Estate Agents draw on forestry, mapping and planning expertise to achieve a record price for farming client
The sale of Bandominie Farm was one of the most memorable property transactions of 2021 for Carl Warden, Partner and Head of Estate Agency.
Bell Ingram’s Agency team drew on the expertise of colleagues from the company’s Forestry, Mapping and Planning departments to achieve a record result for their client, all the time navigating the challenges of ever-changing Covid restrictions as the market eased out of lockdown.
Located on the edge of the very buoyant Glasgow market, the 380-acre Bandominie Farm consisted of a farmhouse with outbuildings, a modern bungalow and a large area of forestry land.
The owner, who had lived there all his life, occupied the modern bungalow with his own family, while his elderly parents remained in the original farmhouse, which was in need of considerable modernisation and renovation.
To achieve the best possible price for our client, we advised that breaking the farm into separate parts would be the most lucrative way forward.
The first step in this process was to map the property thoroughly and our in-house GIS Mapping Department was tasked with providing three mapped areas of land – 275 acres for forestry planting, 19 acres to go with the old farmhouse and its considerable outbuildings, and a further 2.5 acres of paddock to be sold with the modern bungalow.
Bell Ingram’s Planning Department then made an application to have the Section 75 removed from the farm which allowed us to sell the residential properties separately.
The two residential properties were listed at £200k for the farmhouse, outbuildings and 19 acres, while the modern bungalow was put to the market at £250k with the paddocks and two small stables.
The attractive sales price, coupled with the lack of available stock in the Glasgow area, generated just short of 200 enquiries which resulted in 121 viewings being arranged in only six working days. A closing date saw both properties sold to the same buyer, achieving almost 25% above their asking price.
However, it was the Forestry element of the sale which ultimately generated the best outcome. Bell Ingram’s Forestry Department approached their private clients offering the 275 acres for an asking price in the region of £450,000 to £650,000, and our client was rather overwhelmed when a closing date achieved significantly above the asking price!
Carl Warden said: “Bandominie is a great example of why it can make sense to break complex properties down into separate components if you want to achieve the best possible price. It also underlines why it’s important to employ an agent with rural land and business experience who can draw on a range of expertise to add value to the sale.”
If you are considering selling your farm, our dedicated team is on hand to provide the expert advice you need to help achieve the best possible result. Contact Carl Warden on 01738 621 121 or email carl.warden@bellingram.co.uk
Article posted on 21/12/2021
Turf roofed Victorian ice house ‘unlike anything currently on the market’
Just behind the shores of a secluded beach on the remote Crinan Ferry Peninsula lies a turf roofed Victorian ice house, on the market with premium rural estate agents, Bell Ingram.
The Ice House dates back to the early 19th century and has previously enjoyed fame on the television series George Clarke’s Restoration Man.
Once used to store ice throughout and refrigerate fish throughout the year, the historical significance of the property is immediately apparent through its entrance door which leads to a large chamber that is thought to have served as a food packing area during the 19th Century. The property also includes the original loading hatch through which the ice was fed.
In recent years the Ice House has been updated to include a stunning frameless ice like ‘light loft’ fitted with bespoke, reinforced and heated glass walls, door and glass floor, ironically keeping it warm throughout the year, instead of cold.
Its iconic barrel-vaulted glazed extension comes with a turf roof, which from above gives the impression of the house blending seamlessly into its stunning surroundings at Crinan Ferry.
The sheltered sandy bay at the mouth of the River Add, seven miles from Lochgilphead offers gorgeous views to Duntrune Castle. The one acre plot benefits from a coastal outlook across the bay, often enjoyed by the current owner from a hot tub on one of the site’s elevated terraces.
Estate Agent, Andrew Fuller comments: “We are excited to bring this unique and historical property to the market. With its prime waterfront location and one of a kind building, the Crinan Ferry Ice House is unlike anything currently on the market.
“Perfect for history lovers and nature lovers alike, the Ice House at Crinan offers buyers the opportunity to truly ‘escape it all’. Originally, planning permission and listed building consents were granted to upgrade the property into a quirky residential dwelling, however the sizable land area also offers potential for development of a separate, detached residential dwelling subject to the necessary planning consent.”
For more information, or to arrange a viewing contact Andrew Fuller on 01631 567791 or email andrew.fuller@bellingram.co.uk
Article posted on 29/11/2021
Beautifully renovated equestrian property with glorious views
An opportunity to acquire a compact equestrian property with modern farmhouse set in idyllic surroundings has arisen near Kinross.
Perfect for horse lovers, Craigton is on the market with premium rural estate agents, Bell Ingram for offers over £600,000.
Extending to 13.88 acres, the property includes four grass paddocks with stabling, field shelters and agricultural outbuildings.
The jewel in the crown of this property is its modern and beautifully appointed family farmhouse. The bungalow is a detached family home which has been extensively extended and modernised.
The striking exterior has been finished with a mix of Denfind stone, dry dash and Siberian larch, with concrete tiles on the roof completing the high-quality finishes that can be found within the interior of the property.
Inside, the three-bedroom home is spacious and ideal for a growing family. An impressive living room showcases a vaulted ceiling, real oak floor and log burning stove. Patio doors open out to a timber decking and glorious views over the nearby hills.
Moreover, there is planning permission granted to extent the living spaces by adding an upper floor to provide a large master suite with sitting area, dressing room and bathroom with a shower. These works could be undertaken by the purchaser if desired.
Impressive views can be found surrounding this property as its location at Rumbling Bridge near Kinross, takes in some of Perthshire’s most peaceful open scenery. On the border of Kinross-shire and Clackmannashire, Craigton Bungalow is located just above the Gairney Glen meaning most of the rooms have outstanding, far reaching views.
Meanwhile, the property’s benefits from a central location with the M90 giving quick access to both Perth and Edinburgh and the nearby Clackmannanshire Bridge which connects to the Central Belt and Glasgow.
For families there are an excellent choice of private schools in the area including Dollar Academy, Strathallan, Kilgraston, Glenalmond College, Craigclowan Preparatory School and St Leonard’s School.
For more information, or to arrange a viewing contact Carl Warden on 01738 621121 or email carl.warden@bellingram.co.uk
Article posted on 23/11/2021
We don’t look at the clock … that’s the beauty of Ardnamurchan
When Richard and Vicky Pollock decided to holiday on the West Coast of Scotland, they were looking for an escape. Having lived and worked in some of the UK’s busiest cities, a peaceful change of pace was in order. Little did they know that their trip north would take them on a journey to a new life.
“Six years ago we went on holiday to Scotland and discovered Ardnamurchan,” says Richard. “To get there, it’s a single track road which is 35 miles one way and far away from Route 500. People don’t stumble upon Ardnamurchan, they seek it out.
Richard and Vicky instantly fell in love with the place. “The beautiful surroundings, incredible wildlife, friendly community and the relaxing way of life really appealed to us.”
At the time, they were looking for a second home. Then, when the Ardnamurchan Natural History Visitor Centre came onto the market, it proved an easy decision for the couple to relocate. “After working in London, you reach a point where you want to leave the rat race, the pollution and find somewhere to escape to. People who come here can get away from the hustle and bustle, and that’s exactly what we did.”
Running the visitor centre and a coffee shop has never felt like a job to Richard and Vicky. “It really isn’t work at all talking to customers and making friends. We don’t look at the clock. We often don’t know the time or even the date. That’s the beauty of Ardnamurchan.”
The couple have built lasting friendships in the area too with many locals coming to visit for coffee and a catch-up every week. “It’s a real community hub. The people here are wonderful and so welcoming. It’s not always like that when you move to a new place, so it’s very special here in that way.”
Closing every year from the end of October until just before Easter means Richard and Vicky can take the time to visit friends and family during the off-season. In the past, they have travelled abroad, exploring the world during the winter months, but have always been ready to return home. “Where we are in the world, it would never beat Ardnamurchan. It’s an absolutely stunning place to be.”
Now looking to retire fully, Richard and Vicky are selling the visitor centre and home, but have no intention of leaving the area – they couldn’t imagine being anywhere else now.
They are hoping that another couple looking for an escape to a more peaceful and relaxed way of life will take the opportunity to take over the business. “We’re not just selling the business. We are selling a lifestyle – a way of life. People really need to come here and experience the place and the way of life to fully appreciate how beautiful it is.”
Ardnamurchan Natural History Visitor Centre is on the market at the guide price of £575,000. For more information or to arrange a viewing contact Andrew Fuller on 01631 566 122 or email andrew.fuller@bellingram.co.uk
Article posted on 29/10/2021
Is there anywhere else in Scotland you can finish your day with a swim in the Atlantic?
There are few places in Scotland or, in fact, in the world, more breathtaking to see than the coastline along the Isle of Mull. Matthew and Julia Reade have been admiring the spectacular view for over three decades.
As the owners of Calgary Café on the north-west point of the island, the Reade family have been welcoming visitors to this exceptional spot to soak up the landscape, wildlife and sense of peacefulness for the past 34 years.
Now, after many joyful years, Matthew and Julia are retiring and selling the business. “We felt it was the right time to give somebody else the opportunity to live and work here,” says Matthew. “We’re not moving far as we’ve built a house nearby overlooking the bay. We couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.”
When Matthew ventured to Mull as a teenager, he had no idea the lifelong connection with place he was about to forge. “I grew up working on a dairy farm in Somerset,” says Matthew. “When I was about 16, my father sent me and my brother to start a dairy farm on Mull. Then I met Julia and eventually we bought Calgary Farmhouse together.”
A derelict farm originally, Matthew and Julia renovated the space into a seven-bedroom hotel and restaurant, combining Matthew’s passion for woodwork and sculpture for the furnishings and Julia’s catering background for the restaurant. “We were accidental hoteliers,” Matthew remembers. “I was 22-years-old and had barely any experience of staying in hotels, so it was a real learning curve.”
After 22 years as a hotel and restaurant, and once their two sons, Tom and Charlie, were older, Matthew and Julia converted the hotel into self-catering accommodation. The one constant has been their café. “It’s a very busy spot,” says Matthew. “We welcome a lot of day trippers and many people who return to Mull every year. There’s people who have been coming here all the years we have been here.”
Right next to the Calgary Café is Calgary Art in Nature, a popular woodland trail featuring sculptures that celebrate the beauty of nature. Even on a wet day people come to enjoy the Art in Nature trail which brings many visitors into the café.
Situated next to the beach, Matthew says its one of the best places for a family to live. “Our boys grew up here with the beach on our doorstep which they just loved. We employ seasonal staff in the summer and when they finish a shift they run down to the beach and swim in the sea. Is there anywhere else in Scotland you can finish your day with a swim in the Atlantic?”
The Reades are excited to see what the next owners of Calgary Café do. “It doesn’t necessarily need to be a café,” Matthew adds. “It could be a licensed restaurant, or a yoga retreat, or a recording studio. It’s such a versatile space.”
Calgary Farmhouse is on the market at offers over £395,000 and the Licenced Tearoom (which includes three letting properties and staff accommodation) is for sale at offers in the region of £575,000.
For more information or to arrange a viewing contact Andrew Fuller on 01631 566 122 or email andrew.fuller@bellingram.co.uk
Article posted on 29/10/2021
We can’t wait to see what adventures the next owners of Barmore Farm go on
When listening to Graeme and Liz Scott talk about Barmore Farm, their home and business for the past 36 years, it’s a story of family, hard work and an unwavering passion for the building and its history.
A stunning converted farm steading and detached residential cottage with five premium development plots sitting in 10 acres of land near the popular coastal village of Tarbert, Graeme and Liz originally bought Barmore Farm 1983 when they worked at nearby Stonefield Castle.
The buildings were derelict at the time, having not been inhabited in over 50 years. Since then, the couple have redeveloped the steading, from digging the floors out to insulating the two feet thick walls. In the early days they opened a restaurant before developing the business into six beautiful self-catering cottages, each completely unique from the next, which they let today.
“The steading is a listed building featuring the same sandstone as Stonefield Castle,” says Graeme. “In the courtyard you can see it was a dairy farm and we haven’t changed anything. Externally, it is still as it would have been in the late 18th into early 19th century.”
Graeme and Liz raised their family at Barmore and have many fond memories of living there. “We’ve been here for 36 years which tells a story in itself,” Graeme continues. “We’ve spent a huge amount of our lives here. Our children went to the excellent school nearby in Tarbert and had a wonderful childhood here. For kids, it’s absolutely idyllic.”
Now, after more than three decades at Barmore Farm, Graeme and Liz are looking to retire, but aren’t going far. “We love the area, always have, so we are planning to build a new home nearby,” adds Graeme. “It’s time to take things a little easier and enjoy spending more time with our young grandchildren.”
They are excited to see what the next owners do with the space. “Being older now, we can see a younger individual or couple really seizing an opportunity here,” Graeme concludes. “There’s so much potential. As self-catering holiday lets, the occupancy rates are extremely high, so somebody could walk straight in and continue that, but it really is a blank sheet for whatever anyone wants – it’s all there. We can’t wait to see what adventures the next owners of Barmore Farm go on.”
For sale with Bell Ingram at offers over £1,100,000, for more information or to arrange a viewing contact Andrew Fuller on 01631 566 122 or email oban@bellingram.co.uk
Article posted on 29/10/2021
Barn conversion is a dream home with sea views from the garden and close to the stunning beaches of Isle of Lewis
The Barn at Reef is an exceptional coastal property located in a quiet and rural location on the West coast of the Isle of Lewis.
Build on the original footprint of a traditional blackhouse, The Barn is a beautifully presented two-bedroom cottage which has been upgraded and renovated to the highest standard, with solid oak floors and large Velux windows giving a bright and airy feel to the property.
Although The Barn is currently operated as a successful self-catering cottage, it could be returned to its original use as a family home.
The property is accessed via a bespoke front door created by Treecraft Woodwork which leads to the hallway giving access to the kitchen, bathroom and two bedrooms. To the right of the hall is the kitchen which has an excellent range of country style floor and wall units with wooden worksurface with inset Belfast sink. There is a stylish breakfast bar with ornate wooden top. Dual aspect windows look to the front and rear and a glazed door opens to a decking area.
A door leads to the sitting room which has a stone clad feature wall and a focal point of a Charnwood multi-fuel stove sat on a slate hearth. Completing the accommodation is the modern bathroom which has a two-piece suite in white comprising WC and wash hand basin. There is a large walk-in shower with powerful drench head shower and wet wall panelling for easy cleaning.
Externally, the garden to the front of the cottage has views towards the Harris mountains and Loch Roag. The Barn’s elevated position ensures that it is in full sun all day and, by afternoon, the back garden acts as a perfect suntrap where you can sit out on the decking and watch the sun go down in the West. There is a block built shed/workshop and wooden log/bike store which both have electricity.
On the market with Bell Ingram for offers over £250,000, for more information or to arrange a viewing contact Joanne Stennett on 01463 717799 or email joanne.stennett@bellingram.co.uk
Article posted on 29/10/2021
Elegant 11-bedroom Victorian villa with extensive gardens and views over the River Tay, in a sought-after Perth city location
Sunbank House is an exceptional Victorian property located in a prime elevated position in one of the most desirable addresses in the Fair City of Perth.
Dating from 1846, Sunbank House was originally built as a fine family home and was sympathetically extended in 1994 adding a further wing which mirrored the original part of the house. The high level of workmanship resulted in it winning a number of awards within the sector. Although Sunbank House is currently operated as a successful small private hotel, it could be returned to its original use as a family home.
The configuration of Sunbank House is currently laid out to allow it to operate as a licenced Hotel. The rooms are finished to a beautiful standard in keeping with the quality and history of the property.
The main public rooms overlook the front gardens as do two of the ground floor bedrooms. There is a third ground floor bedroom and these three bedrooms have en suite facilities. There are a number of service areas including the kitchen, laundry and an office.
On the upper floor are the remaining eight bedrooms, six of these have en suite facilities and there is a separate bathroom. Externally, the beautiful garden grounds at Sunbank are mainly to the front, with well-maintained lawns and shrubs and trees. To the rear the property is surrounded by a stone wall enclosing a parking area which can accommodate up to 12 vehicles.
On the market with Bell Ingram for offers over £850,000, for more information or to arrange a viewing contact Carl Warden on 01738 621 121.
Article posted on 29/10/2021