available, particularly for properties of this size and specification.”

Both the remaining Earl and Countess house-styles have similarities which highlight the symmetry among all of the homes on the estate; however there are subtle differences which encompass both the Earl’s masculine and the Countess’s feminine features.

Firstly, The Earl, a proud stand alone two storey villa, comprising of five well appointed bedrooms on the first floor, everyone of which features its very own en-suite, with bedroom four leading into a large bathroom, agreeably the epitome of luxury living. The master bedroom opens onto its very own private balcony, running along half of the front fascia of the property, providing ample panoramic views over the development and its golf courses.

On entry to The Earl, the eye will be drawn from the wide entrance hall to a number of doors leading to large living areas including a spacious living room, complemented with a sun terrace which will inevitably flood with natural light. Additionally, the kitchen and breakfast room benefits from quick access to the sun terrace, which will prove to be a valued attribute during the summer months.

The ground floor is also home to a generous TV room, dining room, utility room and of course, a practical yet completely private WC. Furthermore, this unbelievable home benefits from a large double garage, with added loft space above, perfect for another guest bedroom, storage space or games room.

In contrast, The Countess, although very similar in size, has a more demure look, with its double garage located to the property’s left side, projecting outwards, and its doors facing the driveway, giving this home a more subtle air of confidence.

Again, The Countess has five-bedrooms, all of which are of a similar size and specification to The Earl. This home also comes with its very own study, which can be found off the main landing, highlighting the air of privacy associated with The Countess.

Downstairs, The Countess boasts a living room to the rear of the property, with an adjoining dining room that leads into the breakfast room and kitchen. Additionally, the ground floor benefits from a large library room, TV room, utility room, larder and a convenient WC.

As with all Earl of Mar Estate properties, The Earl and The Countess have been designed with the development’s semi-rural location in mind. Attractive elevations include reconstituted stone detailing with co-ordinating render, under pitched natural slate roofs. Key features include, Nordan windows and French doors, ensuring that the properties are aesthetically attractive, but remain easy to maintain.

On purchasing The Earl or The Countess, buyers will have the option of buying a designer kitchen in a range of finishes, complemented with Siemens stainless steel appliances including a 1½ bowl sink, electric double oven, six burner gas hobs, extractor hood, integrated fridge freezer, microwave, dishwasher and coffee machine, proving that nothing is left to chance.

However, if purchasers require an alternative kitchen layout, this should be requested before any proposed kitchen is ordered and discussed with the sales consultant*. In addition, buyers will also have access to an interior designer to help with the finishing touches to their new home.

The utility room comes complete with a stainless steel sink, washing machine and tumble dryer, along with storage units, to assist in dealing with the family chores.

All bathrooms, cloakrooms and en-suites are finished to the highest standard with all sanitary ware supplied by international bathroom designers Villeroy & Boch. Additionally, bathrooms and en-suites feature designer chrome heated towel rails and are tiled from floor to ceiling.

Each individual property will be fitted with a gas fire and condensing boiler along with a class one flue, capable of taking sold fuel or gas fires. All ground floor rooms and upper hallway electrical fittings will be finished in brushed brass, with white fittings to all other areas.

To ensure purchasers have the opportunity to add their own creative flair to their homes, designers will decorate all walls with a magnolia finish, the perfect blank canvas to enhance with signature wall coverings or to add a splash of colour. Each room will be expertly finished with quarter round coving, and lounge and hallways will be finished in decorative coving, to set them apart.

Each garage comes complete with up and over garage doors, for seamless access. Externally, the garden areas will be finished in accordance to G1 Homes’ approved landscape design. Every property will be separated by close boarded timber fencing and fence integrated hedging, with all homes accessed via private piers and gates leading to a superb driveway.

“We’ve endeavoured to take care of everything with regards to the specification of the interiors and private seclusion of the exteriors. We feel that there is nothing else quite like the Earl or Mar Estate in Scotland,” comments Dylan.

Surrounded by mature woodland, the Earl of Mar Estate is a mere ten minute drive from Glasgow’s International Airport, ye not on the flight path, and only 20 minutes drive from Glasgow city centre, internationally renowned as a shopping, leisure and cultural destination.

The remaining two properties are available from £975,000. For further information on the Earl of Mar Estate please contact the sales centre, open daily from 9am to 5.30pm or visit g1homes.go.uk.