Thursday 18 May 2017

Three island 'wrecks' - Orkney and Mull


Reader Abu sent me a batch of Scottish property sweeties. Like me, he's a fan of the UK's wilder edges: "For reasons too complicated to explain, I am obsessed with Scotland and have visited her once. I am not disappointed I have to say. Dunnotar Castle was exceptional. If it were to be restored..."
The three properties are all listed as land or plot for sale, which can mean the house itself is a wreck and you'd be looking at knocking down and starting again, but these three all look like they have potential to renovate and extend rather than rebuild. See what you think.
I usually avoid barn conversions but the property above, is in a gorgeous location at Bunessan on my favourite Scottish island of Mull. Plus it's more byre than barn.




It comes with planning permission and drawings to turn it into a four bedroom home, and sits on a decent bit of land.
On the market at offers around £115k via West Property. More here and here.
Abu wrote that he's from Malaysia where "where (modern) houses are at best built for functional purpose. Traditional structures here are made from timber. Most are the now either fought over, rotting, or/and too expensive to be restore."
His second suggestion could be in that too expensive to restore category but there's an awful lot of potential here for the money (and great views again).



On the Orkney island of Westray, Hillside consists of a cottage and stone outbuildings (byre and tables) plus around half an acre of land.
It's a wreck but a cute wreck - have a look at these two pictures from inside the cottage:



It's the picture over the mantle and the bottle (capped) next to the box bed that get me. Stories.
Hillside is on the market through Lows solicitors at offers over £60k. More here and here.
Finally, no internal photos (entry to house prohibited on safety grounds) but I couldn't resist this handsome house in Stromness, on Orkney.


A C-Listed, 19th century manse, on the Buildings At Risk Register and, the agent warns, requiring "complete and extensive renovation and is not fit for habitation." Heathhill's at risk the assessment on the Register (and more photos) is here.
Three reception rooms, kitchen with scullery and pantry, four bedrooms, box room and bathroom. Outside is a double garage and gorgeous (I like overgrown...) gardens outside, with park views to the front and field views to the rear.
On the market via Orkney Property Centre at offers around £195k. More here and here.

Friday 5 May 2017

The 'Big House' renovation find in Ireland


Last week, I took you to Ireland. We're going back there this week because this property is stunning. I am utterly in love with 'The Big House'.
Drumdaff House is around 10km from Roscommon Town, the county town of Roscommon in the sort-of middle of Ireland:


The property dates back to 1749 and was known as 'The Big House' locally, lived in by the Digby family for generations until around 1910, before being sold off in parcels. The last owners of Drumdaff appear to have been former tenants of the Digbys - the Gilloolys.
It looks to have been empty for some time and the last occupant probably lived downstairs - the fourth bedroom is on the ground floor, with an en-suite bathroom, and that "kitchen" is the only room that been used recently.





Downstairs there's also a scullery, parlour and hall - all big rooms, and three bedrooms upstairs.
I'm not sure whether the scullery is the attached building, below, or whether this is an extra bit, but you'll notice the original features - flagstones, fires, beams etc. throughout - and the renovation work that needs doing.






Windows at the front have been replaced with double-glazed units and the house has water, electricity, and a septic tank.




Outside is a handsome sweep of gardens, drive and lawns - the house comes with around 1.7acres.


Now guess the price?
If you read last week's post, you'll know I'm suggesting that Ireland is the place to buy big empty properties right now (assuming you can find something not ugly new-build) - low prices, lots of space, and as easy to get to as France.
Drumdaff House is on the market at 129,900 euros - that's around £110k (even with our falling pound...). Crazy!
On the market through REA Brady. Details and more pictures here and here.