Location

Millbank occupies a beautiful elevated postion on the Isle of Bute directly above the shoreline, taking full advantage of the open sea views over the Firth of Clyde towards the Ayrshire coast.   An outstandingly beautiful and historic island, Bute is situated at the heart of the Firth of Clyde, off Scotland's verdant west coast. The island possesses areas of great scenic beauty and has been a popular holiday destination since Victorian times. Due to its proximity to the Gulf Stream, the island enjoys a particularly mild climate and has become known as the "Madeira of Scotland".   

Rothesay, the principal town on the island, is about 2.5 miles from Ascog which is the nearest community to Millbank. Rothesay has a population of approximately 5,000 and an extensive range of amenities including primary and secondary schooling, shopping, a hospital, swimming pool, sports centre and golf course. Regular ferries (Caledonian MacBrayne) operate from Rothesay to Wemyss Bay (35 mins) and Glasgow city centre and the international airport can generally be reached in under an hour by car from Wemyss Bay which also has a direct train link to the city centre.

A second ferry from Rhubodach, in the north of the island, to Colintraive, allows easy access to Argyll and the West Highlands. The Isle of Bute offers wonderful hill and coastal walks, three golf clubs, sea fishing and trout fishing. Owing to the island's superb location in the Firth of Clyde, with Arran to the south and marinas at Troon, Gourock, Largs, Inverkip and Rhu on the mainland, Bute is an extremely popular sailing destination.

Description

Millbank is an elegant Victorian country house commanding an elevated position overlooking the eastern shore of the island with beautiful views over the Firth of Clyde. Listed Category B, Millbank features some especially fine and intricate period details and a wealth of original features are preserved within its walls. The property is set amidst wooded garden grounds extending to approximately 2.5 acres, and it is approached via an impressive driveway marked by stone pillars.

The house begins with an entrance vestibule leading into a stunning reception hallway, centred around the beautiful feature staircase with ornate Charles Rennie Mackintosh style wood panelling and dome cupola. To the left is the grand dining room, with dual aspects overlooking the Firth of Clyde and ceiling height windows flooding the room with natural light. On from the hallway the impressive drawing room offers plenty of original character, with dual aspect bay windows, decorative cornicing and substantial fireplace.

Opposite the dining room is the library, currently used as a study, with an adjacent WC. An inner hallway leads past a utility and larder to the dining kitchen which has a good range of base and wall mounted units and integrated electric hob and oven. Beyond the kitchen is the former maid's staircase which leads up to a bedroom and en suite bathroom.

The sweeping main staircase with its original cast iron balustrading leads from the reception hallway to the first floor. Off the landing are three double bedrooms, one with an en suite bathroom, and the main shower room. One of the bedrooms features a French door which opens onto a curved stone terrace with spectacular views over the water beyond, whilst a second bedroom has a small conservatory style balcony to take advantage of the same open aspects.
The extensive driveway offers ample room for multiple vehicle parking. The grounds themselves extend up and behind the property, offering further opportunity to experience the stunning views. There are a number of natural pathways over the gardens which meander around and beyond the property.