Trio of New Year appointments at Bell Ingram

Rural land and business specialists, Bell Ingram, are beginning the New Year with three new appointments.

Clare Morton and Rosie Aitken have joined the firm as an Associate and Assistant Land Manager respectively in the Land Management Department. Elsewhere, Fiona Reed joins Estate Agency as a Sales Negotiator.

New Associate Clare Morton is a qualified Rural Chartered Surveyor and RICS Registered Valuer. With over 10 years’ experience in the sector, she is a farmer’s daughter from Dumfries and Galloway, and her expertise includes rural property valuations, compulsory purchase, and compensation and utility projects.

Assistant Land Agent Rosie Aitken graduated from the SRUC with a BA in Rural Business Management and will be involved in a variety of work including letting, rural estate and farm management.

Sales Negotiator Fiona Reed will assist in the day-to-day running of our residential Estate Agency business. Fiona moved into property sales after changing focus from a successful live events, logistics and administrative background.

Graham Lumby, Chairman at Bell Ingram, said: “It’s particularly pleasing to start the New Year with three new appointments and I’m confident that Clare, Rosie and Fiona will play an important part in our aspirations for the year ahead.

“People are at the heart of Bell Ingram delivering consistently high standards of professional service across all departments and I can’t praise staff enough for their hard work and outstanding commitment during such difficult times.

“Much of our work comes through recommendations from satisfied clients and referrals from business partners. It’s a terrific compliment that people are happy to recommend the firm and it is testament to the brilliant work done by Bell Ingram staff.”

Article posted on 15/01/2021

Safety remains our top priority says Managing Partner Mark Mitchell

With more announcements expected this week, Bell Ingram is monitoring closely any changes to Government coronavirus restrictions.

At present all our services – Land Management, Estate Agency, Forestry, Architects, Utilities – can continue to operate safely, and we are open for business, very much as usual.

However, if the situation changes Bell Ingram has robust systems in place to allow us to work as effectively as we did during the last lockdown.

We have excellent IT support, which we continuously invest in, and our systems are cloud based – Office 365, OneDrive. Even our telephone set-up allows us to operate remotely and as efficiently as we can from our offices.

In the current environment we can reassure our clients, tenants, contractors and staff that we take compliance very seriously, with dedicated managers in place – H&S, Quality, HR and Environment.

Safety remains our top priority and we will continue to play our part in reducing the spread of the virus by following all the Government guidance and carrying out Covid checks as we did during 2020.

Article posted on 13/01/2021

Take advantage of our free market appraisal service and get the ball rolling

The property market remains open for business across the UK during the current national lockdowns.

And Bell Ingram’s estate agents across our Scottish and English offices are following Government Covid protocols to the letter to ensure the health and safety of our clients, contractors and staff.

Carl Warden, Head of Estate Agency, says: “We welcome the news that the housing market is still in business throughout this new lockdown period and would like to assure our clients that Bell Ingram puts the health and safety of our staff, contractors and clients at the forefront of our business.

“Our agents will continue to play their part in reducing the spread of the virus by following all the Government guidance and carrying out Covid checks as we did during 2020.”

Looking ahead Carl predicts 2021 will be a time of renewal and fresh opportunities.

He continues: “I believe that the property market will remain active through the year with values continuing to rise.

“There’s still a substantial demand from buyers looking for a quieter, healthier life in peaceful places with room to breathe. Properties in countryside and coastal locations are particularly popular with people attracted by our fantastic way of life.

“If you are considering your next move, take advantage of our free market appraisal service and get the ball rolling. At Bell Ingram we pride ourselves on our highly personal approach, outstanding service and attention to detail.”

The Scottish Government has confirmed that people will still be allowed to move home under the new lockdown rules.

The guidance reads it is acceptable to leave home “for activities in connection with moving home (including viewing a property), or for activities in connection with the maintenance, purchase, sale, letting, or rental of residential property that the person owns or is otherwise responsible for.”

The guidance adds: “Travelling for the purposes of undertaking essential work on a property other than your main residence should not be used as a pretext for a holiday. You should not stay longer than for the length of time required to undertake the necessary work.”

These Tier 4 rules will apply across the Scottish mainland until at least the end of January and will be kept under review. Island areas will remain in Tier 3, but it has been said that they would be monitored carefully.

The situation in England is broadly similar with people advised to stay at home, except for limited exceptions.

House moves are one of these limited exceptions and, therefore, are permitted to go ahead. Guidance issued by the UK Government states people can still move home, however, people outside a household or support bubble should not help with moving, unless absolutely necessary.

Estate and letting agents and removal firms can continue to work with property viewings still also allowed if anyone is looking to move.

Article posted on 11/01/2021

Large arable farm near Dundee comes on the market

A rare opportunity has arisen to purchase a substantial arable farm in an excellent Angus location with principle farmhouse and a range of farm buildings.

Firth Farm in Carmyllie near Arbroath extends to almost 71 hectares (175 acres) and is on the market with premium rural estate agents, Bell Ingram for offers over £2,000,000.

Situated just five miles north of Carnoustie, well known for its links golf course and Open Championship, and 11 miles north-west of the thriving city of Dundee, Firth Farm offers a rural life with popular amenities and facilities close by.

Bell Ingram agent and Head of Estate Agency, Carl Warden comments on the sale: “We are delighted to bring Firth Farm to the market. It’s not every day a farm of this calibre and size comes up for sale in such an excellent location. We would highly recommend early viewings on this listing.”

Firth Farmhouse is a traditional stone farmhouse dating back to the 1870s and comprises four large bedrooms and three public rooms.

The farmhouse and steading lie within a total of approximately 70.79 hectares (174.93 acres) of land, all of which is arable with the exception of the Firth Copse, a woodland block of approximately 1.25 hectares (2.87 acres).

Winter cropping of oil seed rape and winter wheat extends to approximately 21.59 hectares (53.35 acres), the remaining land lies in stubbles. The land has a gentle easterly aspect, lies between the 135m to 155m contours, and is classified as Grade 3:1 by the James Hutton Institute land classification for agriculture, with brown forest soils.

The fields are all of a good size and shape, able to accommodate a full range of modern farm machinery, capable of growing a wide range of crops and easily accessed from the public roads and tracks that run from the steading.

For more information or to arrange a viewing contact Carl Warden on 01738 621121 or email carl.warden@bellingram.co.uk

Article posted on 03/12/2020

Idyllic farm in excellent North East location for sale

A rare opportunity to purchase an idyllic multipurpose farm in a prime location in the North East of Scotland has arisen for offers over £450,000.

On the market with rural estate agents, Bell Ingram, Buckie Farm spans 56 acres with a three-bedroom farmhouse including outbuildings.

Buckie farm, which is suitable for either livestock or arable farming, is situated on the outskirts of Aberdeen just three miles from Dyce. With such easy access to towns and cities such as Old Meldrum and Inverurie, as well as countryside and beaches on its doorstep, Bell Ingram anticipates a great deal of interest in the sale from farmers looking for substantial land with amenities close by.

Farmers will also be attracted to the acreage which comes in one area lot as opposed to scattered pieces of land that is typical of a sale this size.

Those familiar with the area will recognise the historic Buchan Railway pathway, which cuts through the land and offers a good cycle route to the city of Aberdeen.

Situated in the heart of the farm with southerly views is the main farmhouse, which has been a much-loved home for several years. Mature trees surround the property which provides privacy from the Buchan Railway path and there is a large garden space including lawn and shrubs in front of the property.

There are a number of farm buildings included in the sale, which as well as having the ability to house machinery, would also lend themselves well to the likes of equestrian facilities, opening up a potential secondary income for buyers.

Bell Ingram Land Agent, Michelle Bruce comments on the sale: “We are delighted to bring Buckie Farm to the market, a compact and fertile farm in an excellent location that we anticipate will generate substantial interest from the faming and local market.

“The farm itself has great potential as either an arable or livestock farm, alternatively, with substantial outbuildings, it could also be used as equestrian land. With such broad potential we would recommend early viewings.”

The farmland at Buckie Farm sits at an altitude of approximately 55 to 80 metres above average sea level. The land is classified by the James Hutton Institute as predominantly Class 3.1.

For more information or to arrange a viewing contact Michelle Stephen on 01224 621300 or email michelle.bruce@bellingram.co.uk

Article posted on 20/11/2020

Thriving B&B business on popular North Coast 500

A thriving B&B business on the popular North Coast 500 route is up for sale, offering a rare opportunity for buyers looking for a lifestyle change.

Aptly names, Bonnieviews, the property is an eight-bedroom, eight-bathroom B&B near Latheron between Thurso and Wick, set in seven acres of grazing land with uninterrupted sea views. Bonnieviews is on the market with premium rural estate agents, Bell Ingram for offers over £400,000.

Situated on the internationally renowned North Coast 500 scenic touring route, which takes in some of Scotland’s top beauty spots, the B&B is well placed for welcoming guests all year round.

A ready to go business opportunity, the property already has an outstanding rating on all major holiday let channels, making it the perfect business opportunity for those looking to hit the ground running.

On top of this, as the property’s land is not classed as croft land, which is unusual for the area, and could be used for further development or sold to generate additional income.

Meanwhile, with additional outbuildings which could be used for stabling, equestrian enthusiasts may see the opportunity to use the land for livestock, that could offer another arm to the business.

Bell Ingram, estate agent, Joanne Stennett comments: “Bonnieviews offers a rare and unique opportunity to purchase a ready to go business in a beautiful part of the world. We are seeing increasing interest in Highland properties from buyers looking to relocate and we anticipate great interest in the property from buyers interested in a complete change of lifestyle following lockdown.

“The property has undergone a recent extension with the addition of four bedrooms and three bathrooms upstairs, offering huge growth potential for the business.

“The business also benefits from the luxury of seven acres of land that offers buyers the potential to expand their business offering or sell for development.”

Situated in an elevated position, Bonnieviews enjoys far reaching views of the surrounding countryside and Moray Firth. The property has bright and spacious rooms and has been decorated in neutral colours. It has a stylish kitchen and modern bathrooms with almost every bedroom benefitting from far reaching sea views.

For more information or to arrange a viewing contact Joanne Stennett on 01463 717799 or email joanne.stennett@bellingram.co.uk

Article posted on 19/11/2020

Stunning Highland Perthshire home set to ‘wow’ potential buyers

A rare opportunity to purchase an elegant country house in a highly sought-after area of Perthshire has arisen with premium rural estate agents, Bell Ingram.

Upper Farrochil is a stunning five-bedroom family home with far reaching views over the valley to Strathtay, one of the most desirable areas in Highland Perthshire.

On the market with Bell Ingram for offers over £650,000, Upper Farrochil is set in mature country grounds of 0.82 acres, offering a true taste of Scottish rural life while benefitting from amenities in the nearby hub of Aberfeldy.

With access to the property’s three family rooms, the large conservatory is the hub of the home. New buyers will be able to take in the glorious surroundings from the gorgeous room, which even comes with its own billiard table that retracts into the floor to create more space for entertaining or relaxing.

Bell Ingram Estate Agency, Moira Webley comments: “This is a gorgeous forever home in a truly desirable location that we believe will be much loved  by its future owners. Buyers will be equally wowed by the surroundings and stature of the home and its cosy living areas that are perfect for all the whole family to enjoy.”

“Given its highly prestigious location, we are anticipating huge interest in Upper Farrochil, not only from the local market but with those looking to relocate to a gorgeous part of the country with the best that rural life has to offer, while not far from a small town such as Aberfeldy.”

The entrance porch opens into a welcoming reception hall with a turning staircase leading to a gallery first floor. Also off the reception hall is a coat room with window, radiator, parquet flooring and a further door through to the downstairs loo.

To the right is the family room which overlooks the garden and has a glazed door to the garden room which has a tiled flooring, surrounding double glazed windows, exposed stone wall and a very pleasant outlook over the abundantly stocked garden and from which the outside can be accessed via a glazed door.

The formal dining room has double doors opening through to the large conservatory. The sitting room has a feature corner fireplace, with a Jotel Scandanavian wood burning stove, overlooks the mature rear garden.

The conservatory can also be accessed from here. The conservatory was constructed by Mozolowski and Murray and is currently being used as a billiard room. It has dwarf walls, deep hardwood window cills, surrounding double glazed windows and a glazed roof. A particularly unique feature allows the three-quarter size Reily slate-bed billiard table to be recessed into the floor by means of a mechanised lift. From here are doors to the garden and a door returning back through to the kitchen.

The dining kitchen was installed by Perth Kitchens and has ample place for a table and chairs. A walk-in cupboard has shelving and garment hooks and there is a pantry cupboard and a further unit with plumbing for an automatic washing machine and space for a tumble dryer. The Travertine stone floor has under floor heating. The cream coloured base and wall mounted units have Corian worktops and there are shelved cupboards, pantry units, inset sink and mixer tap, twin oven oil fired Aga with two hotplates, an induction hob, a combi microwave oven, separate DeDietrich oven, integrated dishwasher and large American style fridge freezer with wine cooler.

The upper floor hallway has two double size linen cupboards. Bedroom five, which is a single room with a window to the front, would also be ideally suited for use as an office. The master bedroom has a dressing room which in turn leads through to the recently completed en suite bathroom with WC, wash basin, shaped bath and corner shower. There are elevated views over the garden from the master bedroom.

There are a further three comfortable double bedrooms, two of which have en suite shower rooms. Completing the accommodation on the upper floor is a recently completed shower room with WC and wash basin.

For more information or to arrange a viewing contact Moira Webley on 01738 621121 or email moira.webley@bellingram.co.uk

Article posted on 13/11/2020

Scottish coastal getaway in stunning location attracts international interest

A traditional Scottish bothy on the stunning Angus coastline with uninterrupted sea views is attracting intense interest from national and international buyers.

Boddin Bothy is on the market with agents Bell Ingram at offers over £75,000 and is generating interest from those looking for a secluded coastal getaway as a second home or holiday let.

Located on the coast just two miles south of Montrose, on a Site of Special Scientific Interest, the bothy once formed part of a salmon fishing station that dates back to the 1800s. The ruins of the station are still standing and are included in the sale.

The historical site is perfect for holidays exploring rocky shorelines and rockpools, enjoying wild coastal scenery and wildlife with exceptional sea views on the doorstep.

Ideal for keen walkers, the northern boundary of the bothy is located on a core path and is a popular route for visitors to the Boddin Lime Kilns, which lie just south of the site. In the other direction is the Elephant Rock, a naturally formed coastal arch of volcanic rock nestling in a steep, secluded bay that has been shaped by the elements and closely resembles the shape of an elephant’s head and truck.

If bird watching is top of the agenda, also close by is the Montrose Basin, an enclosed estuary of the river South Esk covering 750 hectares, home to over 80,000 migratory birds – including pink-footed geese, Arctic terns, knots and sedge warblers.

Although situated in a beautiful rural location, the bothy benefits from good access to Dundee, Aberdeen and beyond. Montrose and Arbroath have railway stations and are on the main east coast line with regular services north and to the south, including a sleeper service to London.

Agent Catherine Lawson comments: “With its exceptional location it is no wonder we have seen such great interest in Boddin Bothy from buyers far and wide looking for their own slice of the Scottish coastline.

“As Scotland continues to enjoy a tourism boom and staycations also on the rise, we are seeing interest from not only the local and national market but international buyers too. The site represents a great rural getaway as a second home, or an attractive business opportunity as a holiday let.

“We would encourage those interested to be quick off the mark to arrange a viewing.”

For more information or to arrange a viewing contact Malcolm Taylor on 01307 462516 or email malcolm.taylor@bellingram.co.uk / Catherine Lawson on 01307 462516 or email catherine.lawson@bellingram.co.uk

Article posted on 21/10/2020