A CLACKS estate is set to welcome its first visitors this autumn as part of an extensive regeneration journey.
Brucefield Estate, located near Forestmill, is launching self-catering holidays in a bid to attract visitors to a renovated forester's cottage called Slackbrae.
A largely untouched country estate, which has a rich landscape of architectural history and unique ancestry dating back 700 years, owners at Brucefield have been conducting conservation work since 2012.
That year saw the return of biologist Victoria Bruce-Winkler to the grounds and she has been passionate about regenerating the land ever since.
A 10-year wildlife plan is in place, including the monitoring and management of rich habitats.
These include woodlands with ancient Scots Pine as well as meadows and a lowland heath which is a Natural Scotland site of special scientific interest, while a former avenue of 300-year-old lime trees has also recently been discovered.
Owner Victoria Bruce-Winkler said: "I'm delighted to see Slackbrae ready to welcome its first guests.
"We have been working tirelessly for the last 10 years with ecologists and conservationists to preserve the unique heritage of the estate.
"Our vision is to create an estate where people can come and relax, explore the heritage of the estate and surround themselves with nature."
Slackbrae, originally built in the 18th century, will launch in time for bookings from October 1 after renovation using a conservation approach.
This saw the use of sustainable materials for energy efficiency while specially commissioned kitchen and bathroom tiles tell the heritage of the cottage and land throughout the centuries.
Slackbrae, extending to around 120sqm, is fully accessible, has vaulted ceilings, stunning views and was the former gatehouse to the land.
At one time it was owned by Stirling & Dunfermline Railway, the former line which has since become a cycle route.
The estate is diversifying into tourism and hospitality and the launch of the cottage is the first step on the journey.
Indeed, as the Advertiser reported in July the 420 hectare family demesne was granted planning permission for eight eco-bothies, or small huts, which will be used for short term holiday lets.
The bothies are planned for future phases on the journey and the estate also hopes to launch workshops in ancestry, wood turning, garden design and more down the line.
Slackbrae is priced from £300 per night for three, four and seven night stays, accommodating four guests with two bedrooms and two bathrooms.
The estate dates back some 700 years when it was part of the Barony of Schenbothy, first owned by the Stewarts of Rosyth.
Victoria's family have ancestry dating back to Robert the Bruce and the estate is located between A977 on the north and the A907on the south.
To book Slackbrae from October 1, call call 01259 690013, email info@brucefieldestate.scot or visit brucefieldestate.scot
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