At this time of year, some gardens start to look a little sorry for themselves as colours fade and autumn winds strip branches of their leaves.
But step into the back garden of Pinewood House and you’ll find yourself transported to a world where you are surrounded by colour all year round.
It is immediately obvious that someone with a keen interest in gardening – and a creative flair for arranging colourful plants, shrubs and blooms has been hard at work.
From the immaculate lawn to the vast array of colourful potted plants, there’s always something to admire from the large, raised timber-decked sun terrace which also enjoys fine views of the countryside and is an ideal space for outdoor entertaining.
Crawford Howat and Stephen Seedhouse own Pinewood House which sits in the hamlet of Muir of Balnagowan between Ardersier and Nairn.
“The garden is very much Stephen’s handiwork, it’s nothing to do with me,” confessed Crawford, an NHS manager. “Stephen is the one with the green fingers and the one who turned what was really little more than a builder’s yard into the garden you see today.”
And if you thought the gardens were immaculate, wait until you see what the house looks like inside…
The term ‘showroom condition’ doesn’t really do it justice as showhomes are bonnie, but can lack the personal touch.
This is a home full of personality and in tip-top condition, brimming with excellent decorative features such as hardwood flooring, oak-veneer doors and surrounds, it has a stylish corner wood-burning stove everyone will want and a wonderful conservatory to name but a few.
It’s also packed with wonderful Anta furniture which is not included in the asking price of offers over £325,000.
Originally from Glasgow, Crawford, 50, explained he’d moved to the Highlands 19 years ago for work. Seven years ago they spotted this house for sale.
“The house was being built by our neighbours and was at that time, at the wind and watertight stage, but by buying then it meant we could have an input into the interior style, thereby making it a bespoke home.
“It took me around three years to get everything the way I want it as I wanted to create a home that mixed old and new, traditional and contemporary with a Scottish theme. It is very calming and peaceful and has a good flow, and while it is very private and rural, it is only five minutes from the airport and four miles from Nairn,” said Crawford.
A flexible home, it has generously-sized rooms on two floors and would suit a number of buyers looking for the elusive lifestyle balance within beautiful rural surroundings yet convenient for local amenities, shops and Inverness Airport.
The accommodation is entered via the welcoming hallway which leads to the large double aspect sitting room with a contemporary, large free-standing wood-burning stove in the corner. “I spotted this stove and fell in love with it,” said Crawford. “Because of the size of the rooms downstairs, we were able to install it.”
The sitting room leads to a lovely open-plan kitchen and dining area which attracts an abundance of natural light. The modern fitted designer kitchen comes with a comprehensive range of wall and base storage units, granite worktops and a host of integrated appliances, including a large LG American fridge-freezer.
The dining area opens up nicely into the conservatory which overlooks the rear landscaped gardens while there’s a handy utility room just off the kitchen.
One room, currently used as a family/TV room, could easily be used as a bedroom if required, while the lower floor also has a modern shower room. For families, this would work well for teenagers or older parents.
A carpeted staircase leads to the upper level and the large master bedroom which is beautifully appointed and comes with two storage cupboards and an en-suite shower room. There are three further well-proportioned bedrooms, a modern family bathroom and a large linen cupboard upstairs.
Outside, the house sits in attractive landscaped grounds, while a driveway, leading to a double garage, provides parking space for several vehicles.
“One of the things I have enjoyed about living here is that it lets me live in the countryside, which I love, yet it is only a short drive away from a host of amenities. It’s also a very private and peaceful location.
“But the house is quite big and there’s just the two of us living here so I’ve decided I’d like to downsize and as a result, hopefully become mortgage free.
“We are undecided yet as to where to move to, but we will be staying in the area because we like it so much.”
Contact: Strutt and Parker on 01463 719171.