Brought back to life
Project has taken home from barn to beautiful, writes Dean Herbert
TEN years ago, it was a derelict 19th century sheep barn sitting unnoticed in the wilds of rural Sutherland. Now, after a labour-of-love project, it has been transformed into a unique home.
For those truly seeking an escape into the wilderness, Forsinain Steading is about as remote as it gets.
The property is positioned off the singletrack A897, approximately 12 miles from the north coast.
Although an acre of private land is included in the sale, the house is surrounded by miles of unbroken moorland and forest.
Owners Stuart and Maureen Cross have spent the past decade lovingly converting the empty shell of a building to create a warm family home covering more than 1,000 square metres.
What was once a rustic shed used to shelter livestock now boasts seven bedrooms, a sprawling lounge and a dining hall.
Upstairs, a mezzanine walkway leads to a library.
For the chilly winter nights, underfloor heating has been fitted. There is also a large garage, which has a separate workshop and store.
Mr and Mrs Cross have incorporated as much of the original material from the building as possible into the project, including the old barn doors and the stone walls.
Mrs Cross said: ‘It was definitely a full-time job and we did a lot of it ourselves.
‘It is such a peaceful place. The light for the sunset and sunrise are fantastic and the night sky is amazing. Most days you see deer wandering around.’
For those able to work from home indefinitely, the property, free of distractions, would certainly suit.
For others looking for an easy trip to a local shop, perhaps not.
The nearest town, Thurso, is an hour’s drive away, or around 40 minutes on a train from the tiny nearby Forsinard railway station, though Tesco does deliver to the house.
Now looking to move south to be closer to their young granddaughter, the couple say the home needs only a few fixtures and fittings to be completed for it to be finally finished.
Estate agent Monster Moves suggests that the house could also be used successfully as a rental property.
It said: ‘Forsinain Steading would make an incredible home for a large family or multi-generational living.
‘The property also lends itself to a guest house or self-catering property providing a lifestyle change and an income stream.’
In terms of the work still to be completed, the estate agent added: ‘All the materials are purchased and on site awaiting finishing.
‘[It could be] a project for a keen enthusiast to finish off or for an allocated price to pay a builder to finish off.’
It is not a location for the daily commute – but for a family looking to completely remove themselves from the hustle and bustle of modern life, Forsinain Steading would be the ideal move.
Offers in the region of £680,000. Contact Kendra Ballantyne, Monster Moves, 01463 568013 or kendra@monster-moves.co.uk.