The Old Manse just right

Older homes of distinction need to be looked after, cherished and respected, which is why bringing them up to date can be a tricky process. Susan Welsh looks at a Highland home that has mastered the process in style

Published:

BRINGING together period features and modern styling can be difficult – and not everyone gets it right.

But the owners of The Old Manse on Glenurquhart Road, Drumnadrochit, have got it exactly right and created a home that combines period charm with modern-day elegance.

Built in about 1896, the house was formerly a Church of Scotland manse. The present owners bought it in 1997 and spent a lot of time and effort transforming it into the beautiful home we see today.

The restoration and refurbishment was extensive and included new central heating and double-glazing and a modern kitchen.

The geometric lay-out of the house provides generous accommodation, with three public rooms, a large family dining kitchen, utility and sun room, four bedrooms, bathroom and two shower-rooms.

The lounge combines grace with comfort and has, as a focal point, a commanding reclaimed stone fireplace housing a dog grate. The room has a large window to the front and french doors to the kitchen/family room.

For those who enjoy cooking, the kitchen is ideal. The owner has a background in design and she has put her knowledge to good use and created a well fitted room with an excellent range of Ashley Ann units topped with granite worktops.

One feature that tickles everyone’s fancy is a large, moveable work island housing vegetable baskets and storage space. Designed to make life easier for those working on the large modern cooking range, I’m told it works a treat.

The kitchen also has a pull-out larder and spice units, display areas and an American-style fridge-freezer, dishwasher and microwave.

Next to the kitchen is a breakfasting area and family room, but the house also has a formal dining-room that’s ideal for when you want to entertain in style.

Upstairs, there are four large bedrooms – the master bedroom has an en-suite shower-room, a family bathroom, and two shower-rooms.

Although the house is used as a family home, it has the potential to be run as a small guesthouse as it has a substantial loft area which could be converted, subject to permission, and comes with a stone-built cottage in the grounds.

The cottage has a sitting room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and two double garages – and bags of potential.

The house sits in about an acre of ground and has gardens front and rear. A driveway leads up to the house and to the rear, providing extensive parking. A partially built garage, if completed, would provide garaging for two vehicles.

The house is in the heart of the village of Drumnadrochit, which sits on the shores of Loch Ness. The village has a good selection of shops and amenities, along with primary and secondary schooling. Further facilities can be found in nearby Inverness.

Selling agent Innes & Mackay is seeking offers over £440,000. For further information, call 01463 251200.