Renowned traveller and TV presenter Michael Palin described the Inverness to Kyle line as one of the most beautiful railway journeys in the world.
It’s a journey packed with many beautiful locations, but one of the most breath-taking stops along the line is the scenic village of Plockton.
Home to a host of brightly painted cottages, a waterfront that includes palm trees and enjoying a mild climate thanks to the Gulf Stream passing by, it’s no wonder film-makers and tourists alike can’t get enough of it.
In 1973, the village was the location for the classic feature film the Wicker Man, and in 1995 Plockton was chosen for the popular television series Hamish MacBeth.
Mrs Teresa Peach, who has owned the spectacular property, Tigh-An-Fhaing, on Plockton’s Cooper Street, for 42 years, remembers those days well.
Her house, which sits on a slightly elevated position above Plockton pier, and enjoys stunning unspoiled views across the waters of Loch Carron to the mountains in the distance, was where several members of the cast and crew stayed while filming the hit drama about MacBeth, an off-beat policeman.
“The cameraman and various stars stayed here, and I’m still in touch with the producer, Deirdre Keir, as she is still a regular visitor to Plockton,” said Teresa, whose B-listed home has an ethereal feel thanks to its incredible position within the village.
“My first husband’s family came from Plockton, so it was always the place we came to on holiday. We enjoyed several holidays here before buying this house 42 years ago. It dates back to 1897 and was built for a Dr John Matheson who practised medicine in London and bought the house to retire to. He built the bit on the back for his live-in-help.”
Originally built and designed as one, the house has been cleverly designed with the rear part of the house being adapted to provide self-catering accommodation. This part of the house is known as Tigh-An-Roinn, and over the years it’s been run very successfully as a holiday rental cottage.
One of the many features of the home, which has been lovingly cared for, sympathetically maintained and extended, is its flexibility as it could easily be converted back to one large house.
“The main house is called Tigh-An-Fhaing and I understand the Gaelic translation means House of the Fank – a fank is usually where sheep are gathered for clipping,” said Teresa.
“That was a puzzle as there’s never been sheep in Plockton. But it was the doctor’s little joke as it was the first house in Plockton to have a fence around it.”
The accommodation includes a broad, welcoming hallway leading to a spacious formal dining room with stone fireplace and inset wood-burning stove. On the other side of the hall is the dining kitchen which comes with a selection of wall and base storage units, breakfast bar and Aga.
A doorway from the kitchen leads to a beautifully proportioned bright and airy sunroom, which has great views and a handy storage cupboard and shower room. A staircase from the sunroom leads to a floored attic which is currently used as a hobby room/studio.
The main staircase leads to the first floor which has two front-facing bedrooms, a family bathroom and a magnificent sitting room. The staircase continues upstairs to two attic bedrooms with coomb ceilings, stunning views and showering facilities.
The “cottage”, Tigh-An-Roinn, can be entered from a door off the kitchen of the main house, but also has its own private entrance to the side. A large front porch leads to the sitting room with multi-fuel burner, family bathroom and galley-style kitchen. On the first floor there are two double bedrooms with fantastic views, one with en suite toilet and wash hand basin.
“I love the position of the house as the views across the water to the Torridon Hills remind you of a postcard,” said Teresa, “while there’s a chance to spot otters regularly. The house itself is elegant, but homely and very easy to live in.”
Outside, a gated drive provides ample off-street parking and leads to a detached, single garage. There are large grounds, mainly laid to lawn, while a derelict outbuilding could be transformed to provide further accommodation, providing the appropriate planning permissions were in place.
There are stunning views from the gardens over the village and beyond.
“The house is in the perfect position really as it is around a five minute walk from the town centre yet it’s peaceful, private and enjoys a beautiful outlook,” said Teresa, whose second husband, Richard, has passed away.
“I’ve decided the time is right to downsize, but will be staying in the village,” she said.
Ideal for those looking for a comfortable family home which offers a lifestyle opportunity, the house is on the market at offers over £599,000.
One of the jewels in the Highlands’ crown, Plockton was developed as a herring port in the early 19th century and is now a haven for summer visitors including artists and yachtsmen. The village has a primary and secondary school, and a number of inns, small hotels, restaurants, pubs and shops.
There are endless opportunities for outdoor pursuits including hillwalking, sailing, golf and fishing, with stalking and shooting available on nearby estates. Moorings for boats are available in the bay.
Contact: Strutt and Parker on 01463 719171.
