KEYS TO KNOW
Kirsty Mcluckie finds properties complete with a lifestyle businesses are driving the rural market
Working from home is a dream for many. Certainly technology has allowed many to freelance from the comfort of their kitchen tables rather than face a daily commute, but some properties lend themselves to making money.
Living over the shop might not be to everyone’s taste, but one of the advantages of making your home into a business is getting out of the rat race and choosing a property where the remote location is a bonus to earning a living.
The family lifestyle market is driving sales in the north and west of Scotland and the chance to combine family living and owning a small business attracts interest from all over the UK.
In terms of a complete life change, 1 Garyvard, in Lochs on the Isle of Lewis offers huge potential for those with an artistic bent.
The house, gallery and studio are three separate buildings already operating as a commercial enterprise.
The traditional two-bedroomed croft house comes with a renovated blackhouse converted to an artist’s studio and a newly built contemporary gallery space, which also incorporates a traditional blackhouse and accommodation.
The properties sit on a peninsula in the picturesque village of Garyvard on the island, in a shore-side location 22 miles from Stornoway.
The boundary of the house includes the harbour to the right of the property and a traditional stone-built jetty remains at the front.
For those looking for a foodie occupation, the award-winning Isle of Ewe Smokehouse and Fine Food Emporium is also for sale.
Located in a beautiful loch-side setting on the North Coast 500 route, between the villages of Aultbea and Mellon Charles on the west coast of Scotland, the sale comprises a renovated three-bedroomed cottage, purpose-built smokehouse with shop, preparation rooms, office and renovated stone bothy.
The business is established with wholesale and online orders from across the UK and Europe. It has won awards for its peat smoked hake, hand dived hot smoked scallops, hot and cold smoked salmon, and has an average turnover of £185,000 per annum.
The purpose-built smokehouse is designed for easy conversion to alternative business use or as holiday letting accommodation.
Phiddy Robertson of Galbraith, Inverness, who is handling the sale, says: “The Smokehouse offers an excellent opportunity for those looking to acquire an established and profitable business that brings with it a change of lifestyle in a beautiful and unique coastal setting.
“In addition, the demand for ethical food production, the growing economy of the West Coast and the positive impact of the North Coast 500 offer further opportunities both in business and tourism and we expect a lot of interest in this sale.”
Tounheid O’dess, near Kincardine O’neil, Aberdeenshire offers a tourist business in its two properties.
The traditional farmhouse has two bedrooms while the spectacular converted steading has three. The property offers the option to live in one while renting out the other as a holiday let. Which one you choose to live in is up to you. Where is it: 1 Garyvard, Lochs, Isle of Lewis. What is it: A two-bedroomed traditional farmhouse, a studio and contemporary gallery space set on a harbour with its own jetty. Good p oints: In a beautiful coastal location the business is set up perfectly for an artist, or the gallery could be converted to a teashop or accommodation. Bad points: It is quite remote so the success of the business might depend on the new owner’s artistic talents. Price: £350,000. Contact: Ken Macdonald & Co on 01851 704 040.