The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
A ‘Fyne’ place to call home
Fall for the charm of this private seaside haven, as Susan Welsh takes a closer look
Ahistoric lodge, set against a picturesque backdrop of colourful shoreline and with direct access to the glistening waters of Loch Fyne, would make an ideal home for a nature lover.
Originally built in the 19th Century, North Lodge in Tarbert, Argyll and Bute – on the market at offers over £350,000 – is located on extensive 31acre private grounds which includes areas of woodland and wild landscapes that come together to make this location a dreamy haven.
The North Lodge offers house hunters the opportunity to couple peaceful serenity with striking design.
Andrew Fuller from selling agent Bell Ingram said: “The first thing you will notice about this property is the spectacular area surrounding it.
“With the stunning Loch Fyne right on North Lodge’s doorstep and the serene woodlands and mature planting surrounding it, this location is perfect for those who love nature.
“The traditional style of the house coupled with modern adjustments creates a welcoming and cosy atmosphere.
“However, it’s the small details that really make the property special. The small fireplace and the bright colours of the interiors with the beautiful large windows that help submerge each room in daylight make it such an amazing home.
“The gently sloping lawn in front of the lodge extends down to the foreshore’s beautiful shingle beach and offers direct access to the tranquil waters of the loch.”
The original house dates back to the mid19th Century, when it was used as a gardener’s cottage to the Stonefield Castle Estate, now the wellknown Stonefield Castle Hotel. It was extended and renovated in the 1970s but would now benefit from being modernised inside.
The lodge is of traditional stone construction and has both front and rear entrance porches.
The accommodation is spread across one floor and comprises a large dual aspect sitting room, an adjoining study/dining room, a sizeable kitchen and bathroom, two double bedrooms – one with an en-suite bathroom – and an entrance hall with two storage cupboards.
The kitchen and main bathroom are both perfectly functional but would benefit from replacement units and suites respectively.
“The traditional style creates a welcoming atmosphere”
Both the master bedroom and sitting room enjoy breathtaking sea views, and from the sitting room there’s patio doors giving access to an outside paved seating area overlooking the shore.
And if you like fishing then you’re in luck as this property comes with fishing rights for the owner and a harbour capable of taking small yachts.
Well maintained lawns formed the fairways of a short but challenging golf course designed in the 1970s by three-time Open Championship winner Sir Henry Cotton, a regular visitor to the lodge.
He was so impressed by the stunning views over Loch Fyne that he sketched out and created an 18-hole golf course by merging two separate lay-outs.
By cleverly re-orientating the tees and greens, a unique and challenging course was made, later to be named Pequena Madeira (Little Madeira).
North Lodge also has the potential to be restored as a coastal sporting estate, and could facilitate a helicopter landing, as it has done in the past. It’s just a stone’s throw away from Tarbert where there are a number of shops, pubs, hotels and restaurants plus a highperforming state school.
For more leisure options locals can visit the town of Lochgilphead located 10 miles to the north. Facilities include a swimming pool, a sports centre, supermarkets and a nine-hole golf course.