Opportunity to make your mark on Moray countryside

Nestled in the quiet Moray countryside between Keith and Huntly, sits two premium plots ready for development into the perfect country homes for the right buyers.

Anderson Ward and Bridge of Fowlwood at Knock are on the market with premium rural estate agents, Bell Ingram for offers over £60,000, respectively.

The plots offer buyers a great opportunity to relocate to an attractive rural area with picturesque views of the surrounding undulating countryside, including the heather clad Knock Hill, a prominent feature in the local landscape.

The south facing plots both come with planning permission in principle for detached family homes and have already received significant interest from international buyers looking to build in Scotland’s magnificent countryside.

Another draw is the proximity to whisky country. The plots are located close to the picturesque village of Knock, famous for its Knockdhu distillery which produces anChoc single malt whisky. Meanwhile, the famous whisky producing region of Speyside can be found an hour’s drive away.

Bell Ingram’s Aberdeen Partner, James Petty commented on the sale: “These plots offer the right buyer an excellent opportunity to build in an attractive part of the world. Whether it is a home for a retired couple or busy family home, the rural location coupled with the closeness to amenities, including transport links, in nearby Keith and Huntly, means this is a sale which will attract many different types of buyers.

“We have already had significant international interest for the plots from potential buyers looking to relocate to a quiet and relaxing part of the world, we would therefore encourage those looking for similar opportunities to not delay in getting in touch.”

For more information, or to arrange a viewing for Anderson Ward or Bridge of Fowlwood contact James Petty on 01224 621300 or email james.petty@bellingram.co.uk

Article posted on 13/07/2022

One of Perthshire’s most impressive properties hits the market

A unique opportunity to purchase one of Perthshire’s most impressive properties is on the market with premium rural estate agents, Bell Ingram.

With five reception rooms, five bedrooms and master suite with sauna, the property is grand in its stature and offers potential buyers a mix of character and luxury modern living.

On the market for offers over £875,000, the home is situated in one of Perthshire’s most sought-after locations at Trinity Gask near Auchterarder.

In its present form, the house represents decades of work to sympathetically extend and develop the original two storey house, which dates back to 1900. Both internally and externally the house has unusual character and charm and offers extensive accommodation within a traditional design.

The house is extremely well appointed and has been thoughtfully laid out and developed to provide outstanding character combined with modern comforts. Natural light floods most parts of the property, and the rooms are of generous proportions with many having double or triple windows.

Set in tranquil surroundings extending to 1.1 acres, the villa’s gardens are one the properties highlights. Featuring undulating lawns, woodland, herbaceous and flower borders, and a feature ornamental pond and adjacent decking. 

Carefully designed to offer a wealth of spring and summertime colour, the serene gardens require little maintenance beyond lawn mowing and offer potential buyers a real oasis of calm.

The villa is centrally located providing easy access to transport links across Scotland. Meanwhile for families, some of Scotland’s most prestigious private schools are within a 30minute drive of the villa.

Perfect for leisure activities, the prestigious Gleneagles Hotel is also situated just six miles away, while the wider regions offer excellent fishing, stalking, and shooting opportunities.

Estate Agent, Carl Warden comments on the sale: “We are delighted to bring this property to the market, which presents a rare opportunity to own a truly impressive home in one of the country’s most sought after locations.

“With close proximity to prestigious schools and amenities, coupled with its stunning private grounds, the home would suit family life as well as those looking for a quiet escape in a wonderful part of the world.”

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

Article posted on 29/06/2022

Off grid living at historic bothy home on the Isle of Jura

What started as an 19^th century shepherd’s hut on the Ardulussa Estate on the magnificent Isle of Jura is now a wonderful off grid home looking for new owners.

Lealt is on the market with premium rural estate agents, Bell Ingram for offers over £475,000.

Built circa 1850, the house sits on ground extending to approximately 1.41 hectares and benefits from far reaching views over the surrounding countryside.

Its current owners have owned the property since 1995 and since then have transformed the derelict building into a comfortable two-bedroom home with eco credentials.

When seeing the property in its previous state, the owner Richard Mayes, says: “After a good cry…we bought the place. Then we sat down and decided what we’d like Lealt to look like when we’d finished. In a nutshell we wanted to completely renovate the place but retain all the existing character and add some more light and air. 

“Then in January we started taking Lealt to pieces. Everything except the four outside walls had to go. Now family and friends can wallow in comfort and warmth lit by the wind!”

The property is completely off grid with electricity provided by its own generation system based on the power of wind, water and sun. With its own wind turbine and water turbine, built in the property’s burn which by itself generates 7.5kw per day satisfying all the basic electrical needs.

As a backup, Mr Mayes also installed six solar panels to produce electricity. A battery system is used so that all surplus energy can be stored and used at a later date meaning there is zero reliance on the grid.

The Island of Jura is a most picturesque island and one that is little explored by tourists, many of whom do not venture north beyond the coastal village of Craighouse. It has a rich natural heritage with much to attract those who wish to enjoy hill walking and the outdoors.

George Orwell said during his time on the island writing his novel 1984 “it is an extremely unforgettable place” and it is definitely still today a place to come and get away from it all.

Estate Agent, Andrew Fuller comments on the sale: “It’s not everyday you have such a unique property equally rich in history and modern in its outlook.

“Eco friendly homes and off grid living is proving increasingly popular in the Highland and Islands and given the uniqueness of Lealt and its prime position on the ever-popular Isle of Jura, we envisage this property to be very desirable and would encourage those interested not to delay in arranging a viewing.”

For more information please contact Andrew Fuller on 01631 566122 or email oban@bellingram.co.uk

Article posted on 28/06/2022

A rare chance to buy on the magical island of Iona

A charming, five-bedroom cottage offers an exceptionally rare opportunity to buy on the magical Scottish island of Iona.

Presented for sale by Bell Ingram at offers over £595,000, Iona Cottage is set in a prominent, central location close to Iona Abbey.

Commenting on the sale, Andrew Fuller from Bell Ingram’s Oban Office, says: “Iona Cottage offers buyers the chance to acquire a well-presented five-bedroom detached house, the perfect home for those looking to relocate to this magical Inner Hebrides island.

“Iona holds a special place in the hearts of people from around the world and properties are seldom listed for sale in the open market. With far reaching views across the Sound of Iona to the Isle of Mull, Iona Cottage is thought to be one of the oldest properties on the island.”

Home to the world famous Iona Abbey, one of the oldest Christian religious centres, the Isle of Iona is full of history with many visitors following in the footsteps of St Columba. Nearby is St Oran’s Chapel and Reilig Odhrain which is reputed to be the burial place of Macbeth and 47 other kings of Scotland.

Set across two floors, Iona Cottage features traditional wood panelling, with an open fireplace in the living room and stunning views across the bay from the sunroom.

The property is entered from the front, with the main entrance door leading from the front garden into a central hallway. To the right, the family kitchen features a traditional farmhouse style layout, with an oil-fired ESSE range stove. A walk-in pantry is also located within the kitchen, with space for a small dining table.

To the left of the hall, the family lounge is warmed through by an open grate fire, set within a natural stone fire surround, a focal point within the room. The room extends through to a sunroom, located to the left side of the property and offering panoramic views across the gardens and beyond, across the bay.

The ground floor bedroom is located to the rear of the house, with a door opening out onto the garden. A family bathroom is also located adjacent to the bedroom, featuring a full-sized bath and white two-piece Victorian style bathroom suite. A shower is positioned over the bath.

A sizable utility room is also located to the rear of the house, with a useful storage room located under the stairs, previously used a photographic dark room. The upper floor layout offers further accommodation by way of four bedrooms, three of which are positioned to the front of the house, offering stunning coastal views, with the remaining bedroom located to the rear of the property. A second family bathroom is also located on the upper floor, accessed from the rear landing.

Andrew Fuller adds: “Iona Cottage is the perfect island home filled with charm and presents a great opportunity for buyers looking to enjoy an idyllic rural lifestyle.

“The island is inhabited by around 130 people and has a traditional community feeling to it. On top of that the number of vehicles on Iona is restricted by permit and with no crime to speak of, it makes a wonderfully safe environment for children and adults alike.

“For outdoor enthusiasts, Iona boasts first-rate walking opportunities, a variety of wildlife and beautiful, white sandy beaches.

“Iona, accessed via a regular ferry service from the Isle of Mull, is fully equipped with a well-stocked general store as well as a number of other amenities and businesses catering to the needs of locals and tourists alike.”

For more information about Iona Cottage or to request a viewing, please contact Andrew Fuller on 01631 567 791 or email andrew.fuller@bellingram.co.uk

Article posted on 28/06/2022

Bell Ingram heads project team for Braemar Castle restoration

Bell Ingram Design’s conservation architect Susan Burness is heading up the team tasked with restoring A-listed Braemar Castle and its grounds.

Work had now started on the project following confirmation of funding support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic Environment Scotland. The main contractor is Harper & Allen Masonry.

Braemar Castle, located at the Haughs of Dee, has been an army barracks, family home and visitor attraction since it was built in 1628 by John Erskine, the 6th Earl of Mar as his Highland hunting lodge.

It was a target in the first Jacobite uprising in 1689 and torched by John Farquharson of Inverey. Following the Battle of Culloden, the castle was used as a garrison for Hanoverian soldiers to suppress any lingering Jacobite support.

It was gifted to Braemar Community Trust on a 50-year lease by owner Captain Alywne Farquharson, 16th Laird of Invercauld and Chief of Clan Farquharson, in 2007. Since then, it has been managed by the Braemar Community Ltd. group whose vision is to conserve the castle as a visitor attraction and community resource for schools, charities and individuals.

Susan Burness said: “Bell Ingram are delighted to have been appointed by Braemar Community Ltd. to improve the fabric and infrastructure of this important building. It is a great opportunity to secure the castle for future generations.”

The repair and conservation of the Castle exterior and Curtain Wall will include structural repair, re-harling and lime-washing. Further research during the development phase will confirm the specific shade.

Susan continued. “The restored building will reflect the original colour, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the Castle. Essential interior works, including electrical upgrade, window repairs and drainage upgrade, will provide a more appropriate environment for the collections averting any further detrimental effects to collections conditions and providing a more pleasant environment for visitors.”

Elsewhere, the Castle setting will be enhanced with sightlines cleared, landscape management and re-planting in the Grounds and Curtain Wall areas.

Susan added: “The visitor arrival experience will be improved with all visitors entering through the Grounds gate, which will be widened to enhance accessibility, and reaching the Castle via an accessible all-weather pathway. The improved Castle experience will also see the removal of the existing cabin and the introduction of a modest extension providing accessible visitor toilets and improved space for introductory interpretation and a tour group assembly point.

“Development of the Grounds experience also encompass the refurbishment of the timber fog house to feature a timeline on the accessible path depicting key points in the Castle’s story linking with the interpretive focus of the Castle, nature trail through the grounds and re-instated garden experience.”

If you are interested in finding out more about what Bell Ingram Design can bring to your conservation project, get in touch by calling 01738 621 121 or emailing design@bellingram.co.uk with us today.

ArArticle posted on 13/06/2022

Award-winning 5-star boutique guest house for sale on the stunning Kintyre Peninsula

Carradales, the multi award-winning boutique guest house on the Kintyre Peninsula, is being presented for sale by Bell Ingram at offers over £625,000.

Built in 1892 for the minister of the new Free Church of Scotland by renowned architect H.E. Clifford of Glasgow, Carradales had been under the stewardship of Maurice Whelan and Steve Reed during which time it has received numerous awards, including the prestigious five-star award from the Scottish Tourist Board.

Situated within the picturesque Argyll village of Carradale, the Victorian property has been recently refurbished to an impeccably high standard and offers luxurious accommodation over two levels.

Commenting on the sale, Andrew Fuller from Bell Ingram’s Oban office, says: “It is a very special property and certainly not one we would see come onto the market very often.

“It is currently operated as a successful guest house, however given its popular location, would equally be suited to a family home or holiday let property. Interest is likely to be high, and early viewing is highly recommended.”

The property is entered from the front, with a welcoming porch leading through to the central hall. To the left, the sitting room offers a comfortable place to relax, with a feature bay window perfectly framing the wonderful open views over the surrounding countryside. The room is warmed through by an open grate fire which is set within a heavy cast fire surround.

Adjacent to the sitting room, the formal dining room also enjoys views across the rear gardens to the countryside beyond. A combination of high ceilings, well specified finishes and original features such as the intricate decorative cornice gives the room a feeling of opulence, the perfect place for guests to experience the delicious selection of locally sourced food. A feature multifuel stove offers warmth and comfort in equal measure.

The kitchen is positioned to the end of the hallway and consists of a range of stylish grey wall and floor units, complimented by a contrasting wooden worktop. The design encompasses a range of integrated appliances including a high specification Rangemaster stove and offers plenty of preparation area. The room is warmed by fan-assisted heating. To the rear of the kitchen, a functional utility room and porch also give access to the side garden of the property.

A double guest bedroom is located on the ground floor, complete with a stylish en-suite bathroom featuring a standalone bath, inbuilt shower and two-piece bathroom suite. A separate WC is also located on the ground floor, accessed from the hallway.

The upper floor is accessed by a feature wooden staircase, leading up from the hallway. A half-landing provides an unusual seating area, popular with guests looking to relax and take in the countryside views.

The three upper floor guest bedrooms are all accessed from a central landing and each benefit from a stylish en-suite bathroom. Two of the bedrooms are overlooking the rear gardens and enjoy views across the fields. A fifth bedroom is used as an owner’s residence, also benefitting from an en-suite shower room. All en-suites have electric underfloor heating, along with the ground floor cloakroom. A service staircase leads to the lower floor, exiting close to the utility room. A sizable storage cupboard is accessed from the stairs, with additional storage available under the main staircase.

For more information about Carradales Guest House or to request a viewing, please contact Andrew Fuller on 01631 567 791 or email andrew.fuller@bellingram.co.uk

Our people

Andrew Fuller

Senior Associate
Estate Agency
Tel: 01631 566 122

About: Andrew heads up the Estate Agency team in our Oban office and is focused on ensuring his clients have a first-class experience when they list their property with Bell Ingram. A resident of the Isle of Mull, Andrew is very well known across the West Coast of Scotland and has developed an excellent reputation for marketing prime residential property, including plots, crofts, island homes and lifestyle opportunities. Andrew joined Bell Ingram following almost 15 years managing several high-level private and commercial development projects in the United Arab Emirates. Interests: Residential Estate Agency, Rural Property Sales.

Get in touch

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

Article posted on 07/06/2022

Bell Ingram boosts team with six new Associate appointments

Rural professional services firm Bell Ingram is delighted to announce the promotion of three Senior Associates and the appointment of three new Associates.

Rhona Booth (Perth), Andrew Fuller (Oban) and Charlotte Gilfillan (Highland) are promoted to Senior Associate, while Jamie Cowie (Highland), Alison Lowson (Perth) and Alastair Skinner (Perth) are appointed to Associate.

Mark Michell, Managing Partner of Bell Ingram, said: “At Bell Ingram, we firmly believe in actively promoting from within to encourage our employees to advance professionally. These promotions demonstrate our continuing commitment to grow and expand our business and to reward talented, hard-working professional people.

“We are currently recruiting for a number of positions, including qualified chartered surveyors and a head of forestry. If you would like to join our workforce, feel free to drop your CV for our consideration.”

• Chartered surveyor and RICS Registered Valuer, Rhona Booth joined the Perth office in March 2020 and since then has brought in new clients and taken on the lead role on a major management contract. Rhona has also assumed the role of APC training co-ordinator.

• Andrew Fuller joined Bell Ingram in 2018 after 14 years managing high-level development projects in the U.A.E. Under his guidance Bell Ingram’s Estate Agency business is becoming the go-to Agent for rural and higher value properties in Argyll and Bute.

• Charlotte Gillfillan joined Bell Ingram in 2009, moving from Forfar to Beauly in 2019 where she has been a driving force in helping to develop the Bell Ingram brand in the Highlands. A qualified chartered surveyor and RICS Registered Valuer, she specialises in Rural Estate Management.

• Dual qualified Jamie Cowie joined Bell Ingram in 2003 as a forest manager before going on to become a MRICS qualified chartered surveyor. Working out of the Highland office he undertakes the full range of professional work – forestry management, valuation, boundary disputes, crofting work and his skills are specifically sought after by larger utilities clients.

• Alastair Skinner joined Bell Ingram in April 2011 as an IT assistant before taking over the role of IT Manager in 2019. He has been instrumental in developing our agile IT infrastructure which has enabled staff to work from remote locations to provide an ongoing service to our clients across all areas of our business.

• Marketing Manager Alison Lowson supports the business with day-to-day marketing and communications with an emphasis on digital marketing, content writing and social media. Alison previously worked as a newspaper editor before joining Bell Ingram in 2019 after an 18-month stint with a marketing agency.

Full details of all our current vacancies at www.bellingram.co.uk

Our people

Alison Lowson

Associate
Marketing Manager
Tel: 01738 621 121

About: Alison heads up Bell Ingram’s marketing and PR team. She is a marketing and communications specialist who has worked across a wide range of sectors including social enterprise, events, museums, charities, farming, law, technology, building and public sector. Previously she was a regional editor with Media Scotland, co-ordinating print and digital newspaper titles across Central Tayside. Interests: Brand Marketing, Sales and Business Development, Public Relations and Media Management, Content Creation, Newspaper and Magazine Production, Event Planning and Delivery.

Get in touch

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

Article posted on 26/05/2021

Rare opportunity to own slice of Highland History

An opportunity to purchase two properties steeped in Highland history has arisen with premium rural estate agents, Bell Ingram.

On the market for offers over £150,000, 1 & 2 Review Park are situated on the outskirts of Golspie and a stone’s throw from the magnificent Dunrobin Castle, the ancestral home of the Sutherland Clan.

The cottages were built circa 1800 in the Countess of Sutherland’s Review Park, where the famous 93^rd Highlander Regiment of Foot were raised in 1799.

From their base in Golspie, the 93rd Highlander regiment went on to fight all over the world with the British Army, but their name was cemented into the history books during the Crimean War at the Battle of Balaclava.

As the Russians approached the site occupied by the Brits, the 93^rd formed a line across the cavalry’s line of advance. William Russell, the Times correspondent, described the sight of the regiment as a ‘thin red line tipped with steel’. Despite being vastly outnumbered by their counterparts, the regiment’s unyielding presence caused the Russians to abandon their intention of taking Balaclava and the phrase ‘thin red line’ went on to symbolise any thinly spread military unit holding firm against attack.

As well as a popular stop on the North Coast 500, the Golspie area is a favourite for military historians and recently became home to the Battle of Littleferry Trail which takes history buffs on the journey of a Jacobean battle that took place on the eve of the famous Culloden clash.

The properties, which are on the market as a single lot, are category B Listed and offer the right buyer an exciting renovation and refurbishment opportunity.

Estate Agent, Joanne Stennett, comments on the sale: “1 & 2 Review Park are the perfect projects for a property lover with a keen interest in history.

“It is rare to see properties come to the market that are so rich in local, national and international history and we are excited to be part of the next step in their journey.”

For more information on 1 & 2 Review Park please contact Joanne Stennett on 01463 717799 or email joanne.stennett@bellingram.co.uk

Article posted on 12/05/2022

Bell Ingram’s Head of Estate Agency Carl Warden urges sellers not to wait

Carl Warden, Head of Estate Agency at premium rural agency, Bell Ingram, advises prospective sellers and buyers not to wait until the property market get back to ‘normal’
 
Who remembers the boom and bust property markets of the early 1970s or the late 1980s? Who remembers the MIRAS debacle in 1988 and 15% mortgage interest rates? More people will remember recent mini booms and busts, general elections, Black Wednesday, the Scottish referendum, the banking crisis, Brexit and, of course, the global pandemic. Over the years all these events, large and small, have affected the market to a greater or lesser extent.

So, if anyone is waiting for the property market to get back to ‘normal’ they will wait a long time as there is no normal property market. In property we have to play the cards we are dealt. Sometimes the market will benefit the buyer, and sometimes the seller. In all these years the market has never suited both buyers and sellers at the same time. But then what you lose on the swings you gain on the roundabouts.

It is essential to understand that the market is continually in flux. We now have the challenge of low stocks of property for sale, increasing interest rates and property values in some areas rising steeply. Will this continue? No. Why? Because nothing continues unchanged in property for long. Things are constantly moving.

So, my advice is to play the property, not the market. Find a deal that works for you. Please don’t wait for the market to normalise; it won’t. Don’t try and wait until we have reached the top of the market to sell, because when you think that the market has reached the top, it will already be too late. Winning in property is finding the right property deal for you when you need it. Put another way, would you rather have a perfect property or a perfect market? I know which I would choose.

If you are looking to sell your property, speak to our Estate Agency team to organise a free market appraisal. Call 017380 621121 or email carl.warden@bellingram.co.uk

Article posted on 07/03/2022