Dream home for keen gardeners

For some properties it’s the layout that people love. For others it’s the view or location.

At the suitably-named Walled Gardens, a home in Balmacaan, Drumnadrochit, the beautiful gardens are the big selling point.

The well-appointed family home sits in part of the former walled garden to historicBalmacaanHouse.

The grounds extend to around one acre and have been landscaped to create outstanding ornamental gardens where the structure of the original gardens has been restored and incorporated into the design.

Box hedging, both formal and informal, is used to provide the framework of the new garden.

W i t h i n t h i s a r e individual gardens designed and planted by the current owners, who have spent 15 years creating this oasis.

These include a pergola walk clad with clematis and adjacent to a barbecue courtyard and sitting area; an orchard; double herbaceous borders with a long pond; a laburnum walk; a sundial garden; an alpine garden; a water garden; and a kitchen garden.

As a plantsman’s garden, there are specimen plants and trees throughout.

The owners clearly have a flair for gardening and eye for design, and this is reflectedinthehouse.

They bought the house in 2002 and, seven years later, extended and reconfigured the layout to create well-appointed family accommodation.

The reception rooms flow from one to the other and the sun room addition at the rear of the property is filled with light and has beautiful views over the garden.

All four bedrooms are in one wing of the house and the master bedroom has a luxurious bathroom with double Jacuzzi bath.

A former stable within the grounds has been fully renovated and now comprises a spacious studio with two rooms, a WC and an adjacent double garage.

This outbuilding offers the potential for residential conversion, subject to the necessary consents.

The house comes with a double garage and summer houses. It is on the market at offers over £450,000.

Phiddy Robertson, who is handling the sale of the property for Galbraith, said: “This is a lovely home with spacious and attractive interiors and the potential to further develop one of the outbuildings if desired.

“Above all the gardens are the major selling point of the property, with specimen trees and plants throughout and offering a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the tranquillity of this beautiful and private location.

“The surrounding countryside is unspoilt and tranquil, offering excellent sporting and leisure opportunities as well as the traditional rural sports of fishing, shooting and stalking.

“There are numerous way-marked walks and cycle trails, including the forest walks behind the house, while the Nevis Range ski centre near Fort William offers year-round activities.”

Balmacaan is within easy reach of Drumnadrochit.

“Drumnadrochit is a popular village in an admired setting on Loch Ness at the foot of Glen Urquhart and lies close to Drumnadrochit, a village famous for its setting on Loch Ness in the Great Glen,” said Phiddy.

Amenities here include shops, restaurants, a doctors surgery and a highly regarded primary and secondary school.

The city of Inverness is around half an hour’s drive away.

■ Contact: Galbaith on 01463 224343.

As well as green fingers, the owners of the aptly named Walled Gardens clearly have a keen eye for design which is reflected in the house itself, whose features include an impressive sun room