The Herald - The Herald Magazine
A dram good Speyside property
OVERLOOKING the River Spey in the picturesque village of Craigellachie in Moray, Bonnie View more than lives up to its name – but the view and proximity to one of Scotland’s greatest salmon rivers are not the only lure to this delightfully quirky cottage.
Originally built as a telephone exchange, the building has been cleverly converted and renovated to create a fresh and beautifully presented cottage home with accommodation over split levels.
The cottage is currently operating as a successful holiday let but would also make a very desirable permanent home in the heart of Speyside, only a mile or so from Aberlour and just 13 miles from Elgin, Moray’s principal town.
From Victoria Street, steps lead up the side of the property to the front door, which opens into a large open-plan kitchen/dining/ living room with underfloor heating – the kitchen well equipped with modern units, breakfast bar, and integrated appliances - while a front-facing bay window in the sitting room looks over the terraced garden.
Off the kitchen, an inner hallway leads to a modern bathroom (with over-bath shower) and adjoining well-proportioned double/ twin bedroom, which has partially woodpanelled walls and a large storage cupboard.
Stairs access the lower ground floor, which reveals a bright living room (could also be a second bedroom) with large windows overlooking the River Spey towards the iconic twin towered Craigellachie Bridge.
This room also has external access to a terraced seating area/garden, which incorporates a variety of shrubs and a patio. There is a further seating area to the front of the property in addition to off street parking for two vehicles.
Craigellachie means ‘rocky hill’ referring to the cliff which overlooks the Spey.
The village is an essential stop for whisky connoisseurs and visitors embarking on Scotland’s famous Whisky Trail.
As such it provides good amenities, most notably two single malt whisky distilleries and the Speyside Cooperage, which has a visitor centre, café, and gift shop.
There is also a primary school, shop, church, the Craigellachie Hotel and Copper Dog Grill, the internationally recognised Highland Inn Hotel and Whisky Bar, as well as a village hall for community events and sporting clubs.
Craigellachie is also on the worldrenowned, longdistance Speyside Way walking trail.
Bonnie View is a one-off character property, for sale with Galbraith’s Elgin office at offers over £145,000.
Slainte mhath!
The village is an essential stop for whisky connoisseurs