It’s not the first time Larachan House has featured in the Your Home supplement.
That’s because it’s a pretty interesting property, one that’s steeped in history.
It dates back to 1875 and was designed by Inverness-based architect Alexander Ross.
Located in the hamlet of Spinningdale in Ardgay, Sutherland, this lovely period home served as a school and schoolhouse for the local area until the mid-1960s.
Money to build the school came from Scottish philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, who founded several schools and libraries in the Highlands and elsewhere.
Not only did he provide the means to build the school and house, but it’s said he provided galoshes to all the children attending Larachan School so they could get to class with dry feet.
Over the years, the school and schoolhouse has been sympathetically and tastefully converted into a spacious family home.
Today, those looking to buy could get two properties for the price of one…
That’s because the layout of the house means there’s an attached self-contained cottage which could be used to provide additional family accommodation expanding the living area in the main house via connecting doors.
Alternatively the cottage could be used to offer B&B or as separate letting accommodation.
It’s certainly ideally placed for attracting tourists as it’s just off the NC500 route and enjoys fabulous views over the Dornoch Firth.
The current owners have taken up this option and enjoyed a high level of success.
Accommodation in the main house includes an open-plan sitting room/dining room, which has large windows and a stunning period fireplace with inset wood-burning stove.
The dining kitchen is well appointed and also benefits from a wood-burning stove, along with a range cooker.
Other ground floor accommodation includes a sun room, entrance hall and utility room.
The first floor has a large U-shaped galleried landing – currently used as an office area and enjoying fine views; two bedrooms and a shower room.
The cottage has a sitting room, dining kitchen and bathroom downstairs, plus two bedrooms a bathroom and shower room upstairs.
It sits within easily managed grounds stretching to more than two acres, mainly laid to lawn and featuring mature trees and shrubs.
Outbuildings include two stone-built sheds, a timber garage and workshop.
The house is also a good example of how putting your money into bricks and mortar can pay off.
In 2008 it had a guide price of offers over £465,000; in 2017 it was offers over £485,000 while today it has a guide price of £525,000.
Contact: Galbraith on 01463 224343.
