Turf roofed Victorian ice house ‘unlike anything currently on the market’

Just behind the shores of a secluded beach on the remote Crinan Ferry Peninsula lies a turf roofed Victorian ice house, on the market with premium rural estate agents, Bell Ingram.

The Ice House dates back to the early 19^th century and has previously enjoyed fame on the television series George Clarke’s Restoration Man.

Once used to store ice throughout and refrigerate fish throughout the year, the historical significance of the property is immediately apparent through its entrance door which leads to a large chamber that is thought to have served as a food packing area during the 19^th Century. The property also includes the original loading hatch through which the ice was fed.

In recent years the Ice House has been updated to include a stunning frameless ice like ‘light loft’ fitted with bespoke, reinforced and heated glass walls, door and glass floor, ironically keeping it warm throughout the year, instead of cold.

Its iconic barrel-vaulted glazed extension comes with a turf roof, which from above gives the impression of the house blending seamlessly into its stunning surroundings at Crinan Ferry.

The sheltered sandy bay at the mouth of the River Add, seven miles from Lochgilphead offers gorgeous views to Duntrune Castle. The one acre plot benefits from a coastal outlook across the bay, often enjoyed by the current owner from a hot tub on one of the site’s elevated terraces.

Estate Agent, Andrew Fuller comments: “We are excited to bring this unique and historical property to the market. With its prime waterfront location and one of a kind building, the Crinan Ferry Ice House is unlike anything currently on the market.

“Perfect for history lovers and nature lovers alike, the Ice House at Crinan offers buyers the opportunity to truly ‘escape it all’.  Originally, planning permission and listed building consents were granted to upgrade the property into a quirky residential dwelling, however the sizable land area also offers potential for development of a separate, detached residential dwelling subject to the necessary planning consent.”

For more information, or to arrange a viewing contact Andrew Fuller on 01631 567791 or email andrew.fuller@bellingram.co.uk

Beautifully renovated equestrian property with glorious views

An opportunity to acquire a compact equestrian property with modern farmhouse set in idyllic surroundings has arisen near Kinross.

Perfect for horse lovers, Craigton is on the market with premium rural estate agents, Bell Ingram for offers over £600,000.

Extending to 13.88 acres, the property includes four grass paddocks with stabling, field shelters and agricultural outbuildings.

The jewel in the crown of this property is its modern and beautifully appointed family farmhouse. The bungalow is a detached family home which has been extensively extended and modernised.

The striking exterior has been finished with a mix of Denfind stone, dry dash and Siberian larch, with concrete tiles on the roof completing the high-quality finishes that can be found within the interior of the property.

Inside, the three-bedroom home is spacious and ideal for a growing family. An impressive living room showcases a vaulted ceiling, real oak floor and log burning stove. Patio doors open out to a timber decking and glorious views over the nearby hills.

Moreover, there is planning permission granted to extent the living spaces by adding an upper floor to provide a large master suite with sitting area, dressing room and bathroom with a shower. These works could be undertaken by the purchaser if desired.

Impressive views can be found surrounding this property as its location at Rumbling Bridge near Kinross, takes in some of Perthshire’s most peaceful open scenery. On the border of Kinross-shire and Clackmannashire, Craigton Bungalow is located just above the Gairney Glen meaning most of the rooms have outstanding, far reaching views.

Meanwhile, the property’s benefits from a central location with the M90 giving quick access to both Perth and Edinburgh and the nearby Clackmannanshire Bridge which connects to the Central Belt and Glasgow.

For families there are an excellent choice of private schools in the area including Dollar Academy, Strathallan, Kilgraston, Glenalmond College, Craigclowan Preparatory School and St Leonard’s School.

For more information, or to arrange a viewing contact Carl Warden on 01738 621121 or email carl.warden@bellingram.co.uk

We don’t look at the clock … that’s the beauty of Ardnamurchan

When Richard and Vicky Pollock decided to holiday on the West Coast of Scotland, they were looking for an escape. Having lived and worked in some of the UK’s busiest cities, a peaceful change of pace was in order. Little did they know that their trip north would take them on a journey to a new life.

“Six years ago we went on holiday to Scotland and discovered Ardnamurchan,” says Richard. “To get there, it’s a single track road which is 35 miles one way and far away from Route 500. People don’t stumble upon Ardnamurchan, they seek it out.

Richard and Vicky instantly fell in love with the place. “The beautiful surroundings, incredible wildlife, friendly community and the relaxing way of life really appealed to us.”

At the time, they were looking for a second home. Then, when the Ardnamurchan Natural History Visitor Centre came onto the market, it proved an easy decision for the couple to relocate. “After working in London, you reach a point where you want to leave the rat race, the pollution and find somewhere to escape to. People who come here can get away from the hustle and bustle, and that’s exactly what we did.”

Running the visitor centre and a coffee shop has never felt like a job to Richard and Vicky. “It really isn’t work at all talking to customers and making friends. We don’t look at the clock. We often don’t know the time or even the date. That’s the beauty of Ardnamurchan.”

The couple have built lasting friendships in the area too with many locals coming to visit for coffee and a catch-up every week. “It’s a real community hub. The people here are wonderful and so welcoming. It’s not always like that when you move to a new place, so it’s very special here in that way.”

Closing every year from the end of October until just before Easter means Richard and Vicky can take the time to visit friends and family during the off-season. In the past, they have travelled abroad, exploring the world during the winter months, but have always been ready to return home. “Where we are in the world, it would never beat Ardnamurchan. It’s an absolutely stunning place to be.”

Now looking to retire fully, Richard and Vicky are selling the visitor centre and home, but have no intention of leaving the area – they couldn’t imagine being anywhere else now.

They are hoping that another couple looking for an escape to a more peaceful and relaxed way of life will take the opportunity to take over the business. “We’re not just selling the business. We are selling a lifestyle – a way of life. People really need to come here and experience the place and the way of life to fully appreciate how beautiful it is.”

Ardnamurchan Natural History Visitor Centre is on the market at the guide price of £575,000. For more information or to arrange a viewing contact Andrew Fuller on 01631 566 122 or email andrew.fuller@bellingram.co.uk

Is there anywhere else in Scotland you can finish your day with a swim in the Atlantic?

There are few places in Scotland or, in fact, in the world, more breathtaking to see than the coastline along the Isle of Mull. Matthew and Julia Reade have been admiring the spectacular view for over three decades.

As the owners of Calgary Café on the north-west point of the island, the Reade family have been welcoming visitors to this exceptional spot to soak up the landscape, wildlife and sense of peacefulness for the past 34 years.

Now, after many joyful years, Matthew and Julia are retiring and selling the business. “We felt it was the right time to give somebody else the opportunity to live and work here,” says Matthew. “We’re not moving far as we’ve built a house nearby overlooking the bay. We couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.”

When Matthew ventured to Mull as a teenager, he had no idea the lifelong connection with place he was about to forge. “I grew up working on a dairy farm in Somerset,” says Matthew. “When I was about 16, my father sent me and my brother to start a dairy farm on Mull. Then I met Julia and eventually we bought Calgary Farmhouse together.”

A derelict farm originally, Matthew and Julia renovated the space into a seven-bedroom hotel and restaurant, combining Matthew’s passion for woodwork and sculpture for the furnishings and Julia’s catering background for the restaurant. “We were accidental hoteliers,” Matthew remembers. “I was 22-years-old and had barely any experience of staying in hotels, so it was a real learning curve.”

After 22 years as a hotel and restaurant, and once their two sons, Tom and Charlie, were older, Matthew and Julia converted the hotel into self-catering accommodation. The one constant has been their café. “It’s a very busy spot,” says Matthew. “We welcome a lot of day trippers and many people who return to Mull every year. There’s people who have been coming here all the years we have been here.”

Right next to the Calgary Café is Calgary Art in Nature, a popular woodland trail featuring sculptures that celebrate the beauty of nature. Even on a wet day people come to enjoy the Art in Nature trail which brings many visitors into the café.

Situated next to the beach, Matthew says its one of the best places for a family to live. “Our boys grew up here with the beach on our doorstep which they just loved. We employ seasonal staff in the summer and when they finish a shift they run down to the beach and swim in the sea. Is there anywhere else in Scotland you can finish your day with a swim in the Atlantic?”

The Reades are excited to see what the next owners of Calgary Café do. “It doesn’t necessarily need to be a café,” Matthew adds. “It could be a licensed restaurant, or a yoga retreat, or a recording studio. It’s such a versatile space.”

Calgary Farmhouse is on the market at offers over £395,000 and the Licenced Tearoom (which includes three letting properties and staff accommodation) is for sale at offers in the region of £575,000.

For more information or to arrange a viewing contact Andrew Fuller on 01631 566 122 or email andrew.fuller@bellingram.co.uk