Splendid isolation
Romantic spot in the West Highlands is just perfect for a sea change
PROPERTY heaven lies just off the A830 ‘Road to the Isles’ in the wonderful West Highlands.
Baldovy is situated in eight acres of grounds on a private peninsula at Roshven, offering spectacular views over Loch Ailort to the Sound of Arisaig.
Summer evenings are best spent on the raised patio with a sundowner, watching the big globe in the sky sink sensationally behind Eigg, Muck and Rum.
The celestial show is undoubtedly better than anything you will see on the telly.
In this remote part of Lochaber, sheep are more plentiful than people, which suits isolationists right down to the ground.
The area is steeped in romantic tales of Bonnie Prince Charlie, and how he fled the Duke of Cumberland’s troops after the collapse of the ’45 rebellion before escaping over the sea to Skye.
The National Trust monument at Glenfinnan pays tribute to the clans which came out in support of the Young Pretender, and there’s the Prince’s Cairn further up the A830 towards Arisaig at which you could pay homage.
Baldovy was built to exploit the wonderful views it enjoys as far as the Cuillins of Skye, using big picture windows to frame the spectacular setting.
The house has been ‘a keeper’ as it has stayed in the hands of the same family since it was built.
The grounds offer total privacy and seclusion.
The area approaching the property is landscaped, while the remainder of the land is left to its natural state, boasting woodland, heathers and rhododendrons, with the boundaries extending down to the shoreline.
This makes the location ideal for wild swimming, boating, stand-up paddle boarding and canoeing in turquoise waters as attractive as you would come across on any Caribbean island.
The lounge has a magnificent triple window to the front and double window to the side. There is also a Cumberland slate fireplace, with Woodwarm multi-fuel stove, set on a slate hearth. The vaulted ceiling has wooden beams.
The breakfasting kitchen comes with ample appliances, including a Hotpoint gas hob and John Lewis dishwasher but how distracting must that big picture window be, with its stunning sea views?
Presumably, the chicken dinner takes a little longer to rustle up in this home.
Tasty dishes may take a bit longer to consume as well, as the dining room offers the inevitable views to die for.
The L-shaped bungalow sensibly keeps its three bedrooms to the back and although there is a general family bathroom, there’s an en suite facility serving the principal bedroom.
The selling agent says this rarely available proposition could work as a superb family home, an idyllic holiday retreat or a viable selfcatering opportunity in the booming staycation market.
Recently published data suggests British families have already made bookings for holidays at home in increasing numbers for next summer, such is the realisation 2022 may still be too soon to venture abroad. If Baldovy were available, no doubt it would be in demand.
If you do feel compelled to break your splendid isolation here, the village of Glenuig lies just three miles away, with its small shop, village hall, inn and public jetty.
For the big shop, it’s a 45-minute drive to Fort William and there’s a train station at nearby Lochailort, with a service three times a day to Glasgow.
Glasgow or Glenuig? Yes, it’s a tough one.