Picture yourself standing at the window of your Scottish country estate, watching the River Annan wind through 10.57 acres of your private grounds as morning mist rises from the water. This is the daily reality at Waterside House, a remarkable 1863 property commissioned by Admiral Alexander Murray specifically for this riverside location. The Admiral wanted to fall asleep to the sound of flowing water and wake to birdsong echoing across the valley. Over 160 years later, that same tranquility defines life here, enhanced by modern comforts the Admiral could never have imagined. This isn't just a vacation home in Scotland. It's a complete riverside estate offering multiple revenue streams, family gathering space, and a lifestyle that balances peaceful seclusion with accessibility to major transport networks. For international buyers seeking a second home in the UK that generates income while providing an authentic Scottish country experience, this property delivers on every level. The main residence spans 6,124 square feet across two floors, while a renovated gate lodge operates as a proven holiday rental, and a converted coach house provides premium office space. Together, they create a compound that accommodates extended family visits, generates rental income, and offers workspace for remote professionals. The estate sits in Dumfries and Galloway, southern Scotland's best-kept secret for vacation property investment. While tourists flock to the Highlands, savvy second home buyers are discovering this region's combination of dramatic landscapes, rich history, and surprising accessibility. You're 90 minutes from Glasgow Airport, two hours from Edinburgh, and well-connected by the West Coast Main Line railway that puts London just over four hours away. This connectivity transforms the property from remote retreat to practical second home for European buyers who need regular access. Daily life here follows the rhythm of the river and seasons. Spring brings wildflowers to the riverbanks and the first casts for brown trout along your 200 meters of private fishing rights. Summer means tennis on your floodlit all-weather court with Sonos sound system, evenings on the paved terrace watching swallows dive over the water, and guests staying in your holiday lodge generating income while you enjoy the main house. Autumn transforms the mature trees into a palette of amber and gold, while your greenhouse and raised vegetable beds yield the last harvest. Winter finds you in the drawing room beside the carved timber fireplace, or in the sitting room where the multifuel stove radiates warmth while rain drums against triple windows overlooking the Annan. The main house showcases how historical architecture and contemporary luxury can coexist beautifully. The current owners invested significantly in modernization while respecting the property's 1863 character. You'll find CCTV security, CAT6 cabling throughout, fiber broadband, burglar alarms, surround sound, underfloor heating in key areas, and double glazing in every window. The entrance sets expectations immediately. Kev Paxton, Edinburgh's celebrated blacksmith, crafted the electronically operated pillared gates and the dramatic spiral staircase connecting the gym to the playroom above. These aren't mere functional elements but artistic statements that elevate the entire property. The Smallbone of Devizes kitchen represents culinary luxury. Bespoke cabinetry houses integrated Gaggenau appliances, a double-door fridge-freezer, and an oil-fired Aga for traditional cooking. The central island features two dishwashers, twin undermount sinks, and a Zip tap delivering sparkling, chilled, and boiling water instantly. A drinks station, wine fridge, larder, and secondary prep area make entertaining effortless whether you're hosting six or sixteen. Six double bedrooms provide ample accommodation for family and guests. The principal bedroom features dual-aspect views, a bay window, and a Jack and Jill en-suite designed by the Edinburgh Bathroom Co. with freestanding bath, twin sinks, and walk-in shower. The en-suite connects to a fully fitted dressing room, creating a private suite within the house. First-floor bathrooms benefit from electric underfloor heating and premium tiled finishes. The playroom and family area serves multiple functions, from children's activity space to media room, with the metalwork spiral staircase creating architectural drama while providing practical access to the ground-floor gym. Waterside Lodge transforms this from a single-property purchase into an income-generating estate. This renovated single-storey cottage at the entrance gate operates successfully as a holiday let, documented and proven. Two double bedrooms, modern kitchen with quartz surfaces and integrated appliances, dual-aspect sitting room with open fire, and contemporary bathroom make it immediately appealing to short-term renters. The cottage has its own private gated entrance, driveway, and enclosed garden, ensuring guest privacy while generating revenue estimated in local market analysis. For international buyers, this creates immediate return on investment while the main house awaits your visits. The former coach house provides unexpected value through its conversion to premium office space. The ground floor offers storage, a stable, and garage. Upstairs, a contemporary office features fiber broadband, CAT6 cabling, parquet flooring, integrated kitchen appliances, and a private meeting room. For remote workers or professionals needing UK workspace, this addition justifies the property investment through practical utility. The 10.5-acre grounds deserve their own appreciation. Expansive lawns flow into established borders showcasing mature shrubs and trees. Two summer houses provide outdoor retreats. Paved terraces create multiple entertaining zones. Water gardens and ponds add visual interest and support local wildlife. The kitchen garden includes raised vegetable beds, fruit cage, greenhouse, and potting sheds, enabling the self-sufficient lifestyle many vacation home buyers crave. The floodlit tennis court with integrated sound system becomes a focal point for family gatherings and guest entertainment. Dumfries and Galloway offers vacation experiences often overlooked in favor of more famous Scottish regions. The Solway Coast provides beaches and coastal walks minutes away. The Southern Uplands offer hill walking and mountain biking. Castle Douglas, Dumfries, and Moffat provide market town shopping, dining, and cultural activities. The region celebrates food culture through farmers' markets, artisan producers, and restaurants showcasing local lamb, seafood, and game. Golf courses dot the landscape. Historical sites include Caerlaverock Castle, Drumlanrig Castle, and Robert Burns heritage locations. The climate proves milder than Highland Scotland, with the Gulf Stream influence moderating temperatures. Winters bring occasional snow but rarely the severe conditions of northern regions. Spring and autumn extend the usable season for a vacation home. Summer days stretch long, with sunset after 10 PM in June, maximizing outdoor enjoyment of your riverside estate. Investment considerations favor this property strongly. The UK vacation rental market in Scotland continues growing as travelers seek authentic experiences over hotel stays. Your lodge's proven rental history demonstrates demand. The property's scale and amenities position it for premium weekly rates during peak season. For international buyers, UK property ownership offers portfolio diversification, stable legal frameworks, and transparent transaction processes. Practical considerations matter for second home buyers. The property's condition requires no immediate investment. The comprehensive renovation by current owners means you can use it immediately while planning any personal modifications. The estate's multiple buildings provide flexibility as needs change over years of ownership. Children grow into the space. The lodge generates income or houses visiting relatives. The office adapts to changing work patterns. The property scales with your life rather than limiting it. The septic tank is SEPA registered, ensuring environmental compliance. Mains electricity and water provide reliability. Oil-fired central heating in the main house and modern electric heating in the lodge offer comfort year-round. Fiber broadband enables remote work and streaming entertainment. The security systems including CCTV provide peace of mind during periods when the property sits unoccupied between your visits. Local property management companies in Dumfries and Galloway can oversee maintenance, manage rental bookings for the lodge, and provide year-round security checks. This addresses the primary concern of international second home buyers: ensuring their investment remains protected and productive when they're not in residence. Council tax band H for the main house and band C for the lodge reflect the property values. The lodge currently operates under business rates due to its holiday let status, offering potential tax advantages worth exploring with UK tax advisors. EPC ratings of E and F are typical for historical properties and don't reflect the extensive insulation, double glazing, and efficient heating systems installed. Key features defining this vacation home opportunity: 6,124 square foot main house dating to 1863 with comprehensive modern renovation. Six double bedrooms including principal suite with dressing room and luxury en-suite. Smallbone of Devizes kitchen with Gaggenau appliances and Aga. CCTV security, fiber broadband, CAT6 cabling, underfloor heating, double glazing throughout. Renovated gate lodge operating as proven holiday let with two bedrooms. Converted coach house with premium office space and meeting room. 10.57 acres including mature gardens, tennis court, water features, kitchen garden. 200 meters River Annan frontage with trout fishing rights. Floodlit all-weather tennis court with integrated sound system. Bespoke metalwork by renowned blacksmith Kev Paxton including gates and spiral staircase. Multiple entertaining spaces including drawing room, formal dining room, paved terraces. Greenhouse, raised beds, fruit cage, potting sheds supporting self-sufficient lifestyle. 90 minutes to Glasgow Airport, two hours to Edinburgh, four hours to London by train. Mains services, private drainage, oil and electric heating options. This riverside estate represents the complete vacation home package for international buyers. The main house provides authentic Scottish country living with modern luxury. The lodge generates immediate rental income with documented success. The coach house office adds practical utility for remote professionals. The grounds offer endless recreation and natural beauty. The location balances peaceful seclusion with transport accessibility. For families seeking a second home in the UK that accommodates gatherings, generates revenue, and appreciates in value while providing genuine lifestyle benefits, Waterside House delivers comprehensively. Contact Homestra today to arrange a private viewing of this exceptional Scottish country estate. Experience the river, explore the grounds, and envision your family's future here where Admiral Murray found his perfect retreat over 160 years ago.
