If a search was undertaken to find the house with the most magical setting, Loch View in Letterfinlay would be in with a shout.
The luxury detached house, between Fort Augustus and Spean Bridge, is home to David and Anne Tomlinson, who enjoy what can only be described as majestic views of Loch Lochy as well as stunning vistas of the Great Glen and mountains including two Munros and a spectacular waterfall.
On occasion, the loch can be as mirror calm which makes it a must-stop location for thousands of tourists looking to capture an image of the mountains reflected in the deep, dark water, while thousands more enjoy cruising here as it’s part of the iconic Caledonian Canal.
It’s easy to see why tourists love it and dream about putting roots down in this beautiful part of the world.
That was certainly the case for David and Anne, who are originally from Cumbria.
“I was a keen fell runner and got to know this part of Scotland after taking part in the annual Ben Nevis race, which I have completed on 12 consecutive occasions,” said David, who didn’t start running until he reached his 50s – he’s now 69.
After he retired from teaching children with special needs, he and Anne began looking for a property to buy in the Highlands and viewed dozens of potential homes.
“I fell in love with the beautiful setting of Loch View, which nestles by the side of Loch Lochy and is set an acre of grounds. I’ve always enjoyed sailing, and the house comes with its own stretch of shoreline. I built a jetty for my boat and can’t begin to tell you how fantastic it was being able to go sailing on the loch, just minutes after leaving the house,” said David.
With tall, brooding hills and dark waters, the setting is one of pure romance, an atmosphere that must have rubbed off on the couple as, after being engaged for a whopping 28 years, he and Anne finally married five years ago, enjoying a woodland wedding at Caig Falls at the bottom of Loch Arkaig just a few miles away.
Loch View is the sort of house that honeymooners would love. Built in a traditional style but designed to make the most of its natural, slightly elevated setting, every window enjoys a grand view.
The accommodation includes, on the ground floor, a broad entrance porch with WC/cloakroom which leads to an inner hallway from where there’s access to a substantial utility room, well-appointing kitchen, and an open-plan sitting room/dining room and second sitting area. On the first floor, there are three double bedrooms, all with en suite facilities, a linen cupboard and plenty of storage space.
But it’s the open-plan living area that takes your breath away . . .
Tastefully decorated in neutral colours and with deep, cream-coloured carpets, and a sandstone fireplace with inset Morso wood-burning stove, this is a space that has been designed as a place to sit in, but look out.
There’s a mixture of large windows, glass panels and doors running the full length and breadth of the house, while the layout is such that it makes for a flexible space, with three distinct areas that could be put to a number of uses.
Directly in front of the lounge there’s a large decked terrace – the perfect place to enjoy alfresco dining and barbecues on fine days, while chilling out and watching a variety of vessels go sailing by.
The kitchen is well appointed and has a number of integrated appliances while double doors lead from here to the dining area, which means you can still enjoy fine views while slaving over a hot stove.
“We feel very privileged to have lived in such a beautiful place,” said David.
“We will miss the wildlife, seeing deer across the loch and on the hills behind the house and hearing the sound of stags booming across the loch in September.”
Live here and there’s a good chance you’ll also see everything from pine martens and red squirrels to sandpipers and golden eagles soar over the home the couple have owned since 2007.
During that time, David has lived here for the majority of the time while Anne has split her time between here and Cumbria where she has dressage horses.
“The horses are taking up more time these days so we began looking for somewhere nearby with suitable facilities but have been unable to find anything, so, regrettably, we are selling as we need to find a property with land and stables,” said David.
“There are so many things we’ll miss about here such as barbecues on our own private shingle beach, but most of all we’ll miss the many true friends we’ve made here. That was the hardest thing, telling them that we were putting the house on the market.”
On the market with a guide price of £445,000, the house they’ll leave behind is in first class condition and will suit a variety of buyers including those looking for an impressive Highland retreat in beautiful surroundings to those looking for a rarely available waterside property with its own private facilities.
A stepped walkway from the garden leads down to the loch side and the private shingle beach and jetty. The house comes with fishing rights from the shore side and is a boat enthusiast’s paradise, with access to a slipway adjacent to the property and to Loch Lochy. Other outside facilities include a detached garage with power and lighting, landscaped gardens including a large timber decked sun terrace, established lawn and flower beds.
Contact: Strutt and Parker on 01463 719171.
