Artist puts his spectacular Grade I listed mansion on sale for same price as a one-bed London flat

An artist is selling his spectacular Grade I listed mansion for the same price as a one-bed London flat.

Francis Convery bought Stracathro Mansion House in 2003 with the incredible property spread over 28,000 sq/ft.

He has used the country pile as his own personal gallery, displaying more than 150 of his paintings in the home’s stately rooms.

But Francis has now decided to sell the property because it is too large, with the artist rarely taking advantage of the 80-plus rooms.

A sale recently fell through and now Stracathro Mansion House, in Brechin, Scotland, is back on the market for £1.1 million.

This is the same price as a one bedroom flat recently sold in Mayfair.

Incredibly, Stracathro Mansion House is more than 67 TIMES the size of the London flat, which – at 420sq/ft – has less space than a tube carriage.

It represents the stark contrast in value for money across the country as prices in the capital continue to go through the roof.

The Mayfair flat, which was sold by Chesterton Humberts, has one bedroom, one reception room, a tiny kitchen and a shower room.

Stracathro Mansion House, meanwhile, is a grand Palladian style home dominated by its magnificent Corinthian columns.

Francis said: “In total there are 87 spaces in the house and you can go for a walk inside.

“People are dumbstruck when they go inside. They don’t know what to say. It can be a bit embarrassing.

“The proportions are really energising and I have really enjoyed living here but it is time for a change.

“The basement and top floor are left on their own at the moment but the middle two floors are used.

“I think the mansion has got great commercial potential. There is room for a bar and spa and it would be excellent for weddings and conferences. People are attracted to the period feel.”

Stracathro House was built between 1824 and 1827 for the Cruikshank family in Scotland.

But as is the case with many country mansions, the home went into decline during the 20th century.

It was leased by the government and used as a hospital during World War II.

Tayside Health Board sold it to Mr Convery in 2003, who has lived in it since and carried out a refurbishment.

The home has a number of spectacular features, including marble floors and fireplaces, enormous French doors, high ceilings and ornate carvings.

Each of the three principal reception rooms flow along the northerly aspect and are connected by magnificent double doors.

The rooms are highly decorative and have floor to ceiling sash and case windows overlooking the terrace.

It is being advertised by upmarket estate agency Strutt and Parker.

The home could be bought for £1.1 million or it could also be sold with a number of cottages and a stunning coach house for £1.68 million.

Julia Willett, from Strutt & Parker’s Banchory office, said: “Stracathro House is one of the most beautiful properties we have ever marketed in this office.

“It is grand and elegant and everywhere you look there is something beautiful.

“It is a shame that the earlier sale has fallen through but on the other hand this is a great opportunity for someone else to buy this great house.”