The Culdee is owned by Gill & Simon Noble with creative input from son Seb. With a passion for old buildings, they instantly fell in love with St Rules and wondered how they could bring it back into public use.
There’s unconfirmed speculation that the site of the former church was one of the original Scottish Culdees.
So what is a ‘Culdee?’ – The church was possessed from an early date by the Culdees, a monastic order which originated in Ireland. Although the Culdees were supplanted in many parts by the Roman Catholics around the time of David (r. 1124 – 1153), they appear to have retained the church of Monifieth. During the thirteenth century, Gilchrist, the third Earl of Angus, gifted the church of Monifod (Monifieth) to the monastery of Arbroath, which had been founded by his uncle, King William I. It subsequently became a Roman Catholic church. Monifieth continued to be a dependent church of the abbey until the Reformation.
Pictish Stones were discovered on the site – they are currently on display in the National Galleries of Scotland. There are replicas on display in the McManus Galleries in Dundee. The replicas were carved by expert Stone Carver, David McGovern. David has carved a replica of ‘Monifieth 2’ which is on display for sale at The Culdee.
David has also been fascinated by the stonework in the east facing gable of the building – translating one of the texts from Latin ……In this tomb, which he caued to be contructed for himself and his posterity, lies Durhame of Pitkerro, a distinguished pious and good man, cashier to the late King James VI of immortal memory and whose ancestors, who bore the same name and arms, were settled in this parish in the reign of Robert I, where they have occupied a distinguished position up to the present time.’
The Culdee is owned by Gill & Simon Noble with creative input from son Seb. With a passion for old buildings, they instantly fell in love with St Rules and wondered how they could bring it back into public use. Gill had worked in financial services for 35 years and felt now was the time for a second career – always a lover of art, people, music, good food and wine, she saw an opportunity to create something unique. And it is. The Culdee is a relaxed, utterly beautiful place to enjoy with friends, or alone. It’s peaceful, elegant and truly special. The stunning stained glass windows are by Morris & Co and incorporate designs by Edward Bourne- Jones, they steal the show when the sun shining through them casts beautiful colours throughout the day.
There’s a baby grand piano proudly waiting for its next pianist. The dining tables, chairs and vintage sofas all are pre loved and have been reupholstered with the most sumptuous fabrics. There’s no doubt this was a church. The choir gates have been reused, the pews have also been cleverly integrated in to the design. There is so much to see.
Easily accessible and always ready to welcome you. Visit us today for great food and drinks!
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 9am - 4pm |
| Wednesday | 9am - 4pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 4pm |
| Friday | 9am - 8pm |
| Saturday | 9am - 9pm |
| Sunday | 10am - 4pm |
Looking to book an event or have a question? We’d love to hear from you. Give us a call, drop us an email, or pop by for a chat.
Please note, we will be closed Easter Sunday, 20th April
