Two fine examples of substantial family homes can be found in Caithness, writes Susan Welsh
There’s a wee rule of thumb that suggests the further north you venture, the further your money stretches. That would seem to be the case in Caithness, where there are two impressive homes on the market, each for less than £250,000.
The first can be found at Number 13 Sinclair Terrace, Wick, which is one of the finest examples of a traditional mid-19th-century town house to come on the market in Caithness for many years.
This Grade C-listed property, which is situated in the Pultneytown conservation area, retains many of its original features including deep painted facings, skirtings, beautiful ornate plaster cornicing, dado rails and original staircases.
The layout of the house – there’s a main building plus an attached one-and-a-half-storey wing which was once the servant’s quarters – means it’s pretty flexible and ideal for those looking to develop it further, while a large, detached garage may also be suitable for development, subject to obtaining the necessary planning permissions.
At a fixed price of £240,000, the house, which has partial electric heating and sash and case windows, has in the main part of the house, a lounge, dining room, kitchen, study and library on the ground floor, three bedrooms and bathroom to the first floor with two further attic bedrooms on the second floor.
Accommodation in the wing includes various storage rooms, utility room and lean-to sun room on the ground floor, with living room, bedroom, WC and laundry room on the first floor.
There’s an extensive enclosed garden, mainly laid to lawn with a large flower border, mature shrubs and trees.
The house is within easy walking distance of the town centre. Wick has the County General Hospital, supermarkets, professional, medical and educational facilities and from here there are good road, rail and air services to the south.
A few miles out of the town, mid-way between it and Thurso, sits the Old Schoolhouse, Lannergill, Watten. This stone-built house is being sold along with the former school which has been recently renovated and is currently being used as a games room, but again, subject to gaining the necessary permissions, has the potential to be used for other purposes.
Built in 1874, the substantial schoolhouse has UPVC double glazing, oil-fired central heating and lots of roomy accommodation including a lounge, utility room, shower room, kitchen, dining room, three bedrooms, family room/fourth bedroom, sun porch, games room and bathroom.
Outside, the house, which is on the market at offers over £225,000, sits in around one acre of mature grounds and enjoys a picturesque country setting with superb panoramic views over Loch Watten to Sinclair’s Bay.
In Watten, you’ll find a primary school, shop, garden centre, petrol station and hotel, while both Thurso and Wick are within easy commuting distance.
For further information on either property, contact Young Robertson & Co on 01955 605151.