The Bell Ingram Blog Spot News

Getting to know Bell Ingram: I wanted to work for a firm that really values its staff says John Kennedy

Getting to know Bell Ingram: I wanted to work for a firm that really values its staff says John Kennedy

John Kennedy joined Bell Ingram’s Land Management Team as an Assistant Land Agent earlier this year. Based in our Forfar office, he graduated from SRUC in Edinburgh with a BSc (Hons) Agriculture followed by a Masters in Land Economy at the University of Aberdeen. John is involved in a variety of work including rural estate and farm management, while working towards his APC and CAAV exams.

John says: “I am from the Island of Coll in the Inner Hebrides where my family has a farm. My Dad’s always talking about retirement, but he’s been talking about it since he was 50 and now that he’s 61 he’s busier than ever. We’ve got about 500 sheep and 60 cattle at the moment and also diversified into a bit of house building and contracting. You’ve got to be resourceful when you live on a small island!

“Since I wasn’t going into the family business straight away, I was looking for a role that would open doors for me in terms of my professional development, and I wanted to work for a firm that really values its staff. With my background on the farm I also wanted a career within a rural business that offered the opportunity to get outside and work with others in the rural and agri sector.

“I joined Bell Ingram’s Forfar office in February having completed my BSc (Hons) Agriculture at SRUC Edinburgh and a Masters in Land Economy at Aberdeen University. Since then, I’ve been assisting Partner and Head of Land Management Malcolm Taylor and have been involved in rural estate and farm management, valuations, property sales and letting, and compensation claims. This experience is invaluable as I work towards my APC and full membership of RICS and CAAV.

“The best thing about being a Land Agent is the balance between being in the office and on the ground, in fact there’s rarely a week when I’m sitting at the desk from 9-5. No two days are ever the same, and it’s extremely satisfying to build up good relationships with your clients and do the best work for them.

“There are many reasons to join Bell Ingram but for someone at my stage in the profession I’d single out the excellent training. The company offers a programme of support to enable APC trainees to progress in the profession and reach their full potential. Being a larger firm, we can also access regular in-house webinars and talks from colleagues and industry professionals.”

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Article posted on 17/10/2021

The Bell Ingram Blog Spot News

Getting to know Bell Ingram: Honduras fieldwork sparked Mhairi Walker’s interest in GIS career

Bell Ingram’s variety of expertise attracted me to the company

Mhairi Walker joined Bell Ingram’s GIS team in September 2021 as a GIS Technician. Based in our Perth office, she recently completed a masters degree in Geographical Information Science from the University of Edinburgh and also worked as an intern on the GIS team of an energy company during her masters. She is involved in cross discipline projects supporting staff from all parts of the company in GIS.

Mhairi says: “I have always been interested in understanding the significance of geographical patterns and interactions in both human and physical environments from studying geography in school and going on fieldtrips to Peru, Tanzania and within the UK.

“I became particularly interested in GIS during my undergraduate BSc Honours Geography and Environmental Science degree at the University of Dundee. For my dissertation, I travelled to a remote cloud forest in Honduras to complete fieldwork measuring trees with the aim of determining total carbon stocks across the forest using remote sensing techniques. This experience made me curious about the other uses of GIS for displaying and analysing geographic data.

“I furthered my knowledge and understanding of GIS by undertaking postgraduate study in MSc Geographical Information Science at the University of Edinburgh. During this year I also completed an internship within the GIS team of an energy company to gain experience of GIS in practice.

“Following completion of my masters, I wanted a graduate job where I could continue to learn and gain experience in the GIS field. Bell Ingram’s variety of expertise attracted me to the company since I saw the opportunity to work across multiple fields to gain widespread knowledge of GIS applications.

“At Bell Ingram, I will be providing GIS services to clients including estate management, forestry and utility companies, assisting with GPS surveys and supporting and developing GIS services throughout the company.”

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Article posted on 17/10/2021

Press Release Archive News

If you are spiritually inclined, Inverliever Lodge has a natural healing ambience

If you are spiritually inclined, Inverliever Lodge has a natural healing ambience

After 16 blissful years running the internationally renowned Yoga retreat Ecoyoga at Inverliever Lodge near Lochgilphead, Nick and Rachel Loening are embarking on a new chapter. They’re selling up and moving back to the big city.

What’s clear though is that a piece of their hearts will always remain at this hidden gem where they embarked on an incredible journey in 2004.

“Back in the early noughties I used to run a busy city centre yoga studio in Edinburgh,” explains Nick. “When Rachel and I began a family, we loved the idea of running a retreat centre. We’d visited centres all over the world and there wasn’t anything like it in Scotland, so decided we wanted to start our own one.”

The first time they saw Inverliever Lodge they knew they’d found the perfect place for their business and to build a family home. Since then, the Loening family have welcomed visitors from all over the world, from California to China.

Today, the retreat, on the market with Bell Ingram, has 27 bedrooms with options to expand, private three-bedroom owner’s accommodation as well as a fully equipped yoga studio with massage room and renewable energy to power the place.

“Many of our visitors come to Ecoyoga, then go touring Scotland,” says Nick. “The incredible location is just so special and makes visiting all the more memorable for people. If you’re spiritually inclined, there’s a natural healing ambience to the place which people often comment on when they visit.”

Nature is at the heart of Inverliever. It’s an incredibly pure natural environment. The water is freshly sprung from the mountains nearby and the air is fresh. There are hot baths next to a spectacular waterfall which many repeat visitors come back for year-upon-year. With the rise in popularity of wild swimming, guests like to enjoy the hot baths before plunging into the cold fresh water beneath the waterfall, then back into the hot baths.

“After visiting, it’s like emerging from a cocoon,” says Nick. “People genuinely look and feel better. People comment on this time and time again. A feeling of rejuvenation. We are very unique in that respect and it’s something people only fully appreciate when they come to visit.”

With serene natural surroundings that lend themselves to a retreat style of business, Nick believes the space could be used for all sorts of retreat-style businesses. “There are so many opportunities for expansion or introducing new activities to this special space. Group activities around mindfulness, meditation or perhaps arts, crafts or writing retreats. There’s so much potential here.”

In the time Nick and Rachel have developed Egoyoga, their babies have grown into teenagers, which has prompted their move back to Edinburgh, but the place will always be special to the Loenings. “Above all else, it has been a wonderful family home for us and we know it could be again for another family or couple looking perhaps looking for a lifestyle change. Living and working here is ideal for the kind of person who is up for living in the countryside. It’s 12 miles to the nearest shop so it really is exceptionally peaceful and remote here. A genuine retreat.”

Article posted on 06/10/2021

Press Release Archive News

A special property needs a special agent to navigate the market in these extraordinary times

Bell Ingram: A special agent for your special property

When it comes to presenting your home for sale, a special property needs a special agent to navigate the market in these extraordinary times.

From market appraisal to conclusion of missives, Bell Ingram’s estate agents always go the extra mile to ensure your expectations are not just met but exceeded.

We have residential property teams in Perth, Beauly, Oban, Ayr, Aberdeen, Forfar, and Thirsk, covering Scotland and the North of England. Specialising in desirable rural properties, we also have extensive expertise selling farms, estates, crofts, commercial, lifestyle, plots and woodland.

So, whether it’s a grand Victorian shooting lodge or a high-end retirement apartment, a farmhouse with attached holiday cottage lets or an historic thatched island blackhouse, we are perfectly placed to find you the right buyer or the right property.

At Bell Ingram, our agents pride themselves on a highly personal approach, outstanding service and attention to detail. The high levels of staff retention also mean that our clients can be sure of dealing with highly qualified and experienced people at all times.

Drawing on over 100 years’ experience in the prime property market, we offer our clients an extensive database which provides relevant, comparable evidence for market appraisals when marketing properties and matching buyers to suitable homes.

And our in-depth understanding of regional and national markets enables our team to achieve the best possible result for your sale or purchase.

Head of Estate Agency Carl Warden says: “Bell Ingram’s estate agents have seen unprecedented housing market activity across Scotland during the last 18 months of the pandemic.

“High buyer demand coupled with a shortage of stock has driven up valuations with residential properties achieving anything between 5% to 30% over the asking price, and I expect this upward trend to continue.

“It’s 100% a sellers’ market at the moment with properties being snapped up within days of going live on the market, particularly if they are in desirable locations like Perth and Kinross, Highlands and Islands, or Argyll and Bute.”

The pandemic is also driving a race for space. Larger detached properties at the upper end of the market with plenty of outside space and spare room that could be used as an office are in high demand as hybrid and work-from-home changes mean buyers are no longer tied into city locations.

Carl Warden continues: “Lifestyle properties have also been attracting a lot of attention from buyers looking for a beautiful home with a business attached. Bell Ingram is currently marketing a number of such opportunities which tick all the boxes for purchasers wanting to quit the rat race for a new life in the country.

“The rise in house prices has meant buyers were able to pay off the LBTT due on properties above £400,000, with equity. And with interest rates expected to rise a little earlier than previously predicted, I’d advise buyers to take advantage of the current low rates,” he adds.

  • Based in key locations across Scotland, Bell Ingram’s estate agents will provide a comprehensive marketing service. For a free market appraisal of your property, please contact our team on 01738 621 121 or email perth@bellingram.co.uk

Article posted on 06/10/2021

The Bell Ingram Blog Spot News

Land management isn’t just a job, it’s a vocation says Senior Associate Land Agent Charlotte Gilfillan

Land management isn’t just a job, it’s a vocation

A pivotal shift in how land is being managed means it is an exciting time to join the vibrant and growing rural land management sector.

The Climate Change Emergency and Biodiversity Crisis have been major catalysts in developing new ideas, new opportunities and new technologies. Natural Capital, Carbon Offsetting and the Green Recovery are at the heart of this and are driving the demand for more professionals, specifically qualified chartered surveyors and foresters, who have the knowledge and expertise to help clients maximise their assets.

There is perhaps a misconception that the only route to becoming a qualified chartered surveyor and securing chartered status, involves having an RICS accredited degree and undertaking the Assessment of Professional Competence while working for a firm. In fact, there are many routes available through the RICS, including senior professional, specialist or academic assessment, direct entry and preliminary review for those with more than five years relevant work experience with any degree.  These alternate routes are increasing in popularity and helping facilitate changes in profession later in life.

I myself did not consider moving into land agency until my late twenties, having worked on a number of sporting estates in Scotland prior to joining Bell Ingram. My experience on the ground gave me an intimate understanding of how the land and the people worked and provided a crucial foundation on which I would build (and continue to build) future knowledge and expertise. Many of my rural colleagues have also come from different backgrounds including farming, military, commercial surveying, insurance and health and safety. This diversity of life experience coupled with professional competence is something that adds a lot of value to the work we do for our clients. 

One thing we all have in common though is our passion for managing land. From meetings with lawyers in smart Edinburgh offices looking at Option Agreements for a new windfarm, to bumping out the hill in a Land Rover to look at a deer fence with a keeper, no two days are same. We travel to some of the most beautiful places in Scotland, places that others may only ever see on a screen, and we get paid to do it. One of my colleagues likes to call it ‘professional tourism’. We manage people as much places, cultivating relationships with clients, staff, tenants, guests, visitors, statutory bodies, communities, and everyone in between.  We are problem solvers, lateral thinkers, entrepreneurs and innovators. Land agency is not just a job to us, it’s not just a career, it’s a vocation.

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Article posted on 06/10/2021

Design Case Studies, Residential, Residential Page

Contemporary Rural Home | Glencassley

Contemporary Rural Home, Glencassley

Replacing a derelict building with a bespoke modern home in stunning surroundings.

Brief

Bell Ingram Design (BID) was appointed in the last quarter of 2019 to deliver full architectural services for a bespoke contemporary home which would replace an existing cottage that has been derelict for over 20 years.

The decision to construct a new build dwelling was not one taken lightly by the client, but the feasibility study conducted by our architects proved bringing the existing property up to current standards would not be economically feasible, and a new build property was the more viable option.

The client’s brief was to create a three bedroom home with a large open plan living area. This gave BID the opportunity to explore the potential for a truly contemporary design approach which fits unobtrusively into its stunning surroundings.

Process

On behalf of our client we have obtained Planning Approval and Building Warrant Consent for this bespoke, modern and contemporary house design. The project is currently out for tender and we are looking forward to progressing on to site in the coming months.

Outcome

A crucial part of the brief was to incorporate a variety of signage for Skoda which was visible from all relevant approaches to the site for heightened consumer interaction. This was to include branded flags, logo walls on active frontages and a prominent entrance portal for customers. Internally, a mezzanine level was included to create more floor area which contains an additional manager office and meeting space with glazed screening to overlook the double height showroom below.

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Article posted on 13/09/21

Press Release Archive News

Unique opportunity to buy a thriving tourist attraction on the Ardnamurchan Pennisula

Unique opportunity to buy a thriving tourist attraction located in Ardnamurchan 

A thriving tourist attraction in one of Scotland’s most beautiful locations, offers a truly unique opportunity for commercial buyers looking for their next venture.

On the market at o/o £575,000 with Bell Ingram, the Ardnamurchan Natural History Centre comprises a thriving and profitable tearoom, visitor centre, and a charming, detached two-bedroom owners’ residence.

Located in a picturesque, rural location on the ever-popular Ardnamurchan Peninsula, it’s an ideal opportunity to take over a commercial property which is ready-made to make use of immediately.

At the heart of the sale is the Natural History Visitor Centre which features an interesting permanent exhibition about the history of the Peninsula and is housed within a “living building” which attracts an array of wildlife.

Adjacent to the exhibition is a recently upgraded 28-seater auditorium/cinema, offering a further opportunity to cater for parties, social groups and community events.

The tearoom is destination in its own right and hugely popular with passing visitors stopping to enjoy light lunches and afternoon teas before browsing through the gift shop.

The owner’s residence is worth a special mention, offering comfortable two-bedroom accommodation within a charming stone-built property sitting under a natural slate roof. It includes spacious lounge/dining room, fully fitted kitchen and family bathroom.

Commenting on the sale, Laura MacCallum from Bell Ingram’s Oban Office, says: “It is a very special property and certainly not one we would see come onto the market very often. It is set in a wonderful location with far reaching coastal views, with people travelling from far and wide to enjoy the amazing scenery and, of course, visit the local businesses.

“It would suit a commercial buyer looking for a lifestyle business to put their stamp on. It’s not every day that the chance to buy such a unique building in such an incredible location comes along.”

The Ardnamurchan Natural History Visitor Centre is located on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula at Glenmore between the villages of Kilchoan and Salen on the B8007.

Local attractions include the Ardnamurchan distillery and the Glenborrodale RSPB reserve and a bit further afield is the Ardnamurchan Lighthouse which is the UK mainland’s most westerly point and attracts many visitors to the area.

The picturesque Glenborrodale Castle is nearby along with many beautiful beaches and coves. The iconic coastal town of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull is just a short ferry ride from Kilchoan and offers a wide range of amenities including a Co-op grocery and post office. The nearest major town is Fort William, which in turn provides links to other mainland destinations. The local villages offer a range of amenities such as shops, primary school, doctor surgery and restaurants.

For more information or to arrange a viewing contact Laura MacCallum on 01631 566 122 or email oban@bellingram.co.uk

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Article posted on 02/08/2021

Press Release Archive News

Equestrian dream property for sale in Stirlingshire with farmhouse, 14 stables, outbuildings and two-bed annex

An equestrian dream property for sale in rural Stirlingshire with farmhouse, 14 stables, outbuildings and a two-bedroom annex

Buyers searching for a substantial rural property in a fantastic location with exceptional equestrian facilities should look no further than Plean in Stirlingshire.

On the market at offers over £650,000 through Bell Ingram, Glenside Farm is located close to Plean, an attractive village in the Stirling local authority area, and has great transport links to Glasgow and Edinburgh.

At the heart of the 27-acre property stands a well presented, traditional stone farmhouse offering six bedrooms (master en-suite), five bathrooms, large kitchen/dining area, conservatory, living room, and laundry room.

The independent annex is worth a special mention, offering separate two-bedroom accommodation with an integral link to the main house. The annex includes a sitting room with a door to the garden, a shower room, bathroom, fitted kitchen and plenty of storage space.

Commenting on the sale, Carl Warden from Bell Ingram, says: “Although Gateside Farm is a fantastic family home, for the buyer interested in horses the facilities are exceptional.

“With 14 stables, outbuildings, six fields, garden ground, woodland, courtyard and garden, it is perfectly placed for operating a livery business with there’s plenty of scope to diversify into other equestrian activities.”

Glenside Farm is within the catchment area of East Plean Primary School, Bannockburn High School and St Modan’s High School. Private schooling is available at Dollar Academy, Morrisons in Crieff and Glenalmond College in Perth.

Plean is well placed for enjoying rural Stirling with a wide range of country pursuits close by, with the more dramatic scenery of the Perthshire hills and Loch Lomond National Park a short drive away. Plean Country Park has over 200 acres of accessible woodland and parkland with a network of paths for walking, cycling or horse riding.

For more information or to arrange a viewing contact Carl Warden on 01738 621 121 or email carl.warden@bellIngram.co.uk

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Article posted on 03/07/2021

Press Release Archive News

Mull’s ‘Magnificent Seven’ attract buyers to Scotland’s glorious West Coast

Mull’s ‘Magnificent Seven’ attract buyers to Scotland’s glorious West Coast

If you are buying or selling property on Scotland’s glorious West Coast, please get in touch with our Oban-based estate agency team.

Led by Andrew Fuller supported by Laura MacCallum and Mairi Kennedy, they cover Argyll and The Isles and the Morvern Peninsula, focusing on the sale of premium, rural properties.

The team currently has these ‘magnificent seven” properties for sale on the ever-popular Isle of Mull. Contact them on 01631 566122 or oban@bellingram.co.uk for more information or to arrange a viewing.

#1 Beauty spot business – Calgary Tearoom & Studios

Unique opportunity to acquire a well-established and highly regarded tearoom business, with three letting properties and staff accommodation apartments, all located in one of Mull’s most sought-after locations at Calgary Bay. OIRA £575,000. Read more here: 

#2 Development opportunity – Corry Farm

Traditional, two-bedroom cottage set in a picturesque location enjoying far reaching views across Fishnish Bay. The property sits in 7.54 acres and benefits from planning permission for a 1 ¾ story dwelling house plus a detached bothy with conversion potential. Offers over £445,000. Read more here: 

#3 Perfect hideaway – The Byre with Dovecote

A charming three-bedroom house set in a popular location within walking distance of the magnificent Calgary Bay. This property has the added attraction of a delightful, one-bedroom linked cottage with a proven track record of repeated holiday bookings. Offers over £420,000. Read more here:

#4 Stunning family home – Calgary Farmhouse

A lovely three-bedroom farmhouse set in a much sought-after location with far reaching views towards Calgary Bay. With beautiful mature gardens to the front and side the property is an ideal family home with holiday let potential. Offers over £395,000. Read more here:

#5 Iconic coastal location – Mosshill

A unique opportunity to acquire a wonderful seven-bedroom property on Tobermory’s iconic seafront. This extremely well-presented maisonette offers a combination of both family and bed and breakfast accommodation over two levels. Offers over £375,000. Read more here: 

#6 Classy conversion – The Hayloft

As the name suggests, The Hayloft was an integral part of the original farm before its conversion into stylish family accommodation over two levels. The four-bedroom property has many bespoke design features and would make a wonderful holiday home. Offers over £375,000. Read more here:

#7 First-time buyers – Torran

In a wonderful elevated position above the picturesque coastal town of Tobermory, Torran offers buyers an opportunity to acquire a well presented two-bedroom property benefitting from a lovely rear garden and off-road parking. Offers over £235,000. Read more here:

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Article posted on 03/07/2021