Long before people jetted off to the costas in search of the sun, the seaside town of Nairn was the place to go for your holidays.
During Victorian times, Nairn was known as “The Brighton of the North” and people flocked here to enjoy the area’s mild, sunny climate.
During the ’50s and ’60s, it continued to attract visitors in big numbers, particularly Scots keen to escape city life for a week or two.
Melville House, on Seafield Road, has welcomed lots of holidaymakers over the years.
The impressive detached house was built during the Victorian era and is a fine example of the type of grand homes built then.
It sits in a prime spot in the town as it overlooks Nairn beach and links, and enjoys far-reaching views to the Moray Firth and beyond.
For several years the house was run as a hotel but when the current owners bought it in 2006 they turned it back into a family home. They’ve made considerable improvements that make it a warm and comfortable family home without sacrificing any of the traditional features.
The gracious reception rooms, for example, have intricate plasterwork, original fireplaces and decorative woodwork, and if you’re fond of entertaining guests at home, or throwing the occasional party, then this is the house for you.
As well as being a relaxed living space, the lovely conservatory is still home to the hotel’s original bar.
There’s also a billiard room with full-size table, a spacious dining room, large drawing room and a big, new and well-appointed kitchen.
Other ground floor accommodation includes an entrance vestibule, laundry, pantry, cellar and cloakrooms, study/bedroom with en-suite shower room and an office.
The first floor is home to four bedrooms, two of which have en-suite facilities, a dressing room and a shower room, while the second floor has three en-suite bedrooms, a box room and walk-in linen store.
One unusual feature of this home is that it comes with a substantial integral flat with a sitting room/kitchenette, one en-suite bedroom, three further bedrooms and a bathroom.
Outside, there’s a double garage, shed, summerhouse and two greenhouses.
The versatile layout of the house, on the market at offers over £775,000, means it would make a fabulous home or could be used to offer tourist or residential lettings.
Phiddy Robertson of selling agent, Galbraith in Inverness, said: “Melville House is a substantial home full of charm in an outstanding location.
“It would make for an ideal family home or offers a great investment opportunity for anyone seeking a good work-life balance and running it as a small boutique hotel, wedding venue or bed and breakfast business.”
Contact: Galbraith on 01463 224343.
