Looking at old photographs can often spark fond memories, but for Gavin and Julie Campbell, it’s a different story.
Just over four years ago, they bought Dunollie, a traditional home built on the outskirts of Drumnadrochit, and since then, they’ve lavished endless amounts of TLC on the property to turn it into the beautiful home you see today.
“We recently looked at the ‘before’ photographs and having been reminded of what it was like, Gavin said he’d never take on such a big job again.
“He trained as an electrician before moving into IT but has always loved everything DIY-related. Over the years, we’ve done up various properties we’ve lived at but this was the biggest job he’d taken on,” said Julie.
Previously, the couple ran a successful B&B in Skye, but due to family commitments, they decided to relocate to the mainland.
Dunollie formed a small part of the Countess of Seafield’s estate and was just what they were looking for.
“I could see the house had lots of potential. Gavin always says I have a vision then say, Gavin can you do… As one job is ticked off his list, I add another,” said Julie, 49.
“We moved in and lived in different parts of the house while we did it up.
“Restoring it and the Byre next door was a real labour of love but very worthwhile as we use it to offer B&B here.
“I’ve done a bit of research and discovered we are the only five-star rated B&B in a traditional house in this area and that has made us very popular with visitors.”
It’s easy to see why tourists love this property. Dunollie is a home truly at one with its tranquil surroundings.
It has been referred to as a chocolate-box cottage, a term referring to days gone by when tempting chocolate sweets were packaged in tins and boxes featuring images of pretty rural cottages.
Those days may have passed, but the term coined by these images is still alive and well and perfectly describes Dunollie and the adjoining byre, which has been lovingly restored to create a charming period home.
The property conjures up feelings of nostalgia and comfort in the most beautiful of surroundings.
Gavin and Julie live in the main house, which is surrounded by colourful gardens. Access is via a welcoming entrance vestibule leading to the inner hallway.
The sitting room – Julie’s favourite room – is located off the hallway and is full of character including a feature stone wall and wood-burning stove with a slate hearth. To the rear of the sitting room is a study area, while to the front there’s access to a lovely conservatory.
From the other side of the hall there’s access to a good-sized dining room which has a feature stone wall, wood-burning stove and exposed roof beams.
A step leads up from the dining room to the kitchen, which is to the rear of the cottage, and comes complete with storage units and integrated oven and hob.
Moving upstairs, there’s a galleried landing leading to two double bedrooms and a beautifully presented shower room which comes complete with WC, sink with vanity unit, walk-in shower, heated towel rail and underfloor heating.
The byre was modernised in December 2014 to a very high standard, but still retains lovely features such as exposed stone walls, roof beams and wood-burning stoves.
It provides a luxurious private suite with its own front door, which means if you didn’t want to offer B&B it could also be used as a granny flat or self-contained rental home.
Accommodation here includes a sitting room with wood-burning stove and exposed roof and a beautifully presented bedroom with luxury en suite shower room.
Outside, there’s a large parking area and established, mature gardens with a decked area, second seating area, pond, rockery and planting providing year-round colour, plus a woodstore and workshop with power and light.
“The house is in a great location and offers lovely countryside views, and is only a 20-minute walk from the village of Drumnadrochit,” said Julie.
“People tell us how nice the house is and say we’re mad to be selling it, but we have decided to sell up and go travelling for as long as we can, while we can.”
Ready to move into, Dunollie, in the hamlet of Milton, near Drumnadrochit, is on the market at offers over £310,000.
The village has a good selection of local shops and facilities which cater for everyday needs including primary and secondary schooling.
Contact Strutt and Parker on 01463 719171.