Highland hideaway
Home near battlefield is a haven of tranquillity, discovers Paul Drury
IT IS a haven of tranquillity nestled among some of Scotland’s most breathtaking and dramatic scenery. Yet this fine detached property is also close to the city... and glorious beaches. And six-bedroom Birkwood is only three miles from one of the country’s most important historical sites, Culloden Battlefield, and barely seven miles east of Inverness.
A former farm building, it was converted to domestic use more than 40 years ago and substantially upgraded by its owners last year.
The result is a stunning blend of traditional features with spectacular accommodation suitable for 21st century living.
The property is reached via a tree-lined driveway through lush and bountiful gardens, with grounds extending to almost four acres.
Evidence of high-quality finishes is visible the moment you enter.
The inner hall leads to an elegant drawing room which boasts solid oak parquet flooring, an imposing fireplace with a wood-burning stove, and stunning views over the rear gardens.
The kitchen/dining area is a stylish, modern space which opens to the gardens via French doors.
There are top-of-the-range appliances, with an under-counter fridge, freezer, wine cooler and a dishwasher, plus a central island.
The kitchen leads to the rear hall and the impressive sun room, lit by a huge A-frame window.
Cleverly, a mezzanine area has been slipped in above the sun room – accessed by a staircase – to create a home office.
Completing the ground floor accommodation is a double bedroom with en suite shower room. A carpeted staircase leads to the first floor and the master bedroom with a large en suite bathroom, featuring a pretty roll-top bath, underfloor heating and lovely mosaic flooring.
There is also a family bathroom, a single bedroom and a further double bedroom, again with rolltop bath and underfloor heating.
A further staircase leads to two attic bedrooms, one with an en suite bathroom, and a cloakroom with WC.
Birkwood enjoys a wonderfully private setting, and the nature of its accommodation means it would lend itself equally for use as a holiday home, a permanent residence or a B&B.
The popular beach resort of Nairn, which offers a marina, sailing club and two championship golf courses, is only a 20-minute drive along the A96. Farther beyond, there is the opportunity for some fishing on the worldfamous rivers Nairn, Findhorn and Spey, and you can discover the Whisky Trail along the beautiful Spey Valley.
If all that sounds too exhausting, simply put your feet up in the garden and enjoy the peace.
Offers over £590,000 to Suzanne Moss at Strutt and Parker on 01463 719171 or email Suzanne.moss@ struttandparker.com.