Architect designed home in rural Angus, Scotland

Black House is our 5 bedroom family home designed by an award-winning architect in a quiet farming community at the foothills of the Highlands. The February 2020 issue of Self Build & Design Magazine features Black House in a new build case study, 'Fine and Scandi'. We are an ideal base to explore the best of Angus, Aberdeenshire, Perthshire & Tayside. Hike up an iron age settlement in the morning, take in the new V&A design museum at lunch, then back in front of the fire for the evening. Black House is a home of simplicity, design and comfort. It is a big, bright home striking a lovely balance between contemporary open plan living and snug wee places to cosy up. Every window has been strategically placed - all filled with views of the ever changing landscape and sky. Geothermal underfloor heating throughout keeps the house cosy when needed. It has been likened to a little slice of Scandinavia in the Scottish countryside. Our kitchen is bespoke birch ply, from Birkwood in Perthshire. It’s a wonderful social space, well-equipped with gadgets and complete with Neff double ovens, microwave, integrated coffee maker, induction hob. The dining room is a lovely space for large families to gather. There is seating for 10 and floor to ceiling windows with a beautiful perspective across our adjoining field. The living room and snug both have big comfortable sofas, and a double sided wood burning stove. Although we of course have smart TV, XBox and DVD (with a selection) - you may decide that all you need is some music and the views. Bedrooms - Downstairs there is a comfortable Queen size bed with bathroom next door. Upstairs there are 3 double bedrooms (+1 extra bed at the top of a ladder). The Master Bedroom is super king size with en suite, and you can even watch the sunrise without getting out of bed. All 3 bathrooms are equipped with waterfall showers. The family bathroom and en suite each have a relaxing bath. Laundry room - washer and tumble dryer, pulley drying rack inside and clothes line outside. We have a Baby Bjorn travel cot, inflatable toddler bed, and high chair. Upstairs there is a cosy little spot for curling up with book and/or wee nap. We have a small library (for all ages), lego and, board games, that you are welcome to enjoy during your stay. Outside there is plenty of space for little ones to play and roam safely, having fun on the swing set and in-ground trampoline. For bigger kids (of all ages) there is table tennis and a great spot for a friendly 5 a side football match. We have a charcoal bbq on the patio (charcoal not provided) and the wood store is fully stocked with logs for you to toast marshmallows at the rustic fire pit. In our field there are usually sheep, so depending on the time of year, there may also be lambs. The storage shed in the garden has an extra fridge, outdoor toys, cushions for use around the fire pit, and some space for storing golf clubs or fishing gear. Our big black shed of a home has all the ingredients for a relaxing rural retreat with family and/or friends. It’s got space, comfort, fun and beauty in bundles - we promise that you will love your time here as much as we do! The whole house, garden and storage shed. This is our home which we are Airbnb-ing whilst we are away. We work with the lovely and very experienced, Sophie, who can help with housekeeping queries or any emergency should one arise. Please let us know if you are celebrating a special occasion and would like local catering recommendations. Black House is located on the edge of Tobees Farm, in the tiny village of Justinhaugh by Forfar. We are ideally situated at the foot of the Angus Glens, Cairngorms National Park, and a short stroll to the South Esk River. Any season is a lovely time to visit - autumnal walks are our favourite, and in the winter nothing beats a hot chocolate whilst star-gazing - you may even catch the aurora borealis. And the air - you will want to bottle it and take it home. There are local shopping, leisure and services in Forfar, our nearest town (5 miles / 10 minutes). You can also order a grocery delivery online with Tesco or Asda. Within 30 minutes of our doorstep - we have historic castles, picturesque glens, white sand beaches, some of the best golf in the UK, whisky, and of course, Dundee - the ‘coolest little city in Britain’ according to GQ magazine, Wall Street Journal and fashion bible Vogue. (Website hidden by Airbnb) website provides great suggestions and information. Make sure to check out their Insider’s Guide to Angus! These are some of our personal favourites, and all are within 30 minutes from Black House: Walk Loch Brandy, Glen Clova. A superb example of a mountain corrie, backed by craggy slopes and cradling a perfect loch River Esk Circuit, Cortachy. Lovely short, wooded walk via a glen and alongside the picturesque River Esk. The route was laid out in the 1870's in anticipation of a visit by Queen Victoria which never took place Corrie Fee, Glen Clova. Easy walk. A truly dramatic location to visit, a massive bowl scooped out from the rugged mountain sides by a glacier during the Ice Age Airlie Circular & Monument. Gorgeous 8km circular walk takes in some of the area’s most beautiful scenery, as well as a poignant monument erected in memory of the 9th Earl of Airlie. Views are wonderful from the easy-going ridge. Edzell Blue Door River Walk. A great riverside walk, taking in views up the Angus Glens, from where the water flows, as well as passing the dramatic rapids and waterfalls of a deep gorge. Lunan Bay. White sand beach, wonderful dunes and the remains of Red Castle (circa early 1200s). Bring a kite from our shed! Angus Glens walking festival - book place in advance. Takes place early June, 20 walks over four days, through breathtaking scenery, open moorland, heather-clad hills, mountains, rivers and crags. Check (Website hidden by Airbnb) for these and more local walks with maps and terrain information. Last but not least, stroll out the front door and do a loop to Oathlaw and back, head off down the old railway line, or walk down to the South Esk river and even enjoy some wild river swimming at the popular local spot at Justinhaugh Cross. See / Do Glamis Castle - ancestral home of the Earls of Strathmore, the Queen Mother, and the ghost of Lady Janet Douglas. The Castle is open for tours April-October, but there is also an extensive out-of-season program of activities (spooky ghost tour at Hallowe’en and Christmas markets). Dunnottar Castle - the dramatic ruined cliff-top fortress in the most stunning Scottish location. Open year round. Camera Obscura at the Peter Pan Park, Kirriemuir - ‘Kirrie’ is the home and final resting place of Peter Pan creator Sir J M Barrie. One of only 4 in Scotland, the camera provides a fascinating glimpse of historic technology and striking views of the surrounding countryside. Star Rock Shop in Kirriemuir is the oldest sweet shop in Scotland and has been producing rock for the past 185 years using an old recipe passed down from owner to owner. The unique shop in Kirriemuir used to supply rock to Peter Pan author JM Barrie. The Cathertuns - two iron age hill forts with spectacular views over Strathmore, the Glens and on a clear day the North Sea. Balmoral Castle - The Scottish holiday home to the Royal Family. Winter guided tours will be available on specific dates from late October until early December 2018. The guided tours are special as the guides are able to share with you many of the stories, past and present that bring Balmoral to life. After your tour, tea and filter coffee along with shortbread is available (included in your admission). Slains Castle - Erected in 1597, this is one of the most famous castle ruins in Scotland, and was used by Bram Stoker as the inspiration for the castle of the evil vampire in his most famous supernatural tale "Dracula”. Fettercairn Distillery - one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland. It’s beautiful and well worth the tour. Pictish Trail across Angus - The most visible remnants of the Pictish age are the numerous sculptured stones that can be found throughout Angus. Of particular note are the collections found at Aberlemno, St. Vigeans, and Brechin Cathedral is one of the best places to view a stone at close hand out of season. RSS Discovery - designed for Antarctic research, discover the tale of Scott and Shackleton, and their brave crew. V&A Dundee - an international centre of design, V&A Dundee presents the brilliance of Scottish creativity and the best of design from around the world. Tatha Art Gallery - A unique and welcoming gallery has a strong focus on Scottish contemporary art showing time honoured, established artists and emerging talent Meffan Institute (Forfar) - Art gallery and museum. Offering a diverse programme of art exhibitions, the museum's art gallery showcases the work of local, national and internationally-renowned artists Bird & Wildlife Watching - (using our binoculars) from the garden, on any of the walks or at the Montrose Basin Wildlife Centre Redwings Mountains Horse Sanctuary, Glen Ogil. Only 3 miles from the house, it’s a lovely visit for little ones to meet rescue horses, ponies and donkeys. Hogmanay in Scotland - The Fireballs. Ancient fireballs ceremony in the fishing village of Stonehaven (30 miles), is one of the most unique Hogmany festivals in Scotland. At the strike of midnight the High Street is lit up as around 50 local fireball-swingers make their way through town. Sport / Activities Carnoustie and St. Andrew’s are both only 40 minutes away. There are also stunning courses within 15 minutes at Alyth, Edzell and Kirriemuir (you can book a visitor’s tee time on their websites). Swimming & tennis at Forfar Community Campus Horse riding at Pathhead Equestrian Centre, Kirriemuir Olympia swimming pool (water slides/wave pool) in Dundee Land Rover Experience Scotland - an opportunity to be immersed in the all-terrain capability of Land Rover (Dunkeld) Glensee Ski Resort is Scotland’s largest and is only 45 minutes drive. Eat The Drover’s Inn, Memus - Traditional whitewashed pub with elegant vaulted dining room serving hearty Modern Scottish dishes (3 miles) Sinclair’s Kitchen, Forfar - Fresh, seasonal and local menu, showcasing the best ingredients our region has to offer (4 miles) The Mill Forfar (Lochlands) - light lunches, home baking, evening meals Thursday to Saturday Lunan Bay Diner - hearty breakfast or lunch after a big walk and dune jumping! Sultan, Forfar - Turkish Restaurant with takeaway menu too. Peel Farm, Lintrathen at the foot of Glenisla. Beautiful walks in the area and a cafe + farm shop to round off the day (14 miles) Jute Cafe @ Dundee Contemporary Arts - At the heart of Dundee Contemporary Arts is one of the best culinary and party hangouts the east coast has to offer. Great evening either before or after a film in the on site cinema (16 miles) The Newport - One of those unique locations that is incredible in its tranquility. Dishes may change daily and with the season (17 miles) Check out the Tatha Art Gallery in the same building. Glen Clova Hotel - local and seasonal, the menu is all about the region’s gastronomic heritage (17 miles) Pavilion Cafe - Beautiful little building. Perfectly poached eggs. Delicious home-baking. Everything is just YUM! Glenesk Hotel, Edzell - Victorian property situated in ‘Britain in Bloom’ award winning Edzell. Lunch, Dinner and one of the largest whisky collections in th UK, certainly the largest in Northeast Scotland (13 miles) The Tuck Inn, Edzell - for an ice cream and chips (french fries)! Speciality Shopping House of Farnell - an annual pilgrimage for Christmas fanatics from far and wide. Specialising in Danish and Scandinavian homeware. Open September through December (Farnell by Brechin) It’s a rural community so you will need a car to get around. The plus side is that it’s quiet, a great place for walks and bike rides right outside the door. From Dundee: 16 miles From Edinburgh: 70 miles From Aberdeen: 50 miles From Glasgow: 85 miles Nearest train stations are Dundee and Montrose. We work with the lovely and very experienced, Sophie, who can help with housekeeping queries or any emergency should one arise. She will be in contact on the day of your arrival to either greet you or simply check-in to make sure you have everything you need during your stay. Please let us know if you are celebrating a special occasion and would like local catering recommendations.