Chic, modern and stylish, there are dozens of reasons why Apartment 200 is a fabulous buy, writes Susan Welsh
Unlike some cities, there aren’t a huge amount of modern apartment blocks in Inverness, which makes Apartment 200 By the Bridge, on Bridge Street, all the more special.
The address gives the first clue as to why it’s worth a look – it’s within a development on the city’s Bridge Street and occupies a prime slice of riverside property in the heart of the Highland capital.
The spacious and modern second-floor apartment has been a holiday home for members of the Van Mesdag family for several years, with mum Ro, a retired teacher, spending every day off, weekend and holiday she can there.
Originally from Holland, Ro and the family moved to Inverness in 2004.
“We fell in love with the mountains, beaches, sea and lochs and felt Inverness was a really nice little town,” said Ro.
“We originally lived in the Crown area, but for various reasons had to move to Edinburgh a few years ago, but I couldn’t quite bear to part with Inverness altogether so we bought the apartment as a place to come back to for weekends and holidays which we have done very happily for the last four years.
“It’s a great flat in a superb location and has everything we ever wanted, such as being in the centre of town but with a parking space.
“I’d previously renovated and refurbished about four or five homes so I have very high demands – I’m extremely fussy to be honest. The flat is to a very high spec and standard throughout, while the communal areas are beautifully maintained via a reasonably priced maintenance contract which is paid quarterly.”
The apartment, on the market for offers over £285,000, is accessed via a video-entry phone system and has private underground car parking and lifts to all floors. A corner apartment, it has balconies off the lounge and both bedrooms from where there are fine views across the city and beyond.
The accommodation comprises a large and bright open-plan lounge/kitchen/dining area which is flooded with natural light and enjoys double-aspect views from its corner position. Look left and there’s the iconic castle; straight ahead to the River Ness and right towards a currently snow-topped Ben Wyvis.
The kitchen has a good range of wall and base storage units and integrated AEG appliances including double oven, stainless-steel hood, fridge/freezer and dishwasher. The WC and utility room are located off the hallway.
The master bedroom has a view of the castle and has space for a sitting area, wardrobe and dressing table as well as access to a balcony. The en-suite shower room has a walk-in shower, WC, wash hand basin and heated towel rail.
The second double bedroom, which also looks out on to the castle, has an office/study area, balcony and en suite bathroom incorporating WC, wash hand basin and bath with over-bath shower.
There is a further storage area off the main hallway and a second door into the apartment.
Internal specification is to a high standard with AEG kitchen appliances, English Rose fitted units, Duravit sanitary ware, oak veneer doors and American oak wood flooring.
Whether relaxing in the lounge or enjoying a spot of al fresco dining on the balconies, there’s no escaping the views.
“The views are simply wonderful, while the skies are superb. There’s marvellous sunrises over the river in the morning, then during the day the sun travels over Craig Phadrig then sets over the Beauly Firth and Ben Wyvis at night. We get the most fantastic sunsets which is why I never go out – I just sit in the flat and enjoy the views,” joked Ms Van Mesdag.
The latest closure of Bank Street, for the ongoing work of the multi-million-pound River Ness Flood Alleviation Scheme, is scheduled to begin today, February 24, and when complete there will be stylish new riverside walkways to look out on and enjoy. There’s also an excellent selection of entertainment venues nearby including Zizzi and Jimmy Chung restaurants, Johnny Foxes pub and The Den Nightclub.
“On occasion, if the windows are open in the summer, you can hear the sounds of people enjoying themselves in the pub and nightclub below but it’s never enough to disturb my sleep,” said Ro.
The desirable location means there’s easy access to all the shops and nightlife a growing city like Inverness needs, while it’s just a minute away from the tree-lined walk to Ness Islands, Inverness Castle and cathedral and Eden Court complex which houses theatres and two cinemas and is the city’s main venue for drama and entertainment.
“The only reason we are selling now is that my two children are grown up and both at university so less able to make the drive to Inverness so often.
“If I didn’t have family commitments I’d hang on to this flat forever. I can’t see myself staying away and will never say goodbye to Inverness so may well end up renting one of the other flats in the building as a holiday let.”
Suzanne Moss, associate with selling agent Strutt and Parker, who showed us around the apartment on behalf of the family, said: “The apartment would make a superb home but is also ideal for holiday letting accommodation with its city centre location and close proximity to all local amenities.
“As for the views and location – well, you can’t put a price on these.”
Contact: Strutt and Parker on 01463 719171.