Spoilt for choice
Stylish rural home has two holiday cottages, reports Jenny Shields
WE might not be having a vintage summer, but the mixed weather does not seem to be putting off visitors. Holidaymakers are flocking to Scotland, whether because of security risks to Britons abroad or because the improving economy means many families can afford a staycation as well as a foreign break.
From the north to the south, No Vacancies signs are being hung out and owners of holiday lets are rubbing their hands because this season the demand i s such that there is hardly a vacant selfcatering cottage to be found.
On an elevated site overlooking Loch Earn, five miles from the Perthshire village of St Fillans, is Earn-knowe, a property which at first glance looks as if it has been there for generations.
This classic stone-built, slate-covered house has in fact been created from an old steading. It is a perfect mix of old and new, combining the traditional elements of vernacular design with a crisp, stylish and easy to keep interior.
The front door opens onto a large reception/dining hall, there is a sitting room with wood-burning stove, a sleek white breakfasting kitchen, utility room and a covered link from the back door to the garage and home office.
On the first floor is the master bedroom with en suite, a f amily bathroom, guest bedroom suite and t hree f urther bedrooms.
Adjoining Earn-knowe is Kintyre Cottage, a sweet little house with a sitting room, galley kitchen, double bedroom and shower room. Nearby is Mull Lodge, with an L- shaped open-plan sitting/dining/kitchen, two bedrooms and a bathroom.
At present the cottages run at 75 per cent occupancy and although the three properties are in walk-in condition, with plenty of outbuildings and six acres, the development potential is considerable.
The holiday business could be expanded or the land – which already supports a large vegetable garden – could be used for ponies, livestock, or an orchard.
Above all else, Earn-knowe offers the new owner a variety of lifestyle choices. Offers over £595,000 to Robb Residential.