Lethan Croft, Brodieshill, Forres, Moray, IV36 2QU

Property Summary

With truly stunning views across open farmland to the Moray Firth and the hills beyond, this detached 2-bed cottage at the top of Califer Hill, provides an incredible opportunity to purchase a rural property within a few miles of all amenities.

Substantially rebuilt in 2005, using the original stone croft walls to provide character, this delightful cottage would be an amazing family or holiday home. Currently the accommodation comprises 2 bedrooms, bathroom, open plan kitchen/dining/living room and a mezzanine seating area. Outside there is ample parking with approximately 0.75 acres of gardens and paddock and a summer house.

Outstanding, contemporary, architectural plans have been created, with planning permission approved by Moray Council in November 2022, to substantially extend the cottage to the East to increase the accommodation to 3 bedrooms, a substantial living room, open plan dining/kitchen, utility room, bathroom and shower room. The proposed living room and master bedroom would have superb floor-to-ceiling gable-end windows with spectacular views. Full plans can be viewed on Moray Council's planning portal, under reference 22/01027/APP .

Existing accommodation

Entering through the wooden front door into the open plan kitchen/dining/sitting room. This area has a wonderful cosy feel. Imagine a fire burning in the woodburning stove with crystal clear views of the dark sky and bright stars through the Velux windows in the cathedral ceilings.

Kitchen area (2.9m x 3.9m)

The kitchen has a wide range of wooden upper and lower cabinets with space for a dishwasher, cooker and fridge. A single sink, with separate drainer, sits below a window, providing superb views over the Moray Firth. Curtain pole. Wood flooring. A wall-to-wall arch opens to the dining/sitting room.

Dining/Sitting room (4.8m x 3.9m)

The open plan dining/sitting room is a bright, triple aspect, room with double-height cathedral ceilings. The north-facing windows provide the most spectacular, uninterrupted views down Califer Hill, across farmland, and over the Moray Firth to the Caithness Hills with south and east facing windows providing views of the garden, and a further 2 large Velux windows allowing light to stream in.  A woodburning stove inset to a large stone fireplace with a wooden mantlepiece provides a lovely feature, with shelves fitted to the alcoves to either side. Carpet. Curtain poles.

A wood door with 2 frosted glass panels separates the open plan living area from the rear hallway leading to the downstairs bedroom and bathroom.

Bathroom (1.7m x 2.9m)

A bright bathroom containing a white 3-piece suite comprising a Japanese square soaking bath with a mains shower above, WC and round wash hand basin inset to a convenient wooden bathroom unit. With no neighbours to the north, you could enjoy the views over the Moray Firth while you luxuriate in the bath. Wooden shelves wall mounted shelves provide storage space. Heated towel rail. Toilet roll holder, towel ring holder. Wood-effect laminate floor.

Bedroom 1 (3.9m x 2.5m)

A triple-aspect, double bedroom with views north to the Moray Firth and south and west towards the gardens. A deep shelved alcove with a cupboard beneath provides storage, with a further shelved “press” cupboard. Double patio doors open to a greenhouse/sunroom to the side of the house, providing a lovely space to sit out at all times of year, or even to just open the doors to provide an outdoor feel to the bedroom. Carpet. Curtains, tie backs and curtain poles.

Greenhouse (5.0m x 2.2m)

A superb greenhouse attached to the gable end of the cottage, with a character curved roof. Double patio doors open into Bedroom 1. Concrete floor. Ideal space for growing flowers, vegetables or fruit.

Carpeted stairs, with wooden balustrades, lead from the open plan sitting/dining/kitchen to the upper mezzanine area and bedroom 2.

Upper Mezzanine

With a large Velux window, the mezzanine area is a wonderful space to sit and look over the double-height sitting area. With ample space for a seat or small desk, this area provides a convenient second living area. A hallway cupboard with hot water water tank.

Bedroom 2 (3.4m x 3.6m)

With coombed ceilings this double bedroom has a wonderful “cottage” feel. Velux windows, with fitted blinds, facing north and south allow light to stream in. A built-in cupboard provides storage. Carpet.

Gardens and Outbuildings

Lethan Croft is accessed via a short driveway from the road. The driveway services both Lethan Croft and the neighbouring house. To the front of the house, there is an expansive lawn area with a large wooden summerhouse to the side. The summerhouse is divided into 2 rooms, with one side used for the storage of garden tools and the other as an area for sitting out. There is a wooden deck to the front of the summerhouse.

The gardens slope down to the side, with a path meandering through the property and along the side of a small stream that runs through the garden area, before rising up behind the house to the rear garden area and paddock. The property is surrounded by farmland to 3 sides with fencing providing a separation. The paddock, although relatively compact, would be sufficient for planting or having a small number of livestock. Subject to appropriate planning consents, there may be sufficient space to install a glamping or holiday pod, with superb views, to provide additional income.

School, leisure activities, health care services and shopping are all availble in the beautiful town of Forres, approximately 3 miles away. Expansive, white sandy beaches are within a few minutes in the lovely coastal village of Findhorn or Roseisle.

Lethan Croft sits within easy reach of the A96, running between Aberdeen and Inverness. Good rail links are available from both Forres and Elgin. Dalcross International Airport at Inverness, providing daily flights to London and European destinations, is approximately 30 miles.

All measurements are approximate.

Please note viewings are by appointment only. Please do not enter the private driveway without arranging to meet the viewing agent.

DIRECTIONS:

Please note that the post code in the GPS will not take you to this property. If you are using what3words then the identifer is https://w3w.co/unhappy.passwords.friends

Driving:

Take the A96 from Forres in the direction of Elgin. Go past Enterprise Park, past the turning to the left to Kinloss and as the road goes down and bends to the left, take the road to the right, signposted to Pluscarden, Brodieshill, Califer Hill.

Go past Glenburgie Distillery, through the farm and continue up the hill. The house is on the left towards the top of the hill.