Off grid living at historic bothy home on the Isle of Jura
What started as an 19th century shepherd’s hut on the Ardulussa Estate on the magnificent Isle of Jura is now a wonderful off grid home looking for new owners.
Lealt is on the market with premium rural estate agents, Bell Ingram for offers over £475,000.
Built circa 1850, the house sits on ground extending to approximately 1.41 hectares and benefits from far reaching views over the surrounding countryside.
Its current owners have owned the property since 1995 and since then have transformed the derelict building into a comfortable two-bedroom home with eco credentials.
When seeing the property in its previous state, the owner Richard Mayes, says: “After a good cry…we bought the place. Then we sat down and decided what we’d like Lealt to look like when we’d finished. In a nutshell we wanted to completely renovate the place but retain all the existing character and add some more light and air.
“Then in January we started taking Lealt to pieces. Everything except the four outside walls had to go. Now family and friends can wallow in comfort and warmth lit by the wind!”
The property is completely off grid with electricity provided by its own generation system based on the power of wind, water and sun. With its own wind turbine and water turbine, built in the property’s burn which by itself generates 7.5kw per day satisfying all the basic electrical needs.
As a backup, Mr Mayes also installed six solar panels to produce electricity. A battery system is used so that all surplus energy can be stored and used at a later date meaning there is zero reliance on the grid.
The Island of Jura is a most picturesque island and one that is little explored by tourists, many of whom do not venture north beyond the coastal village of Craighouse. It has a rich natural heritage with much to attract those who wish to enjoy hill walking and the outdoors.
George Orwell said during his time on the island writing his novel 1984 “it is an extremely unforgettable place” and it is definitely still today a place to come and get away from it all.
Estate Agent, Andrew Fuller comments on the sale: “It’s not everyday you have such a unique property equally rich in history and modern in its outlook.
“Eco friendly homes and off grid living is proving increasingly popular in the Highland and Islands and given the uniqueness of Lealt and its prime position on the ever-popular Isle of Jura, we envisage this property to be very desirable and would encourage those interested not to delay in arranging a viewing.”
For more information please contact Andrew Fuller on 01631 566122 or email oban@bellingram.co.uk
Article posted on 28/06/2022