Shepherd’s Cottage, Badanloch Estate

Transforming a traditional estate property into a stunning base for field sports enthusiasts.

Brief

In 2019 Bell Ingram Design (BID) was appointed by Badanloch Estate to refurbish and extend their former Shepherd’s Cottage into a high-quality holiday let.

The client required full architectural services which encompassed taking the project from inception to completion. This included: concept design, detailed design, building warrant approval, tender package and contract administration during construction.

Process

The basis of the design was to create a comfortable, relaxing and practical arrangement to the ground and first floors of the existing cottage. This included adding a dormer to the rear of the property to give adequate height for an additional shower room on the first floor.

Due to the property’s rural location and limited space, a functional, multi-purpose space was required and it was decided to extend to the front elevation, creating a spacious, entrance vestibule/drying room. The room was designed to meet the needs of guests who come to enjoy the fishing, stalking and hill walking on the estate, enhancing and improving their experience with practical and sensible solutions.

The design and materials of the extension contrast with the existing stone walls and Scottish slate roof. However, the use of the estate colours marry the two together.

Outcome

The renovation and extension to Shepherd’s Cottage was completed in Spring 2021, following lengthy delays due to the Coronavirus lockdown restrictions imposed in 2020. Since its completion, the cottage has been welcoming many visitors to the estate, allowing them to relax, enjoy and experience one of Scotland’s most stunning highland landscapes.

Our people

Murray Fleming

Murray Fleming

Senior Associate, Architect
Design
Tel: 01463 717 799

About: As Senior Architect based in Bell Ingram’s Beauly office, Murray is responsible for the company's architectural services covering the Highlands and Islands. He has extensive design and project management experience in a wide range of building sectors, including residential, commercial, public and healthcare. Interests: Full architectural design service, Planning advice & submissions, Feasibility studies, Condition surveys, Building warrant advice & submissions, Administration of construction contracts.

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    Our people

    Lauren Livingston

    Lauren Livingston

    Associate, Architectural Technologist
    Design
    Tel: 01307 462 516

    About: Lauren joined Bell Ingram Design in 2017 with a First Class BSc (Hons) in Architectural Technology. Following her success in winning the student CIAT Aspiration Award, she has continued to be an active member of CIAT as an Associate Member. Lauren works from our Forfar office providing assistance to our Principal Architects and Planner on projects throughout the country. Interests: Architecture, Building Conservation, BIM (Building Information Modelling), Sustainability.

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      Article posted on 20/11/2020

      Thriving B&B business on popular North Coast 500

      A thriving B&B business on the popular North Coast 500 route is up for sale, offering a rare opportunity for buyers looking for a lifestyle change.

      Aptly names, Bonnieviews, the property is an eight-bedroom, eight-bathroom B&B near Latheron between Thurso and Wick, set in seven acres of grazing land with uninterrupted sea views. Bonnieviews is on the market with premium rural estate agents, Bell Ingram for offers over £400,000.

      Situated on the internationally renowned North Coast 500 scenic touring route, which takes in some of Scotland’s top beauty spots, the B&B is well placed for welcoming guests all year round.

      A ready to go business opportunity, the property already has an outstanding rating on all major holiday let channels, making it the perfect business opportunity for those looking to hit the ground running.

      On top of this, as the property’s land is not classed as croft land, which is unusual for the area, and could be used for further development or sold to generate additional income.

      Meanwhile, with additional outbuildings which could be used for stabling, equestrian enthusiasts may see the opportunity to use the land for livestock, that could offer another arm to the business.

      Bell Ingram, estate agent, Joanne Stennett comments: “Bonnieviews offers a rare and unique opportunity to purchase a ready to go business in a beautiful part of the world. We are seeing increasing interest in Highland properties from buyers looking to relocate and we anticipate great interest in the property from buyers interested in a complete change of lifestyle following lockdown.

      “The property has undergone a recent extension with the addition of four bedrooms and three bathrooms upstairs, offering huge growth potential for the business.

      “The business also benefits from the luxury of seven acres of land that offers buyers the potential to expand their business offering or sell for development.”

      Situated in an elevated position, Bonnieviews enjoys far reaching views of the surrounding countryside and Moray Firth. The property has bright and spacious rooms and has been decorated in neutral colours. It has a stylish kitchen and modern bathrooms with almost every bedroom benefitting from far reaching sea views.

      For more information or to arrange a viewing contact Joanne Stennett on 01463 717799 or email joanne.stennett@bellingram.co.uk

      Our people

      Joanne Stennett

      Joanne Stennett

      Associate
      Estate Agency
      Tel: 01463 717 799

      About: Joanne heads up the Estate Agency team in our Beauly office and is focused on ensuring her clients have a positive experience when they list their property with Bell Ingram. From country houses to farms and estates, she has been marketing prime residential property in the Highlands and Islands for over 17 years. Joanne is well known in the local area, having developed excellent relationships with buyers and sellers. Interests: Residential Estate Agency, Rural Property Sales.

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        Article posted on 19/11/2020

        Stunning Highland Perthshire home set to ‘wow’ potential buyers

        A rare opportunity to purchase an elegant country house in a highly sought-after area of Perthshire has arisen with premium rural estate agents, Bell Ingram.

        Upper Farrochil is a stunning five-bedroom family home with far reaching views over the valley to Strathtay, one of the most desirable areas in Highland Perthshire.

        On the market with Bell Ingram for offers over £650,000, Upper Farrochil is set in mature country grounds of 0.82 acres, offering a true taste of Scottish rural life while benefitting from amenities in the nearby hub of Aberfeldy.

        With access to the property’s three family rooms, the large conservatory is the hub of the home. New buyers will be able to take in the glorious surroundings from the gorgeous room, which even comes with its own billiard table that retracts into the floor to create more space for entertaining or relaxing.

        Bell Ingram Estate Agency, Moira Webley comments: “This is a gorgeous forever home in a truly desirable location that we believe will be much loved  by its future owners. Buyers will be equally wowed by the surroundings and stature of the home and its cosy living areas that are perfect for all the whole family to enjoy.”

        “Given its highly prestigious location, we are anticipating huge interest in Upper Farrochil, not only from the local market but with those looking to relocate to a gorgeous part of the country with the best that rural life has to offer, while not far from a small town such as Aberfeldy.”

        The entrance porch opens into a welcoming reception hall with a turning staircase leading to a gallery first floor. Also off the reception hall is a coat room with window, radiator, parquet flooring and a further door through to the downstairs loo.

        To the right is the family room which overlooks the garden and has a glazed door to the garden room which has a tiled flooring, surrounding double glazed windows, exposed stone wall and a very pleasant outlook over the abundantly stocked garden and from which the outside can be accessed via a glazed door.

        The formal dining room has double doors opening through to the large conservatory. The sitting room has a feature corner fireplace, with a Jotel Scandanavian wood burning stove, overlooks the mature rear garden.

        The conservatory can also be accessed from here. The conservatory was constructed by Mozolowski and Murray and is currently being used as a billiard room. It has dwarf walls, deep hardwood window cills, surrounding double glazed windows and a glazed roof. A particularly unique feature allows the three-quarter size Reily slate-bed billiard table to be recessed into the floor by means of a mechanised lift. From here are doors to the garden and a door returning back through to the kitchen.

        The dining kitchen was installed by Perth Kitchens and has ample place for a table and chairs. A walk-in cupboard has shelving and garment hooks and there is a pantry cupboard and a further unit with plumbing for an automatic washing machine and space for a tumble dryer. The Travertine stone floor has under floor heating. The cream coloured base and wall mounted units have Corian worktops and there are shelved cupboards, pantry units, inset sink and mixer tap, twin oven oil fired Aga with two hotplates, an induction hob, a combi microwave oven, separate DeDietrich oven, integrated dishwasher and large American style fridge freezer with wine cooler.

        The upper floor hallway has two double size linen cupboards. Bedroom five, which is a single room with a window to the front, would also be ideally suited for use as an office. The master bedroom has a dressing room which in turn leads through to the recently completed en suite bathroom with WC, wash basin, shaped bath and corner shower. There are elevated views over the garden from the master bedroom.

        There are a further three comfortable double bedrooms, two of which have en suite shower rooms. Completing the accommodation on the upper floor is a recently completed shower room with WC and wash basin.

        For more information or to arrange a viewing contact Moira Webley on 01738 621121 or email moira.webley@bellingram.co.uk

        Our people

        Moira Webley

        Moira Webley

        Associate, MNAEA
        Estate Agency
        Tel: 01738 621 121

        About: Moira assists Carl Warden in the day to day running of Bell Ingram’s residential business in the Perth office. She has developed excellent relationships with clients, visiting sellers in their properties all over Perthshire and nurturing prospective buyers. Moira came into property sales in 2006, changing focus after many years in the conveyancing department of a legal firm. Interests: Moira is also a member of the Compliance and Audit teams and assists with the day to day management of the Quality Assurance, Health & Safety and Environmental Management systems within the organisation. She also holds her Level 6 Award in Sale of Residential Property (Scotland).

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          Article posted on 13/11/2020

          Scottish coastal getaway in stunning location attracts international interest

          A traditional Scottish bothy on the stunning Angus coastline with uninterrupted sea views is attracting intense interest from national and international buyers.

          Boddin Bothy is on the market with agents Bell Ingram at offers over £75,000 and is generating interest from those looking for a secluded coastal getaway as a second home or holiday let.

          Located on the coast just two miles south of Montrose, on a Site of Special Scientific Interest, the bothy once formed part of a salmon fishing station that dates back to the 1800s. The ruins of the station are still standing and are included in the sale.

          The historical site is perfect for holidays exploring rocky shorelines and rockpools, enjoying wild coastal scenery and wildlife with exceptional sea views on the doorstep.

          Ideal for keen walkers, the northern boundary of the bothy is located on a core path and is a popular route for visitors to the Boddin Lime Kilns, which lie just south of the site. In the other direction is the Elephant Rock, a naturally formed coastal arch of volcanic rock nestling in a steep, secluded bay that has been shaped by the elements and closely resembles the shape of an elephant’s head and truck.

          If bird watching is top of the agenda, also close by is the Montrose Basin, an enclosed estuary of the river South Esk covering 750 hectares, home to over 80,000 migratory birds – including pink-footed geese, Arctic terns, knots and sedge warblers.

          Although situated in a beautiful rural location, the bothy benefits from good access to Dundee, Aberdeen and beyond. Montrose and Arbroath have railway stations and are on the main east coast line with regular services north and to the south, including a sleeper service to London.

          Agent Catherine Lawson comments: “With its exceptional location it is no wonder we have seen such great interest in Boddin Bothy from buyers far and wide looking for their own slice of the Scottish coastline.

          “As Scotland continues to enjoy a tourism boom and staycations also on the rise, we are seeing interest from not only the local and national market but international buyers too. The site represents a great rural getaway as a second home, or an attractive business opportunity as a holiday let.

          “We would encourage those interested to be quick off the mark to arrange a viewing.”

          For more information or to arrange a viewing contact Malcolm Taylor on 01307 462516 or email malcolm.taylor@bellingram.co.uk / Catherine Lawson on 01307 462516 or email catherine.lawson@bellingram.co.uk

          Our people

          Catherine Lawson

          Catherine Lawson

          Senior Associate, MRICS FAAV
          Rural Land Management, Valuations
          Tel: 01307 462 516

          About: Catherine is a highly qualified RICS Chartered Surveyor and Registered Valuer working across Perthshire and Angus advising on all aspects of rural estate management, farm management, residential property management and lettings. She joined Bell Ingram in 2014 working in the Perth office before moving to the Forfar office in 2019. As a farmer’s daughter from Yorkshire and now living on a farm in Angus, along with a degree in rural tourism management, Catherine can offer assistance on a variety or rural matters. Interests: Lettings, Rural Land Management, Tourism.

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            Article posted on 21/10/2020

            Getting to know Bell Ingram: Why Land Agent Jamie Cowie branched out from Forestry to surveying

            Jamie Cowie joined Bell Ingram in 2003 as Forest Manager before going on to become a MRICS qualified land agent. Based in our Highland office, he is involved in pipeline and utility projects as well estate/property management, forestry management, valuations, estate agency and GIS/mapping.

            Says Jamie: “I can’t recall a single eureka moment that led me into working in the rural scene. I grew up in Buckie, a fishing village, and had no immediate family in the rural industries. We never holidayed abroad, with trips being tent-based excursions scattered across the country.

            “Living in such an incredible and diverse country meant my interest grew, predominantly in the physical geography and nature, with land use, history and people following on later.

            “In my teens, I started to become more active in the outdoors through hillwalking and mountain biking. Moray has a particularly high percentage of forest cover for the UK, and my attention soon turned to trees. The idea of having a career based indoors and with no travel did not fill me with any enthusiasm.  

            “So off I went and spent five years (including two student placements with Forestry Land Scotland ) studying Forestry at Inverness. About the time of our final exams, Bell Ingram was advertising for the position of forest manager in Aberdeen. I got the job and started in the summer of 2003.

            “After a few interesting years, I was offered the opportunity to branch out into the slightly different world of rural surveying. Initially this was predominantly based on a Scottish Water project, but eventually I ended up dabbling in a range of other utility projects. The opportunity to diversify again presented itself, so after a couple years of post-graduate distance learning I became MRICS qualified in 2014.

            “Since then I have continued to be involved in a variety of utility projects, forestry management, farm sales and valuations ranging from Grangemouth in the south, Peterhead in the east, Aviemore in the middle, Kyle of Lochalsh in the west and Unst in the north.

            “My love of Scotland has only grown, and I am fortunate to be in a line of work that lets me see and be a part of so much of it. I also get to work with and meet an equally interesting range of people.

            “While this would not have been apparent to me back in the early days of high school, the knowledge of what I know about the work I do now would have definitely focused my career path at an earlier age.”

            Our people

            Getting to know Bell Ingram: Why Land Agent Jamie Cowie branched out from Forestry to surveying

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              Article posted on 17/10/2021

              Bell Ingram’s Finnich Glen visitor centre vision wins planning approval from council

              Farmers David and Carole Young have warmly welcomed the decision by members of Stirling Council’s Planning Panel to unanimously approve their planning application for Finnich Glen today (Tuesday 6th October).

              Along with a visitor centre, the development will comprise a 150-space car park and a network of paths, bridges and viewing platforms at the Devil’s Pulpit beauty spot.

              Architects and planning consultants Bell Ingram Design lodged the application for the 10.9 hectare site in West Stirlingshire on behalf of the couple last September.

              David Young says:

              “Carole and I are both delighted and relieved by today’s decision and want to thank the councillors for supporting our vision to create a destination of national and international importance at Finnich Glen.

              “The Finnich Glen visitor centre development will allow visitors to access the Glen safely and safeguard this stunning environment for future generations to enjoy.

              “In the longer term we hope to create a sustainable business and generate rural jobs, something that’s never been more important as our economy struggles to survive during the Covid-19 pandemic.”

              Iain Cram, Director of Bell Ingram Design, says:

              “I want to thank Stirling Council, and specifically the three ward councillors Graham Lambie, Robert Davies and Alistair Berrill, for having faith in this proposal and unanimously supporting our plans to resolve the serious safety issues both on the roads and in the Glen itself.

              “From the beginning we have engaged with the local community and key stakeholders, and we firmly believe our proposals will enhance this stunning place. We have made every effort to ensure that the design of the proposed visitor centre blends into the landscape and isn’t visible from the road. The revenue it will generate will allow us to deliver the free parking and toilet facilities that are expected in any modern visitor attraction.”

              Despite over 70,000 people visiting Finnich Glen each year, there is currently no safe access, parking or even basic toilet facilities at the site.

              David Young continues: “Recent events have highlighted the scale of the safety issue after thousands of people descended on the site after lockdown eased, forcing Stirling Council to close the Glen and enforce parking restrictions.”

              Our people

              Iain Cram

              Iain Cram

              Architect
              Design
              Tel: 01738 621 121

              About: Iain is Partner in charge of Bell Ingram Design. His main role is working with clients on projects from the initial concept, through site searches, funding challenges and statutory consents. He's an experienced and talented architect with a long track record, working on a diverse range of projects from small scale residential through to large public, commercial, residential and tourism builds. Interests: Architecture, Building Surveying, Trustee of the Scottish Lime Centre, a highly respected historic building skills training centre.

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                Article posted on 06/10/2020

                Scottish farmers urged to take advantage of new equipment grant scheme

                The Scottish Government has opened a new grant scheme available for the next five weeks to all registered farming businesses to help equip farms to increase efficiencies.

                The ‘Sustainable Agriculture Capital Grant Scheme’ provides farmers with the opportunity to part finance a set list of eligible capital items. Listed items include stock handling equipment, precision farming equipment such as GPS systems and yield monitors, slurry store covers and very flexible tyres.

                As the grant scheme is only open for five weeks, time is of the essence for Scottish farmers wishing to apply. There is no requirement to obtain quotes as the application is based on standard costs which should ease the application process. 

                Applications will be scored against the scheme’s environment and sustainability aims. While there is no requirement to provide a business case for the items, having a carbon audit, nutrient management plan or vet plan will help your case. 

                Bell Ingram Land Agent, Rhona Booth comments on the new scheme: “I would urge farmers to consider what they may need for their business in forthcoming years in terms of equipment and if the list contains an item which is likely to be required in the near future then they should apply for the grant.” 

                Successful applicants require to make a claim with supporting receipt by 31 March 2021. The maximum grant is £20,000 and the list of items range in value from £250 for a fence energiser to £24,666 for a slurry injection system, therefore suiting a range of budgets.

                Our land management team manage a large number of farms, estates and corporate properties, providing bespoke advice and management services to ensure our clients maximise their assets and achieve their aims.

                Find your nearest Bell Ingram office to discuss any aspect of your land management needs.

                 

                Our people

                Rhona Booth

                Rhona Booth

                Senior Associate, MRICS
                Rural Land Management, Valuations
                Tel: 01307 462516

                About: Rhona is a highly experienced RICS Chartered Surveyor and Registered Valuer working across Perthshire and Angus advising on all aspects of estate and farm management, including landlord and tenant negotiations, telecommunication mast agreements, utility projects and CPO compensation claims. In addition, Rhona can undertake a range of rural valuations for a variety of purposes as a Registered Valuer. Rhona joined Bell Ingram in 2020 and has over 20 years’ experience in the sector. Interests: Rural Land Management, Valuations, Utilities, Renewable Energy, Agricultural Tenancy Advisor, MRICS Registered Valuer.

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                  Article posted on 09/09/2020

                  Remote Lunch Bothy, Highland Estate

                  Client calls on BID’s planning expertise to deliver a bespoke lunch stop for shooting parties.

                  Brief

                  An existing client wanted to build a private bothy on their remote Highland Estate. The vision was to create a property which would better cater for paying guests during the grouse shooting season, generating additional income for the Estate and employment opportunities for local people. It would also be used by the client’s family and estate workers managing the moorland all year round. On this project BID provided planning and design services.

                  Process

                  We agreed a suitable location with the client and designed a simple and secure wood structure which was accessible via existing hill tracks. There was no requirement for connection to services. We submitted a planning application supported by a reasoned justification for the new bothy which, as the use included a shooting bothy, did not benefit from agricultural permitted development rights.

                  Outcome

                  Planning permission was granted with the statutory timescale of eight weeks and our success led onto further requests from new clients and owners of Highland Estates for Bell Ingram Design to advise on new and replacement bothy buildings.

                  Our people

                  Lauren Livingston

                  Lauren Livingston

                  Associate, Architectural Technologist
                  Design
                  Tel: 01307 462 516

                  About: Lauren joined Bell Ingram Design in 2017 with a First Class BSc (Hons) in Architectural Technology. Following her success in winning the student CIAT Aspiration Award, she has continued to be an active member of CIAT as an Associate Member. Lauren works from our Forfar office providing assistance to our Principal Architects and Planner on projects throughout the country. Interests: Architecture, Building Conservation, BIM (Building Information Modelling), Sustainability.

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                    Article posted on 05/08/2020

                    RSPB Bird Hide, Udale Bay Reserve

                    Replacing an end of life hide with a larger structure that featured an interpretation space and full access for wheelchair users.

                    Brief

                    The RSPB’s Udale Bay Reserve is a peaceful, intertidal bay on the Cromarty Firth which is home to thousands of waders, ducks and geese. With our experience of working in protected natural habitats, Bell Ingram Design was engaged to replace an end of life hide on the site with a new, larger structure that would include an interpretation space along with full access for wheelchair users. 

                    Process

                    The design approach was for an all timber structure with larch cladding which was left untreated allowing it weather naturally to a silvery finish. The building was set on stilts to minimise its impact on the immediate surrounding ground.

                    Careful consideration was given to the ergonomics of the seated viewing windows so that all of these could be used by both wheelchair and non wheelchair users. A large floor-to-ceiling viewing window was incorporated providing a panoramic view over the bay, another wall included child height windows allowing up close viewing of the bird life in the trees and shrubs next to the building. Dedicated space was also provided for an artwork by a local artist which fills the hide with colour depicting the changing seasons along with the range of seasonal birds that visit the Reserve.

                    Outcome

                    The building has proved to be very successful, we were very pleased to read the following entry in the Visitors’ Book from RSPB members visiting from England shortly after the building’s opening: “What a fantastic hide, we have never seen such an excellent hide catering for all ages, well done!”

                    With feedback like that, we consider that ‘Job done’!

                    Our people

                    Murray Fleming

                    Murray Fleming

                    Senior Associate, Architect
                    Design
                    Tel: 01463 717 799

                    About: As Senior Architect based in Bell Ingram’s Beauly office, Murray is responsible for the company's architectural services covering the Highlands and Islands. He has extensive design and project management experience in a wide range of building sectors, including residential, commercial, public and healthcare. Interests: Full architectural design service, Planning advice & submissions, Feasibility studies, Condition surveys, Building warrant advice & submissions, Administration of construction contracts.

                    Get in touch

                    We'd love to hear from you, use the form below to email me direct

                      Article posted on 03/08/2020