The Herald - The Herald Magazine
Island home NEW TO MARKET offers new horizons
THE Isle of Jura in the Inner Hebrides has a small population (just 221 residents) and a big reputation for spectacular mountains, whisky, swirling whirlpools, wildlife (Red Deer outnumber the population by 28 to1) and hosting annual events such as the Jura Fell Race, Half Marathon, Regatta, and the Jura Music Festival, which celebrates its 30th year in 2024. The island was also home to writer George Orwell from 1946 to 1949 during which time he wrote one of his most famous novels, 1984.
Although Orwell once described Jura as ‘an extremely un-get-at-able place’, nowadays it can be easily accessed by ferry (under 10 minutes from neighbouring Islay), regular flights from Glasgow to Islay, or more spectacularly, by seaplane, which lands on Jura’s Small Isles Bay – within sight of Bishops Well, a detached, high specification family home newly on the market. Built in vernacular style in 2011, this property includes an adaptable one-bedroomed detached annexe and separate workshop within its sizable garden and grounds.
Close to amenities in the main village of Craighouse, which include a shop, restaurant, hotel, village hall, and famous whisky distillery, Bishops Well benefits from amazing views of Small Isles Bay, Kintyre, and Arran – its elevated setting is also adjacent to a picturesque burn and within walking distance to several beaches. Accessed via a gravelled driveway offering ample parking, the house is surrounded by lush lawn interspersed by shrubs, plum and apple trees, and a paved rear patio.
From the garden it is possible to see otters, seals, eagles, deer, dolphins and occasionally, whales.
Spacious and energy
efficient (the specification includes underfloor heating, dual fuel stove, and solar powered water heating and air filtration systems), the main house accommodation spans just under 2,000 sq ft over two levels to include an entrance porch and central hallway (cloakroom off), 24ft contemporary dining kitchen, adjoining utility, bright, triple aspect sitting room with wood flooring, feature fireplace/multi-fuel stove and access to a south-west-facing terrace, and the principal bedroom suite with en suite dressing room and adjoining shower room.
Upstairs is a storeroom, large bathroom with bath and separate shower, and three further bedrooms (one with dressing room). Within the grounds, the detached, selfcontained annexe also spans two levels and is ideally suited as a holiday let.
It has an open plan living/dining/kitchen area with French doors to the garden, contemporary shower room, and stairs up to a double bedroom. The property also includes a workshop (with bench, storage and fitted bar), chicken house, additional land with excellent potential – and a ‘bubble’ housing a hot tub (available separately).
As a family home, home and income opportunity, or property investment, Bishops Well is an island home of note, for sale with Strutt & Parker in Edinburgh at offers over £565,000.