While many of us dream about owning a charming cottage in the country, the reality is often somewhat different. All too often, while the cottages are in lovely locations, the buildings require a lot of work and money to bring them up to date.
There are, of course, exceptions to the rule. Astilbe House in Drumfearn, on the Sleat peninsula in Skye, being one. This lovely old cottage has been carefully and tastefully modernised without losing any of the charm or character that make traditional Highland country cottages so appealing.
The property was bought by the current owners in 2001 and the recent renovation means it now benefits from modern building and insulation techniques.
A head-to-toe makeover included re-roofing, rewiring, installation of damp-proof course, installation of internal walls, stairs, floors, fireplace, double glazing, the installation of oil-fired central heating, new bathrooms and new woodwork, new kitchen, installation of veranda, while a new extension added a utility room and a study.
The accommodation begins with an entrance port and includes an open-plan sitting room with wood-burning stove, which provides a nice focal point.
There is a spacious dining kitchen with a generous study/ boot room in the extension which could also be used as an office area.
These rooms, along with a downstairs bedroom have dual-aspect windows which offer delightful views and fill the cottage with natural light.
Upstairs, there’s a further two bedrooms, both with dual-aspect windows, a modern family bathroom and a useful wet room with power shower on the lower floor.
Outside, and to the rear of the cottage, there’s a lovely sheltered, terraced flagstone sitting area with antique wrought-iron balustrade and far-reaching views over the surrounding open farmland to the Kinloch Hills and the Knoydart peninsula on the mainland.
The gardens extend to around one-fifth of an acre and are laid mainly to grass fringed and interspersed with mature trees, shrubs and herbaceous perennials. Within the grounds, there’s a corrugated iron outbuilding, ideal for storage.
Astilbe House is within easy reach of the Skye Bridge and part of the scattered crofting township of Drumfearn on the Sleat peninsula which is known as the garden of Skye due to its more hospitable climate and gentler landscape than the more rugged north of the island.
This area, with its many coastal and forestry trails, small islands and inlets, makes an ideal location for walking, mountain biking, kayaking and sailing, and is rich in wildlife with otters, golden eagles, red deer and dolphins regularly spotted.
Loch Eishort, with its stunning views to the Cuillin Mountains, is a popular anchorage for sailors and is a short walk from the cottage.
The town of Broadford has a good range of shops and facilities, including a primary school, while a wider range of amenities and secondary schooling are available in Portree about 24 miles away.
The cottage, which is on the market at offers over £190,000, would make a lovely home, but at this price, may suit those in the market for a second home or a holiday let.
Contact CKD Galbraith on 01463 224343.
