Elegance and period and modern features come together nicely in this stylish Ross-shire home.
Tarlogie House, near Tain, easily falls into the category of beautiful country home.
It was built in 1825 by Hugh Rose, of Glastullich, and later owned by Peter MacKenzie, the Count De Serra Largo, who, through local architects Maitlands, undertook extensive alterations to celebrate his son’s 21st birthday.
Most of the original house was unfortunately demolished in 1966, while in the possession of the Duchess of Westminster, but some of the work carried out by Maitlands can still be seen.
There has been a building on the site of the current house dating back as far as the early 1400s, but it could be argued that it has never looked better.
Over time, the elegant Georgian house has been extended and now provides upmarket, spacious accommodation over two levels.
It has a wealth of period features such as intricate ceiling cornicing, working window shutters, fireplaces, raised skirtings and generously proportioned rooms.
But thanks to a sympathetic refurbishment of the house by the current owners, it is also a house with modern, stylish features.
It’s a tricky balancing act, bringing old and new styles together, but they’ve managed to achieve this really well.
Access to the house, which is on the market at offers over £695,000, is through a large conservatory, from where there are lovely views across the gardens to be enjoyed.
The inner hallway leads to a sitting room and WC/cloakroom while the formal drawing room epitomises the classic style and architecture of the era with its high ceiling, hardwood flooring and overall sense of grandeur.
The open-plan kitchen and dining area is a lovely modern space and provides a further great living space with a well-equipped kitchen, breakfast bar, centre island and multi-fuel stove.
This opens up nicely into the dining area, a superb space for entertaining and with lots of room for a large table and chairs.
At the rear of the property, the hall leads to a utility room with additional storage and space for white goods.
From the inner hallway, the carpeted staircase leads up to the first-floor landing, which has a bright and airy feel.
All of the four bedrooms are well proportioned with en suite facilities and are tastefully decorated and presented.
The master bedroom has partial sea views, a sitting area and luxurious en suite facilities which include a free-standing bath, limestone floor tiles, walk-in shower and his and her wash-hand basins.
The house also comes with a large basement, while outside there are several useful outbuildings including a wood store, boiler room and two car ports.
The original walled garden lies adjacent to the main house and as well as the potential for further development subject to the appropriate consents, this could be used as a paddock if required.
The gardens outside this are beautiful, with rolling lawns bounded by a variety of specimen trees including monkey puzzle, sycamore, chestnut, pine and fir.
A gravel drive with turning area is at the front of the house, while there is additional parking space to
the rear. In all, the grounds extend to around five acres.
The house also neighbours Tarlogie Forest, which is ideal for outdoor fans as it offers extensive walking, cycling or horse-riding opportunities.
Tarlogie House is around two miles north-west of Tain, Scotland’s oldest royal burgh.
It has a good range of shops and amenities, including hotels, schooling, leisure facilities and railway station.
Other recreational activities nearby include shooting and stalking and fishing on the rivers Conon, Beauly, Oykel, Alness, Shin and Carron.
Within a short drive, you can be on the beautiful clean sandy beaches of Shandwick Bay, while the fishing village of Portmahomack offers boat trips for sea angling and dolphin watching in the Moray Firth.
For the golf enthusiast, there are seven excellent golf courses within easy reach, including the famous championship course at Royal Dornoch.
Contact: Strutt and Parker on 01463 719171.
