The banks of Loch Lomond, the song assures us, are bonnie, and they don’t come much bonnier than the policies of Bannachra Estate, a stunning country property which is being brought to market by Baird Lumsden, the specialist rural property arm of DM Hall Chartered Surveyors.

This exquisite 94.7-acre demesne near Arden on the southern extremity of the loch is redolent of everything that manorial life should be about, with a grand and imposing house built for sophisticated entertaining, a sweeping drive, the most inviting entrance and public rooms of palatial dimensions.

And, while it is only 19 miles from Glasgow Airport and fast connections with the wider world, it is peaceful and secluded, nestling in undulating, verdant grounds which contain extensive gardens, a lochan, a river with fishing rights and ancient woodland which is carpeted with bluebells in spring.

Oh, and it has the ruins of a 16^th century castle.

Properties of this nature – in which all the component parts meld naturally into a perfect whole – are, frankly, as rare as hen’s teeth in a rural market which has seen demand for estates soar. Bannachra is bound to spark intense interest, not only domestically but internationally.

Set in Scotland’s first national park, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, the estate is surrounded by some of the most attractive countryside in the UK, with lochs, mountains, waterfalls, grand architecture and innumerable outdoor pursuits.

Nature has taken a hand in Bannachra’s embellishment, with snowdrops and daffodils in the early spring, bright rhododendrons and azaleas as the year wears on, the delicacy of wild orchids and the particular pleasure of bluebell woods. Formal gardens counterpoint the majesty of the wild land.

Built in the Arts and Crafts style in contrasting red sandstone, the house, which runs to some 5669 sq ft over two floors, welcomes guests at a stately covered entrance leading to a grand entrance hall and a beautiful pitch pine staircase.

The ground floor rooms are served by a kitchen and family room with a butler’s pantry and a five-oven Aga. There are eight bedrooms, two en-suite, and a remarkably spacious new morning room is being built using oak from the estate’s own woodlands.

Within the courtyard, there is a two-bedroom cottage with two conservatories overlooking the lochan, which would be ideal as staff or guest accommodation or as a holiday let, subject to the necessary consents.

The ruined castle, classified as a medieval tower house by Historic Environment Scotland, was three storeys high in its pomp in the 16^th century and had a commanding position looking over the loch. There are outbuildings in varying states of repair.

This beautiful estate is a short drive away from Helensburgh, an upmarket town on the north bank of the Clyde estuary, which has a wide range of interesting independent shops, restaurants and delicatessens. It is just three miles from the prestigious Cameron House Spa and Carrick Golf Club.

Its acquisition is bound to be hotly contested and interested parties should register their interest with Baird Lumsden at the earliest possible opportunity. The price will be available on application.

Baird Lumsden can also assist with estate management, planning and any other property and land related queries.