An old limestone quarry and a former specialist garden centre and tearoom are among the properties being marketed by Aberdeen and Northern Estates (ANE).
The firm, based at Thainstone Centre, near Inverurie, is seeking a buyer for Towiemore Quarry – an eight-acre site at Drummuir, near Keith.
It was once home to Drummuir Lime Works, which closed in the late 19th century and was later used as landfill, with the local authority subsequently pledging to undertake any necessary reinstatement work.
The site includes a 4,500 square feet general purpose shed, numerous hard standing areas and three wind turbines producing an annual income of about £12,000.
ANE commercial surveyor Gervase Topp said there could be potential for a house, adding: “We have had considerable interest in the quarry, given the unique opportunity it provides for a business looking for good storage areas…as well as an opportunity to burnish green credentials.”
The quarry is being marketed for sale, with vacant possession, at offers over £120,000.
Mossatburn, near Alford, comprises a former garden centre, tea shop, retail space and three-bedroom owners’ accommodation on a three-quarter acre site.
ANE is seeking offers of more than £400,000 for the property, which was purchased by Richard and Patricia Baxter in 2007 and extensively extended and improved.
The Baxters added an extra wing to form the retail space, tea shop and living accommodation.
Until last September it was run as a niche water garden centre specialising in outdoor ponds and liners, ornamental fish and water plants.
Mr Topp said: “The present owners decided to retire in September 2013 and the garden centre, tea shop and retail space are currently vacant.
“The property, therefore, provides a blank canvass for a purchaser to take advantage of the spectacular location on the picturesque tourist route between Aberdeen and Aviemore, and is a very exciting opportunity.
“We are expecting considerable interest.”
Other commercial properties on ANE’s books during a busy spell for the business just now include industrial units, offices and a large yard at Bridgehaugh Business Park, Dyce, Aberdeen, which are being marketed for lease at offers over £80,000 a year.
In addition, the firm is marketing industrial units and offices near Blackburn, a large storage compound at Perwinnes in Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, and a 1.93-acre industrial yard in Huntly.
Mr Topp said: “We also have some interesting residential development sites available, from small three to five house sites at Gartly (near Huntly) to a large, 60-house site at Keith, although at present the market for development sites is still subdued outwith the 15-mile commuter zone around Aberdeen.”
ANE is part of ANM Group, the largest producer-owned farming, food, finance and commercial property business in Scotland.
