While there’s been several stories written about the recent healthier state of the property market, it’s entry level properties and smaller homes that have been moving quickly.
If, like Philip and Morag Thorn, you own a luxurious and larger than average home, then it’s only natural it’s going to be at the top end of the market which is moving, but at a slower rate.
When they put their home, Dyrnie Lodge at Upper Myrtlefield, Inverness, up for sale, it attracted lots of interest from potential buyers.
“Unfortunately those who were interested all had the same issue, they had a property of their own to sell first,” said Philip.
With a Home Report valuation of £485,000 and no buyer coming forward, they decided to rent out their home last year instead – a move that worked so well they’re repeating the offer now.
There’s now an opportunity for a new tenant to move in to this architect-designed family home.
For the discerning tenant who doesn’t want ordinary, Drynie Lodge is ideal as it’s a one-off, well-laid-out family home.
The Thorns had the house built in 1998 using Inverness-based firms – the architect was John Marr, the builder, D & I MacGillivray and the joinery work was by Fraser and Grant.
“We gave the architect a five-page brief of what we wanted which was a home that took full advantage of the views, but also one designed in such a way that when the family came back to visit, they’d have their own accommodation and space,” said Philip.
“The guest rooms are separate from ours and each has an en-suite which makes it a comfortable place for people to come back to.
“Drynie Lodge is a very social house and because of the layout you can entertain a lot of people there. We’d many a good party there.”
The design also means that potentially, it would make a great house for those looking to offer bed and breakfast accommodation.
The layout makes the house a perfect place for entertaining and there are lots of nice features such as a bar in the sun lounge and a large decked area off the sun room.
With a stylish marigold-coloured Aga and large bay windows, the kitchen always feels warm and inviting – a nice place to cook and relax.
The full accommodation comprises a vestibule, reception hall, kitchen dining room, utility room, WC, sun lounge/bar, lounge, study, formal dining room, master bedroom with dressing area and en-suite bathroom, and two further en-suite bedrooms.
Upstairs, there’s a large room that could be used as a games room, home gym or guest bedroom. It comes with its own en-suite facilities and a balcony terrace.
Outside, the landscaped gardens are beautifully laid out and maintained.
Nice touches include a pond with a bridge and a woodland area that makes it easy to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Belvoir Inverness is looking to rent out the unfurnished home at £1,400 a month.
Director Amjed Rasul said: “This property has really got the X factor.
“The architect has paid particular attention to the elevated position of the plot and designed the house to take advantage of the sunshine from sun rise to sun set, the bay windows throughout the house capturing the sun all day long.
“The current rental market in Inverness is very dynamic and prospective tenants are now more demanding than ever and rightly so. Many are renting through lifestyle choice and others are being hampered with the lack of availability of suitable mortgage deals so have decided to rent long term.
“This has started to open up the Inverness market for more top-end executive dwellings.
“Statistically, our average house prices are just below the national Scottish average and therefore it makes it a viable proposition for investors as tenants are still getting good value, and investors are getting good returns.”
Philip and Morag have already moved to a new home in Fortrose on the Black Isle.
“Renting is an option so long as there’s no financial pressure on you to get it sold. It’s probably the right thing to do as we will maximise the value of the house in a year or two,” said Philip, a former company director.
Drynie lodge can also be made available for sale to the incoming tenant through negotiations with Belvoir.
Contact: 01463 234006.