For many years, David and Janet Walker’s hearts were in the Highlands, and in the village of Golspie in particular…
“Work took us to Golspie in 1972 – I worked as chartered surveyor and my wife Janet worked for the NHS. Our oldest son was born here and we made lots of friends during the two years we lived here,” said David.
Things changed and work took them elsewhere but distance didn’t alter their love for the picturesque Highland village.
“For nearly 40 years we were regular visitors here, often holidaying here during the Gala Week, but also making other trips here to meet up with good friends we’d made,” said David.
Twelve years ago, and with semi-retirement in mind, they moved back and bought the Clydesdale Bank House, on the village’s Main Street.
The distinctive C listed, traditional property which has an abundance of features and flexible accommodation over three levels, is thought to have been built in the 1870s.
“It was specifically built as the bank manager’s house with the bank being in the space now occupied by Lindsay & Co,” said David.
It’s thought the bank and house were sold as separate entities when the bank closed in the mid-70s.
“Being a surveyor, I don’t like seeing things deteriorate and like to see properties properly maintained. Over the years we’ve had a lot of work carried out by professionals – there’s a lot of good tradesmen in Golspie!
“That includes converting the kitchen into an open living/dining space and refitting the kitchen; putting in patio doors, having the house re-wired, installing a new heating system, putting Velux windows in the bedrooms and having the garden landscaped.
“We’ve generally overhauled the whole house,” he said.
The result is an immaculate home full of numerous charming features such as ceiling coving, raised skirting and fireplaces. Light and airy and full of character, it enjoys the best of all worlds.
Go into the back garden and you’re surrounded by a beautifully planted green space; step onto the Main Street and most of what you need is within easy reach. Cross the road, and within a minute or two you’re within reach of Golspie’s award-winning beach.
Step through the cheery blue door on the Main Street and you’re in an entrance hallway which leads to a cosy sitting room with a feature fireplace and inset multi-fuel stove. This floor has a shower room with WC and wash hand basin and to the rear there’s a fantastic open-plan living space which incorporates the kitchen and dining area with glass doors providing natural light and views over the rear gardens.
The kitchen comes with a range of wall and base storage units, Neff integrated appliances and fridge freezer. There is also a breakfast bar, Franke ceramic sink and downlighters.
A carpeted staircase leads to the first floor and large, nicely presented master bedroom; contemporary family bathroom; spacious library/office and a beautifully proportioned lounge with dual aspect windows and an inset open fire.
The staircase continues to the upper level where there are three attic bedrooms with coombed ceilings.
Outside, there are well-presented and easily maintained garden grounds to the rear with sun terrace, lawn, plant and shrub borders, and a single garage and oil tank.
“It’s a very comfortable house and we’ll miss the space and lovely big garden, but really the house is too big for us now so we’re downsizing and moving away to be nearer our sons – one lives in Banchory and the other in Glasgow.
“But we’ll really miss Golspie. It a lovely place which has a lot of things going for it. It has a primary and secondary school, swimming pool, tennis courts, golf course, bowling, beautiful beach, pubs and good shopping facilities which makes it pretty self-sufficient – you don’t have to go elsewhere to find a butcher or fishmonger,” said David.
On the market at offers over £190,000, this rarely available property would suit a variety of buyers including those looking for a sizeable family home but thanks to its central location, may also lend itself to holiday letting potential as Golspie is on the hugely popular North Coast 500 route.
Contact Strutt and Parker on 01463 719171.
