Time to ‘splash’ out on a Highland home that combines history and style, writes Susan Welsh
If walls could talk, then Rowan Cottage would certainly have tales worth listening to.
The category C-listed traditional Highland cottage sits in the scattered hamlet of Catlodge, close to the village of Laggan in the Cairngorms National Park.
Believed to date from the 18th century, the cottage was at one time the retreat for Sir Wally Herbert and his family.
He was the foremost polar explorer of his generation and, in 1968, led the first surface crossing of the Arctic Ocean by its longest axis via the North Pole – a 15-month journey of 3,720 miles that has never been repeated.
In another life, Rowan Cottage was the village shop and known locally as the Splash – the name is still used by the Laggan community newsletter.
The building, which was originally two semi-detached dwellings named Birch and Rowan, has been completely renovated by the current owners who have created a delightful family home.
They have managed that tricky job of combining traditional building methods with modern techniques to ensure that the property retains its historic features and charm whilst taking full advantage of modern-day living.
The exquisite entrance to the cottage, which is priced at offers over £295,000, is a good indicator of the grand standard of the home, with the hallway leading to two spectacular principal rooms – the dining room, with open fireplace, and a magnificent double-aspect sitting room, with wood-burning stove on a stone hearth and an exposed original stone wall.
The kitchen leads to a family room with floor to ceiling windows offering far-reaching views over Spey Glen to the Cairngorms in the distance.
A wooden staircase leads up to the three upper-floor bedrooms which have all been designed with family living in mind.
Many original features have been retained through the property including oak flooring and exposed beams in the ceiling.
Most of the rooms on the ground floor have wood-burning stoves set in the original fireplaces as well as under-floor heating to provide a manageable and economical source of heating.
Phiddy Robertson, handling the sale for CKD Galbraith, said: “The quality and history of Rowan Cottage makes it a fantastic opportunity to acquire a truly unique rural retreat offering and delightful living in a spectacular highland setting.
“The rich history of Rowan has achieved much attention and the property is soon to be featured on BBC1’s Escape to the country, so we expect a lot of interest from discerning purchasers and even perhaps form those seeking a second home or holiday investment.”
The grounds extend to approximately 0.412 acres and are laid mainly to lawn with mature trees and shrubs, which allows the property to sit comfortably in its spectacular surrounding.
A decked sitting area lies on the south side of the house and is accessed from the kitchen overlooking the soft-fruit garden with blackcurrant bushes and plum trees.
The area of the Cairngorms National Park provides a scenic and unspoilt landscape with varied countryside, from moorlands and mountains to lush glens and beautiful lochs.
There is a wide range of rural pursuits available for all ages with beautiful walks directly from the house.
Both Ben Nevis and Cairngorm mountain ranges are within a 45 minute drive from the house, offering fantastic access to mountain walking and ski-ing. While for fishing enthusiasts, the Glentruim Falls is only a 10 minute drive away.
Contact CKD Galbraith on 01463 224343.
