Word is out on a book fan’s dream
Descendant of publishing empire offers home with a library to lose yourself in
FETCH up at this Grand Designs-style property bearing a Kindle and you’re likely to get the book thrown at you. The electronic device that has revolutionised the way we consume words does not command popular support at Suleskerry House.
The clue lies in the name of the owner, Noel Collins, a member of the family which placed Scotland at the centre of world publishing for 200 years.
Think of one half of Harper-Collins and you have the family firm which began life in 1819 selling Bibles in Glasgow.
From the 1930s to the 1970s, the empire was run by Sir William Collins, grandfather of Noel Collins.
During his time in charge, Sir William would offer us the works of CS Lewis, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Enid Blyton and Agatha Christie.
As if to underline this family’s publishing pedigree, Suleskerry, at Skipness near Tarbert, Argyll, comes complete with its custom-built library positioned at the heart of the property.
This is a floor-to-ceiling tribute to the written word, including the inevitable copy of the Collins English Dictionary.
Mr Collins and his wife, Lucy, were not content to simply acquire Suleskerry in 2005 when the property was only four years old. They set about an improvement programme with as much attention to detail as a picky Collins editor.
Out went the internal doors and in came solid, reclaimed, wooden doors. The flooring was acquired from locations as diverse as a Perthshire nunnery and the Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.
In the kitchen, the couple went for the Chalon-style country kitchen look, with Aga and Rosieres Paul Bocuse ranges complete with large oak table and island.
Original acrylic fittings and tiles were ripped out and replaced with Fired Earth tiles.
The bathrooms, meanwhile, were treated to Matki walk-in showers and Dansani baths.
Suleskerry is not used by the couple as their permanent home. Instead, they move in during ‘blank’ weeks in autumn and winter when their property is not being used as a five-star luxury holiday retreat.
The stunning setting, with views of Arran and its snow-topped peaks, attracts families and friends from all over the UK and Europe.
This year, Suleskerry will generate an estimated £70,000 from 135 days when it is occupied at rates ranging from £550 to £600 per night.
Large parties enjoy the location and the sheer space offered in the eight bedrooms, eight bathrooms, games room, sitting room, sun room and library.
Contributors to TripAdvisor have given it rave reviews, as much for the location as the quality and variety of accommodation.
Mr Collins offers some insight into the attraction of his property. He says: ‘It is mainly used for families, celebrating a milestone like a 50th wedding anniversary or grandpa’s 60th birthday.
‘Their own house is not large enough to accommodate their children and their children’s children.
‘Suleskerry offers them the chance to get together without the formality of a hotel. Some families just like to holiday with their friends.’
One of the perks of having a grandfather at the helm of a publishing empire is the access it provides to some of the literary world’s greatest characters.
When Mr Collins was a boy, he had stories read to him by Theodor Seuss Geisel, the US author and animator, better known by his pen name, Dr Seuss.
Mr Collins adds: ‘It was wonderful. He even drew a cartoon for one of my sisters.’ But that’s another story…
Offers over £600,000 to Michael Jones of Knight Frank. Tel 0131 222 9600 or email Michael.jones@knightfrank.com