New inquiry into sustainable timber and deforestation

A new parliamentary inquiry will examine the UK’s sustainable timber industry and the UK’s contribution to global deforestation.

The inquiry by the Environmental Audit Committee will investigate how the UK, which imports most of its timber, can best scale up a sustainable, resilient domestic timber sector and reduce its reliance on imports.

In addition, the inquiry will examine the degree to which UK supply chains contribute to deforestation overseas and the effectiveness of the government’s efforts to curb this. Consideration will also be given to how the UK works with international partners to tackle deforestation.

Geoff Brown, Bell Ingram’s Head of Forestry, said: “I’m sure that this new inquiry into the UK timber industry and global deforestation will be welcomed across the forestry sector as it’s vital that we ensure our timber industry is future proofed and can support ambitious net zero targets across the UK’s four administrations while at the same time giving us a better understanding of the worldwide impact of any imports.”

This inquiry welcomes submissions until Thursday 8 September 2022. Search the UK Government website for more details.

Find out more about our Forestry services here.

Article posted on 01/09/2022

Modern family living on offer at brand new development close to Huntly

Bell Ingram is delighted to bring a stunning new development of family homes, close to Huntly, Aberdeenshire, to the market.

The Steading comprises five family homes with prices ranging between £210,000 and £325,000.  Additional land for grazing or additional garden space is available by separate negotiation.

Surrounded by farmland and rolling hills, the hamlet is located on the edge of the village of Forgue and close to historic GlenDronach Distillery.

The attractive three- and four-bedroom properties are currently under construction with anticipated completion dates from November 2022. Modern in their outlook, the properties provide luxurious living and entertainment space for growing families.

1 & 2 The Steading are both detached four-bedroom homes with integral double garages.  2 The Steading sits adjacent to a large outbuilding extending to about 4500 ft² and this is being separately offered with this house and will be restricted to private non-commercial use only.

3 The Steading is a detached three-bedroom home with an integral garage, while 4 & 5 The Steading will be two semi-detached three-bedroom homes.

Primary schooling is available at Forgue with further primary and secondary schooling at Huntly. The village of Forgue is situated around 10 miles from Huntly, an historic town which prospered during the 18th century through the expanding linen industry. Today, there is a swimming pool, sports grounds, golf course, play park and river walks.

Commenting on the new development, Head of Estate Agency, Carl Warden says: “This development is an exciting addition to the housing market in the North East, offering potential buyers the opportunity for modern family living in a glorious setting.

“Judging by initial reaction, this will be a popular development and we would encourage those who are interested in reserving a plot to get in touch as soon as possible.”

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

Article posted on 25/08/2022

Stunning converted farmhouse offers idyllic family life for new owners

Listening to Graham Wilson talk about his much-loved home at Achavaich, a family haven for the last two decades, it’s a story of idyllic childhoods and carefree rural living that you can’t help to be in awe of.

Achavaich near Connell in Argyll and Bute is a beautifully presented traditional farmhouse with converted barn, set in the stunning surroundings with far reaching views across the undulating countryside.

Once home to Graham’s young family with two girls, the house was a beloved family home during their childhood years where they have cherished memories of walking out the front gate to the nearby hills and beyond.

After moving to Glasgow for work commitments the home was passed on to Graham’s parents who stayed in Achavaich before moving on to residential care.

“The girls have happy memories of the home, especially the surrounding countryside – the hills and sea were their playgrounds. They have a real attachment to the Achavaich, especially as it was passed on to grandparents after we moved south,” Graham says.

Graham’s family bought the home from the surrounding Estate when they upgraded the traditional farmhouse into a comfortable family home. The home comprises two bedrooms and the large barn conversion maintains original features including exposed beams and a free-standing log burner.

Adding to the ambience, an open grate fireplace sits within a wooden fire surround in one of the traditional living areas, offering warmth and comfort in equal measure. To the front of the property, a doorway leads to the conservatory, which in turn offers superb, panoramic views across the front garden and surrounding countryside to Ben Cruachan.

The property is surrounded by mature garden gardens to the front and rear, with a carefully chosen selection of plants and shrubs creating floral display throughout the year. 

Achavaich is set on the fringe of the popular coastal village of Connel, a short drive from the villages of North Connel and Benderloch. Graham describes the rural setting as the perfect place for a carefree childhood with fond memories of letting his children roam freely around the grounds.

Finally, Graham adds: “With the passing of my father and move of my mother to residential care, the circle has now been completed for our family at Achavaich, and although we will always be connected to the local area, we are looking forward passing the home on to another family or couple to make their own cherished memories in this special place.”

For more information, or to arrange a viewing contact Andrew Fuller on 01631 566122 or email andrew.fuller@bellingram.co.uk.

Article posted on 17/08/2022

Opportunity to make your mark on Moray countryside

Nestled in the quiet Moray countryside between Keith and Huntly, sits two premium plots ready for development into the perfect country homes for the right buyers.

Anderson Ward and Bridge of Fowlwood at Knock are on the market with premium rural estate agents, Bell Ingram for offers over £60,000, respectively.

The plots offer buyers a great opportunity to relocate to an attractive rural area with picturesque views of the surrounding undulating countryside, including the heather clad Knock Hill, a prominent feature in the local landscape.

The south facing plots both come with planning permission in principle for detached family homes and have already received significant interest from international buyers looking to build in Scotland’s magnificent countryside.

Another draw is the proximity to whisky country. The plots are located close to the picturesque village of Knock, famous for its Knockdhu distillery which produces anChoc single malt whisky. Meanwhile, the famous whisky producing region of Speyside can be found an hour’s drive away.

Bell Ingram’s Aberdeen Partner, James Petty commented on the sale: “These plots offer the right buyer an excellent opportunity to build in an attractive part of the world. Whether it is a home for a retired couple or busy family home, the rural location coupled with the closeness to amenities, including transport links, in nearby Keith and Huntly, means this is a sale which will attract many different types of buyers.

“We have already had significant international interest for the plots from potential buyers looking to relocate to a quiet and relaxing part of the world, we would therefore encourage those looking for similar opportunities to not delay in getting in touch.”

For more information, or to arrange a viewing for Anderson Ward or Bridge of Fowlwood contact James Petty on 01224 621300 or email james.petty@bellingram.co.uk

Article posted on 13/07/2022

One of Perthshire’s most impressive properties hits the market

A unique opportunity to purchase one of Perthshire’s most impressive properties is on the market with premium rural estate agents, Bell Ingram.

With five reception rooms, five bedrooms and master suite with sauna, the property is grand in its stature and offers potential buyers a mix of character and luxury modern living.

On the market for offers over £875,000, the home is situated in one of Perthshire’s most sought-after locations at Trinity Gask near Auchterarder.

In its present form, the house represents decades of work to sympathetically extend and develop the original two storey house, which dates back to 1900. Both internally and externally the house has unusual character and charm and offers extensive accommodation within a traditional design.

The house is extremely well appointed and has been thoughtfully laid out and developed to provide outstanding character combined with modern comforts. Natural light floods most parts of the property, and the rooms are of generous proportions with many having double or triple windows.

Set in tranquil surroundings extending to 1.1 acres, the villa’s gardens are one the properties highlights. Featuring undulating lawns, woodland, herbaceous and flower borders, and a feature ornamental pond and adjacent decking. 

Carefully designed to offer a wealth of spring and summertime colour, the serene gardens require little maintenance beyond lawn mowing and offer potential buyers a real oasis of calm.

The villa is centrally located providing easy access to transport links across Scotland. Meanwhile for families, some of Scotland’s most prestigious private schools are within a 30minute drive of the villa.

Perfect for leisure activities, the prestigious Gleneagles Hotel is also situated just six miles away, while the wider regions offer excellent fishing, stalking, and shooting opportunities.

Estate Agent, Carl Warden comments on the sale: “We are delighted to bring this property to the market, which presents a rare opportunity to own a truly impressive home in one of the country’s most sought after locations.

“With close proximity to prestigious schools and amenities, coupled with its stunning private grounds, the home would suit family life as well as those looking for a quiet escape in a wonderful part of the world.”

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

Article posted on 29/06/2022

Off grid living at historic bothy home on the Isle of Jura

What started as an 19^th 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

A rare chance to buy on the magical island of Iona

A charming, five-bedroom cottage offers an exceptionally rare opportunity to buy on the magical Scottish island of Iona.

Presented for sale by Bell Ingram at offers over £595,000, Iona Cottage is set in a prominent, central location close to Iona Abbey.

Commenting on the sale, Andrew Fuller from Bell Ingram’s Oban Office, says: “Iona Cottage offers buyers the chance to acquire a well-presented five-bedroom detached house, the perfect home for those looking to relocate to this magical Inner Hebrides island.

“Iona holds a special place in the hearts of people from around the world and properties are seldom listed for sale in the open market. With far reaching views across the Sound of Iona to the Isle of Mull, Iona Cottage is thought to be one of the oldest properties on the island.”

Home to the world famous Iona Abbey, one of the oldest Christian religious centres, the Isle of Iona is full of history with many visitors following in the footsteps of St Columba. Nearby is St Oran’s Chapel and Reilig Odhrain which is reputed to be the burial place of Macbeth and 47 other kings of Scotland.

Set across two floors, Iona Cottage features traditional wood panelling, with an open fireplace in the living room and stunning views across the bay from the sunroom.

The property is entered from the front, with the main entrance door leading from the front garden into a central hallway. To the right, the family kitchen features a traditional farmhouse style layout, with an oil-fired ESSE range stove. A walk-in pantry is also located within the kitchen, with space for a small dining table.

To the left of the hall, the family lounge is warmed through by an open grate fire, set within a natural stone fire surround, a focal point within the room. The room extends through to a sunroom, located to the left side of the property and offering panoramic views across the gardens and beyond, across the bay.

The ground floor bedroom is located to the rear of the house, with a door opening out onto the garden. A family bathroom is also located adjacent to the bedroom, featuring a full-sized bath and white two-piece Victorian style bathroom suite. A shower is positioned over the bath.

A sizable utility room is also located to the rear of the house, with a useful storage room located under the stairs, previously used a photographic dark room. The upper floor layout offers further accommodation by way of four bedrooms, three of which are positioned to the front of the house, offering stunning coastal views, with the remaining bedroom located to the rear of the property. A second family bathroom is also located on the upper floor, accessed from the rear landing.

Andrew Fuller adds: “Iona Cottage is the perfect island home filled with charm and presents a great opportunity for buyers looking to enjoy an idyllic rural lifestyle.

“The island is inhabited by around 130 people and has a traditional community feeling to it. On top of that the number of vehicles on Iona is restricted by permit and with no crime to speak of, it makes a wonderfully safe environment for children and adults alike.

“For outdoor enthusiasts, Iona boasts first-rate walking opportunities, a variety of wildlife and beautiful, white sandy beaches.

“Iona, accessed via a regular ferry service from the Isle of Mull, is fully equipped with a well-stocked general store as well as a number of other amenities and businesses catering to the needs of locals and tourists alike.”

For more information about Iona Cottage or to request a viewing, please contact Andrew Fuller on 01631 567 791 or email andrew.fuller@bellingram.co.uk

Article posted on 28/06/2022

Bell Ingram heads project team for Braemar Castle restoration

Bell Ingram Design’s conservation architect Susan Burness is heading up the team tasked with restoring A-listed Braemar Castle and its grounds.

Work had now started on the project following confirmation of funding support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic Environment Scotland. The main contractor is Harper & Allen Masonry.

Braemar Castle, located at the Haughs of Dee, has been an army barracks, family home and visitor attraction since it was built in 1628 by John Erskine, the 6th Earl of Mar as his Highland hunting lodge.

It was a target in the first Jacobite uprising in 1689 and torched by John Farquharson of Inverey. Following the Battle of Culloden, the castle was used as a garrison for Hanoverian soldiers to suppress any lingering Jacobite support.

It was gifted to Braemar Community Trust on a 50-year lease by owner Captain Alywne Farquharson, 16th Laird of Invercauld and Chief of Clan Farquharson, in 2007. Since then, it has been managed by the Braemar Community Ltd. group whose vision is to conserve the castle as a visitor attraction and community resource for schools, charities and individuals.

Susan Burness said: “Bell Ingram are delighted to have been appointed by Braemar Community Ltd. to improve the fabric and infrastructure of this important building. It is a great opportunity to secure the castle for future generations.”

The repair and conservation of the Castle exterior and Curtain Wall will include structural repair, re-harling and lime-washing. Further research during the development phase will confirm the specific shade.

Susan continued. “The restored building will reflect the original colour, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the Castle. Essential interior works, including electrical upgrade, window repairs and drainage upgrade, will provide a more appropriate environment for the collections averting any further detrimental effects to collections conditions and providing a more pleasant environment for visitors.”

Elsewhere, the Castle setting will be enhanced with sightlines cleared, landscape management and re-planting in the Grounds and Curtain Wall areas.

Susan added: “The visitor arrival experience will be improved with all visitors entering through the Grounds gate, which will be widened to enhance accessibility, and reaching the Castle via an accessible all-weather pathway. The improved Castle experience will also see the removal of the existing cabin and the introduction of a modest extension providing accessible visitor toilets and improved space for introductory interpretation and a tour group assembly point.

“Development of the Grounds experience also encompass the refurbishment of the timber fog house to feature a timeline on the accessible path depicting key points in the Castle’s story linking with the interpretive focus of the Castle, nature trail through the grounds and re-instated garden experience.”

If you are interested in finding out more about what Bell Ingram Design can bring to your conservation project, get in touch by calling 01738 621 121 or emailing design@bellingram.co.uk with us today.

ArArticle posted on 13/06/2022

Award-winning 5-star boutique guest house for sale on the stunning Kintyre Peninsula

Carradales, the multi award-winning boutique guest house on the Kintyre Peninsula, is being presented for sale by Bell Ingram at offers over £625,000.

Built in 1892 for the minister of the new Free Church of Scotland by renowned architect H.E. Clifford of Glasgow, Carradales had been under the stewardship of Maurice Whelan and Steve Reed during which time it has received numerous awards, including the prestigious five-star award from the Scottish Tourist Board.

Situated within the picturesque Argyll village of Carradale, the Victorian property has been recently refurbished to an impeccably high standard and offers luxurious accommodation over two levels.

Commenting on the sale, Andrew Fuller 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 currently operated as a successful guest house, however given its popular location, would equally be suited to a family home or holiday let property. Interest is likely to be high, and early viewing is highly recommended.”

The property is entered from the front, with a welcoming porch leading through to the central hall. To the left, the sitting room offers a comfortable place to relax, with a feature bay window perfectly framing the wonderful open views over the surrounding countryside. The room is warmed through by an open grate fire which is set within a heavy cast fire surround.

Adjacent to the sitting room, the formal dining room also enjoys views across the rear gardens to the countryside beyond. A combination of high ceilings, well specified finishes and original features such as the intricate decorative cornice gives the room a feeling of opulence, the perfect place for guests to experience the delicious selection of locally sourced food. A feature multifuel stove offers warmth and comfort in equal measure.

The kitchen is positioned to the end of the hallway and consists of a range of stylish grey wall and floor units, complimented by a contrasting wooden worktop. The design encompasses a range of integrated appliances including a high specification Rangemaster stove and offers plenty of preparation area. The room is warmed by fan-assisted heating. To the rear of the kitchen, a functional utility room and porch also give access to the side garden of the property.

A double guest bedroom is located on the ground floor, complete with a stylish en-suite bathroom featuring a standalone bath, inbuilt shower and two-piece bathroom suite. A separate WC is also located on the ground floor, accessed from the hallway.

The upper floor is accessed by a feature wooden staircase, leading up from the hallway. A half-landing provides an unusual seating area, popular with guests looking to relax and take in the countryside views.

The three upper floor guest bedrooms are all accessed from a central landing and each benefit from a stylish en-suite bathroom. Two of the bedrooms are overlooking the rear gardens and enjoy views across the fields. A fifth bedroom is used as an owner’s residence, also benefitting from an en-suite shower room. All en-suites have electric underfloor heating, along with the ground floor cloakroom. A service staircase leads to the lower floor, exiting close to the utility room. A sizable storage cupboard is accessed from the stairs, with additional storage available under the main staircase.

For more information about Carradales Guest House or to request a viewing, please contact Andrew Fuller on 01631 567 791 or email andrew.fuller@bellingram.co.uk

Our people

Andrew Fuller

Senior Associate
Estate Agency
Tel: 01631 566 122

About: Andrew heads up the Estate Agency team in our Oban office and is focused on ensuring his clients have a first-class experience when they list their property with Bell Ingram. A resident of the Isle of Mull, Andrew is very well known across the West Coast of Scotland and has developed an excellent reputation for marketing prime residential property, including plots, crofts, island homes and lifestyle opportunities. Andrew joined Bell Ingram following almost 15 years managing several high-level private and commercial development projects in the United Arab Emirates. Interests: Residential Estate Agency, Rural Property Sales.

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Article posted on 07/06/2022