With grounds extending to around nine acres - including excellent grazing in three enclosures (two of which are bounded by a river) and with ample scope for a substantial stable block, Borland House in Kilmarnock is particularly likely to appeal to those with equestrian interests.

However, given that there is also a trout stream almost on the doorstep, good loch fishing nearby, a unique garden house, and magnificent gardens in which more than 1000 trees have been planted, there are plenty of alternative attractions, not least the opportunity to live in a tranquil rural setting a mere 20 minute drive

from Glasgow.

Situated on the outskirts of Kilmarnock, Borland House is believed to have been built around 1905 as the Dower House of nearby Craufurdland Castle. In fact the house is sandwiched between two ancient monuments, the other being Dean Castle. Extended a few years later to form a sizeable country mansion, the smaller right-hand wing of the house as it now stands is owned separately and not included in the sale.

Forming a spacious and versatile

family home, the accommodation is spread over two floors and includes an unusual reception hall cum lounge, formal lounge, sitting room, large dining kitchen, utility room, downstairs WC, two guest bedrooms, shower room and basement area containing three large rooms. On the upper floor is a master bedroom with en suite bathroom, dressing room, study/sewing room, office, shower room and two further bedrooms.

Double glazed throughout with Georgian-style windows, the house reflects much of the character and charm of the period. The hall cum lounge, for instance, has a large multi-fuel stove set in an

original hearth with a period mantle,

timber-panelled walls to picture rail height, a built-in window seat, stone staircase and ornate plasterwork - traditional features much enhanced by a predominantly red tartan carpet.

An open fire in a traditional brick

surround and hearth forms the focal point in the formal lounge, an attractive room with a front-facing bay window and original ornate cornice. Smaller and cosier for everyday use with windows to the front and side, the sitting room has a white marble fireplace and living flame gas fire.

Entered by Georgian-style glazed double doors from an inner hall, the spacious and well-equipped kitchen is fitted with

a range of quality wall, base and glass display units in a light oak finish with concealed lighting and tiled work surfaces. Integrated appliances include an oven, hob, hood, fridge, freezer, microwave oven and dishwasher. Adjacent is a utility room fitted with a full width work surface, sink and storage units and plumbed for laundry appliances. Also on the ground floor is a fully panelled WC, two double bedrooms, a pine-panelled shower room, and a basement area with three large rooms.

From the main lounge/hall a stone staircase with an iron balustrade leads up to a spacious, partly galleried upper landing. With lovely open views over the garden from front and side-facing windows, the master bedroom is a delightful room featuring original detailed plasterwork and a luxurious, fully tiled en suite bathroom complete with panelled bath, bidet, and shower cubicle. There is also a spacious dressing room with windows overlooking Fenwick Water, a study/sewing room, front-facing office, fully panelled shower room, and two rear-facing bedrooms - one of which has a feature fireplace and limed oak fitted furniture.

Borland House has spectacular grounds which the present owners have nurtured and enhanced over the years by planting more than 1000 trees in a variety of species to provide contrasting foliage and blossom. The formal gardens have also been replanted making extensive use of flowering shrubs, evergreens and heathers - which has considerable reduced maintenance. Climbing roses against the house walls complement flower beds immediately to the front of the house, while the rest is composed of expansive lawn and mixed beds of heathers, shrubs, dwarf conifers - all partially enclosed by a screen of holly trees and acers. The north-west side of the garden has been planted in similar fashion with the addition of mature trees while, to the rear, a large gravel car park leads to dog enclosures and beyond, to a lawn and fruit garden.

Leaving the best to last, there is also a uniquely designed garden house. With a slightly pitched glass roof surrounded by 38 individual double glazed windows and accessed by French doors, this beautiful garden property, complete with a multi-fuel stove, fully tiled floor, sink unit and potting area, must surely be the finest 'potting shed' in Scotland.

''Situated within minutes of Kilmarnock town centre and the M77 for access to Glasgow and Ayr, Borland House is a fine example of the value-for-money property available in this part of Ayrshire,'' says Steven Smart of Countrywide Estate Agents Offers over #220,000 are invited. Tel: 01563 528165 for details.