Presented with a photo of a ruined castle in October 2021, Graham Sherry decided he could sell it.
For Sale – GREAT DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY!
To all you DIY’ers out there, there exists a new opportunity to show your skills to the full, as Messrs Sue, Grabbit and Runn, estate agents, are pleased to offer this splendid seaside dwelling place, new to the market. Originally built as a buy-to-let property, this was an artists studio, because of the fabulous natural light, nestling as it does atop the cliffs of the idyllic isle of Achnahoochie, up north, just west of Brigadoon.
This seven roomed residence has a feature window in the living area, which extends the length of the property, and which boasts an uninterrupted view of the sea, and not much else!. To the rear, there is a veritable gift for the adventurous gardener…a chance to be your very own Capability Brown, with rocky outcrops, marshy areas, and lots of natural grazing ground, just waiting to be transformed by those of a green fingered bent! The previous owner did keep a few hens, and a quartet of sheep, but they were unfortunately blow away in the winter gales of ‘58. (They were later found unharmed, and retrieved from the balcony of a penthouse flat in Aberdeen)
Facilities do need a spot of upgrading, however, and this is reflected in the price. There are two toilets, of the “long drop” variety, one in the master en-suite , and another in the main downwind corner of the house . There is a good supply of running water, mainly down the walls, which is collected in several water butts, and an adjoining peatbog will furnish the new owner with a plentiful supply of fuel in case there is a need for hot water. There is no need for a fridge, as the ambient temperature will keep the food, be it Game or cooked , at a sufficient chill to avoid the growth of bacteria.
Fancy a dip? There are rock pools in which to paddle, for the kiddies, and if you fancy a bracing wild swim, just step out the front door and dive directly into the sea, only one hundred and sixty feet below. There are steps cut into the cliff edge to enable you to return to the warmth of the sheiling, a mere six hundred and twenty steps. A great cardio work out!
So, once you have tidied the place up with your own interior design preferences, you’ll be sitting back with a glass of whisky or a nourishing plate of brose, toasting your bannocks by the roaring fire.
If you prefer a bit of company of an evening, there is a weekly ceilidh on the neighbouring island, only 15 minutes away, or less if you use the extra oar in the coracle. This is included in the price. For those of you who prefer the solitude for contemplation, meditation, there are a wide selection of boulders to look at, a popular pastime in these parts.
Housing prices have rocketed since putting this charming property on the open market, but we are confident that the discerning buyer will recognise the major potential of this villa. The home report gave the value of the property as worth eight cattle, a bullock, fifteen sheep and eight hens. The seller will be willing to negotiate. Offers should be in the hands of the estate agent by no later than the autumn equinox.
Campsie Writers Group 