Farm land for sale

Location

Glenny Hill Farm is situated in an idyllic and beautiful part of rural Stirlingshire, just to the north of the Port of Menteith in the Menteith Hills with Aberfoyle just 4 miles to the west and Loch Venachar to the north. The farmland rises from 110 metres to 427 metres above sea level at its highest point on Beinn Dearg with a stunning panoramic view over the Lake of Menteith to the Campsie Fells to the south.

The Port of Menteith is the nearest community with a small primary School and a lovely Hotel overlooking the lake, providing local accommodation, bar and restaurant. Callander is nearby and Stirling is only a 30 minute drive with both Glasgow and Edinburgh reachable in around an hour’s drive making Glenny Hill a commutable, yet secluded prospect.

The area is steeped in history, dating back to 1238 when a priory was founded on Inchmahome Island on the Lake of Menteith by the Augustinian Order and later served as a refuge for the young Mary Queen of Scots in 1547. The priory is now in ruins and cared for by Historic Environment Scotland and can be visited by ferry boat during the summer months. The lake is also famous for hosting the Bonspiel (Grand Match) an international outdoor curling tournament played when the ice reaches at least 8 inches thick, last held in February 1979 when it hosted 2,000 curlers from as far afield as Canada. The Queen Eizabeth Forest and the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Parks offer a diverse range of attractions and pursuits for outdoor enthusiasts with walking and mountain biking trails nearby.

Description

This unique landholding extends over an area of land which has been created by movement of the Highland Boundary Fault line over millennia. Forming a series of striking parallel ridges and valleys that are distinctly visible. The diverse geology, soils and topography of Glenny Hill makes it ideal for grazing livestock, establishing woodland, and creating a lovely mixed land use project, located in a stunning and highly accessible area.

Glenny Hill was traditionally managed for the grazing of sheep and cattle for many years with old stone dykes (walls) separating field units in the past and more recently the use of stock fences to manage livestock on the lower lying improved grassland or inbye as it is known. Part of Glenny Hill was planted 20 – 30 years ago to create both mixed and native species woodland which has established well and now creates shelter, a source of fuel wood and significant amenity value.

The current owner has managed Glenny Hill Farm on a contract farming arrangement, grazing 35 head of highland and highland/short horn mix breeding cattle. The cattle have helped to improve the land with conservation grazing, breaking down the Bracken, creating a diverse mosaic of habitats on the inbye, within the woodland and out on the higher hill ground in summer. Sheep or indeed horses could also be introduced and if there is an equestrian interest, and there is great potential for some pony trekking to be enjoyed on Glenny Hill. Red and Roe deer also graze parts of the farm, adding to the species diversity and offering the potential for deer stalking and a sustainable supply of fresh venison.

The ruins of an old shepherd’s cottage and outbuilding can be found in a lovely, raised and sheltered position with a spectacular view south over the inbye and across the Lake of Menteith and Flanders Moss to the Campsie Fells. A previous owner of Glenny Hill Farm obtained planning consent for a dwelling house next to the ruins and got as far as building the concrete foundations. This highlights the potential for development of a farmhouse to enable a landowner to live on the land and a great location for a secluded cabin or two to escape and enjoy this secluded and idyllic part of the country.

There are currently no services on the farm, although mains electricity and telephone lines do service the nearby properties just to the south of Glenny Hill Farm. A private water supply would be possible via a spring fed bore hole and there would also be potential for solar and wind power if looking for a truly off grid and sustainable development opportunity, subject to firstly obtaining planning consent. Glenny Hill farm now offers a rare opportunity to enhance a diverse range of habitats as well as creating a lovely manageable farm or small estate for future enjoyment.

Please refer to the online Sale Brochure and Video and please contact the Selling Agent for further information or to arrange a viewing.